EMBO European Molecular Biology Organization

Awarded annually, the EMBO Gold Medal highlights the quality of molecular biology research being performed by young European research scientists.

The contributions of many outstanding scientists have been recognized with the award since its inception in 1986 It brings the work of these researchers to the attention of a worldwide audience. Awardees are recognized as role models for other young scientists in Europe.

Winners of the EMBO Gold Medal receive a hand-crafted medal and a bursary of 10,000 euro EMBO invites recipients each year to present their research during the award ceremony held at the annual scientific conference - The EMBO Meeting.

Olivier Voinnet from the CNRS Institute of Plant Molecular Biology in Strasbourg, France, is awarded the 2009 EMBO Gold Medal. The researcher receives this medal for his pioneering work on the mechanisms and roles of gene silencing via RNA in plants.

“Olivier Voinnet’s contributions to our understanding of gene silencing via RNA have opened up new perspectives on how the activity of genes may be controlled,” said Hermann Bujard, EMBO Director. “His outstanding work reflects imaginative approaches and a broad understanding of biological processes.”

Rollcall: EMBO Gold Medal awards since 1986