The European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) is a center of excellence for basic research in the Life Sciences. The laboratory is funded by public research monies from its member states and operates across 6 sites in 5 countries in Europe (Heidelberg and Hamburg, Germany; Hinxton, UK; Grenoble, France; Rome, Italy; Barcelona, Spain). EMBL provides a truly interdisciplinary research environment with scientists with diverse backgrounds (biology, chemistry, physics, mathematics, computer science, engineering etc.) and nationalities (over 80 nationalities are represented by its 1800 members of staff) collaborating to develop cutting-edge technologies and to answer important research questions. EMBL faculty also engage in a high number of external collaborations with laboratories from both academia and industry.
The EI3POD fellowship programme is embedded in the rich research environment of the EMBL. It builds on previously successful versions of the EIPOD programme offering supported researchers a broad choice of collaborative research opportunities in academia and industry. The programme is designed to nurture the careers of future research leaders via excellent scientific training, coupled to tailored training in transferable skills, mentoring and career development support. Fellows work on interdisciplinary research projects involving at least two EMBL group leaders. Additional external partners from academia or industry may also participate on EI3POD projects as defined by the research interests and career aspirations of supported fellows. Fellows with external partners may spend up to 9 months in the external partner lab providing them with additional training, mentoring and networking opportunities.
EI3POD fellows take part in a mandatory training curriculum focused on non-scientific research skills designed to provide them with ethical, societal and entrepreneurial awareness. They also have access to vocational and personal skills training courses via EMBL’s Professional Training and Development programme and Complementary Scientific Skills programme. Fellows received tailored mentoring from the groups involved in their research projects. They also have access to a dedicated career service to help them define their career goals early in their fellowship time and to prepare and execute an action plan to maximize their chances of realizing their goals.
The EI3POD programme aims to produce a cohort of well-trained, open-minded, industrially aware independent scientific thinkers and future leaders for the European Research Area. The fellows who benefit from the programme will be well placed to identify and pursue a range of career opportunities available to scientists in both the academic and corporate setting. They are expected to bring the benefits of their innovative training to their next positions thus acting as ambassadors following their time at EMBL. They will significantly enrich the European Research Area and beyond with their insights and expectations.
