For his contributions to the life sciences, IRM Director Ken Zaret was recently elected as an Associate Member of the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO). This lifelong honor was bestowed on Dr. Zaret and 66 groundbreaking scientists following nomination and selection by existing EMBO members.

EMBO Members provide guidance and support for EMBO activities, for example by evaluating funding applications, serving on EMBO Council and committees, or joining the editorial boards of EMBO Press journals. Through their involvement, members help to shape the direction of life sciences, foster the careers of young researchers, and strengthen the research communities in Europe and beyond.

Dr. Zaret is the Joseph Leidy Professor in the Department of Cell and Developmental Biology at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania. In addition to leading the IRM, he is active in Penn’s Epigenetics Institute and recently served as Treasurer for the International Society of Stem Cell Researchers (ISSCR). Recognized for his contributions to our understanding of the molecular control of epigenetics and discovery of pioneer transcription factors, Dr. Zaret is also a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

EMBO is an organization of more than 1,800 leading researchers that promotes excellence in the life sciences in Europe and beyond. The major goals of the organization are to support talented researchers at all stages of their careers, stimulate the exchange of scientific information, and help build a research environment where scientists can achieve their best work.

Congratulations Ken!

For more information about this year’s class of EMBO members, please visit the EMBO website.