In today’s fast-evolving field of biomedical research, some of the most critical questions can only be tackled effectively with a global perspective. For example, why do certain genetic variations in DNA cause severe diseases in some individuals but not others? How do subtle differences in molecular processes during early development shape one’s overall physiology? And perhaps most urgently, how can scientists help protect society from emerging pathogens in the ongoing battle against infectious diseases?
Recognising philanthropic support
For five decades, EMBL has thrived as a global hub for cutting-edge molecular biology research, training, and services. Open collaboration has been and continues to be at the very heart of our achievements, illustrated through a rich tapestry of partnerships woven with like-minded institutions and individuals.
With our ‘12 moments of philanthropy’ series during our 50th anniversary year, we want to express our deep gratitude towards individuals, foundations, and other supporters who have made a difference to EMBL through their vision and generosity. Each gift – whether small or large in financial terms – has helped advance science and nurture the scientists of the future in exemplary ways, illuminating the power of giving.
In the 10th ‘moment of philanthropy’, the EMBL-Stanford Life Science Alliance highlights the impact of collaboration powered by philanthropy. Supported by generous funding from the Dieter Schwarz Stiftung, researchers from EMBL and Stanford University are jointly advancing biomedical science.
While individual labs and research organisations may pursue these questions independently, the likelihood of finding meaningful, timely answers significantly increases when a global community of scientists joins forces. Collaboration across borders and disciplines provides a diversity of expertise, ideas, and perspectives, which accelerates the pace of discovery.
In this spirit, EMBL and Stanford University established the Life Science Alliance in 2019. And it was thanks to the philanthropic support from the Dieter Schwarz Foundation that Europe’s life science research institute and the renowned U.S.-based research university were able to build a rich programme of exchanges, fellowships, seed funding, and joint events. It’s one of the few examples of supporting research collaboration between North America and Europe.
The Life Science Alliance has focused on addressing complex biomedical challenges, leveraging emerging technologies, and advancing personalised medicine. The underpinning philosophy is that solutions to the toughest scientific problems are more likely discovered when researchers from different fields and regions collaborate.
“The funding has enabled us to bring together the best researchers, from clinicians to engineers, chemists, and biologists, to collaboratively address universal challenges in biomedical research, as well as train the next generation of global researchers,” said Lars Steinmetz, the Life Science Alliance Director who leads research groups at both EMBL and Stanford’s medical school. “We are extremely grateful for this opportunity.”
Following an initial three-year funding period, the partnership received renewed support from the Dieter Schwarz Stiftung in 2022, underscoring the collaboration’s success and importance.
“The first funding phase showed us how important an international exchange of researchers is and what benefits it brings to society over the long term. That is why we are very pleased that the alliance will be continued,” said Reinhold Geilsdörfer, managing director of the Dieter Schwarz Foundation, at that time. “Life science research, especially in connection with AI, will immensely change our future lives and leave a lasting impact.”
A cornerstone of the Alliance is the Bridging Excellence Fellowship Programme, which enables postdoctoral fellows to pursue independent projects that draw upon both EMBL’s and Stanford University’s resources and expertise. In addition to benefiting from both institutions’ combined technological strengths and expertise, fellows gain invaluable experience working within the unique research cultures of Europe and the United States.
Jana Helsen, one of the first Bridging Excellence Fellows who is based in Gautam Dey’s lab at EMBL Heidelberg, spent a year at Stanford’s medical school in Gavin Sherlock’s genetic research lab, studying how cell cycles adapt when there are an abnormal number of chromosomes.
“Merging the expertise of two labs and two leading research institutes allowed me to learn and use a combination of different techniques, which is a powerful way to tackle challenging biological questions,” Helsen said. “The combination of knowledge allows me to dive into two research fields I’m very excited about: evolution and cell biology.”
International collaboration has always been a cornerstone of EMBL, and the support from the Dieter Schwarz Foundation is a powerful example of how philanthropy can foster global scientific partnerships that unite, advance, and create lasting benefits for society as a whole.
Throughout the year, look forward to monthly stories of generous philanthropists who have stepped in to support European life sciences. If you would like to be an EMBL supporter as well, click here to learn of specific funding opportunities during their 50th anniversary year!
This article was first published on 31 October by EMBL.
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