UC Chile Professor Rodrigo Gutiérrez Becomes Associate Member of Prestigious International Scientific Organization

On its 60th anniversary, the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) made UC Chile professor Rodrigo Gutiérrez an Associate Member of their organization. This prestigious award recognizes excellence in research and remarkable achievements in the life sciences.

Rodrigo Gutiérrez is a professor of the Faculty of Biological Sciences, the alternate director of the iBio Millennium Institute, a principal investigator at the CRG Millennium Institute, and an adjunct member of the Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity. 

This year, EMBO, a globally recognized organization for advancing excellence in life sciences research, has selected 100 European scientists and 20 scientists from other regions as new or associate members. These scientists have been recognized for their significant contributions in areas ranging from the spread of infectious diseases to the adaptation of plants in extreme environments, to the complexity of ocean nutrient cycles and the understanding of cell signaling networks, as well as the interrelationship between brain biology and human emotions.

“This appointment is a recognition of academic excellence by my European peers and opens doors to a global network of researchers in all areas of biological sciences. Representing the world of plants and Chile, I take great pride in being part of this prestigious institution.” -  UC Chile Professor Rodrigo Gutiérrez

“EMBO's new members and associates have made fundamental contributions to life sciences research, paving the way for innovations that improve lives and livelihoods around the world,” said Fiona Watt, Director of EMBO. “On our 60th anniversary, we celebrate the vital role of EMBO membership in enhancing international life sciences research and supporting its programs and activities. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to everyone selected.”

To commemorate this milestone, the EMBO Council invited members to nominate and elect 100 new members and 20 associate members. The selected members come from 37 countries or territories, reflecting the diversity and global reach of modern biological research. The new EMBO members are affiliated with 24 member states of EMBC, the intergovernmental organization that funds EMBO's key programs and activities. The 20 new associate members represent 13 different countries or territories, including EMBO's global cooperation partners.

“EMBO's new members and associates have made fundamental contributions to life sciences research, paving the way for innovations that improve lives and livelihoods around the world.” - Fiona Watt, Director of EMBO

Professor Rodrigo Gutiérrez expressed his gratitude for this recognition: “It is an honor to be selected as an associate member of EMBO. This appointment is a recognition of academic excellence by my European peers and opens doors to a global network of researchers in all areas of biological sciences. “Representing the world of plants and Chile, I take great pride in being part of this prestigious institution.”

Having access to the knowledge and networks of the remarkable scientists on this list is invaluable, not just for me, but also for the FCB and UC Chile. I believe that this connection with EMBO will create opportunities for many colleagues and students here, as it is a network of individuals. I always remind my students that biological sciences are inherently social sciences, as everything is accomplished through networks.”

Gutiérrez, one of the few Chileans to be made an associate member of this select group, emphasized his commitment to high-level science in Chile: “I hope to further establish Chile as a leader in knowledge production and cutting-edge technology. We must be proud of our potential and show it to the world. I will continue to promote and strengthen young talent from this corner of the world, addressing the challenges associated with climate change from my area of work.”

“I hope to further establish Chile as a leader in knowledge production and cutting-edge technology. We must be proud of our potential and show it to the world. I will continue to promote and strengthen young talent from this corner of the world, addressing the challenges associated with climate change from my area of work.” - Rodrigo Gutiérrez, professor of the Faculty of Biological Sciences

Founded in 1964, EMBO has more than 2,000 active members, including 92 Nobel laureates, committed to advancing biological science. New members will actively participate in the execution of EMBO programs and activities, including evaluating funding and policies, and contributing to training and outreach initiatives.

EMBO will formally welcome the new members during its annual meeting on October 29 - November 1, 2024 in Heidelberg, Germany.

For more information on the new members and their areas of research, visit: https://www.embo.org/press-releases/outstanding-scientists-elected-to-embo-membership/