Frank Gannon announces his retirement from EMBO
Executive Director of EMBO, Professor Frank Gannon, has announced that he will retire from his position in mid-2007. At that time, he will have led EMBO for over 13 years, driving a period of significant expansion and development for the organisation. Appointed in 1994, Gannon today directs a considerably extended programme of activities ranging from training, professional development and networking to scientific publishing and policy advice. He also runs an active research group at the European molecular biology Laboratory (EMBL).
In addition to expanding EMBO¹s established Fellowship and Courses & Workshops Programmes, Gannon has introduced career development initiatives such as the Young Investigator Programme and launched two new journals, EMBO reports and Molecular Systems Biology. Under his guidance, EMBO pursues an active Science & Society Programme and plays an increasing advisory role in policy-making arenas, one example being its leadership in promoting the establishment of the European Research Council (ERC). Gannon's directorship has also seen EMBO offer special support to member states with less developed scientific infrastructures and opened up the organisation to greater interactions with scientists outside Europe.
Frank Gannon commented: "The decision to leave EMBO was a difficult one but comes at the right time in my career, giving me the opportunity to move on to a new challenge before I retire from science. Looking back I can reflect on many changes that were timely for EMBO and I am happy to have had the chance to deliver on them. I will leave the organisation with the confidence that it holds a central and relevant position in European research. With a strong EMBO team in Heidelberg and the energetic engagement of the EMBO Members, I'm sure that EMBO will continue to serve the life sciences in Europe for many years to come."
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