Only scientists of extraordinary contributions to life sciences are accepted to the prestigious organization. Prof. Šikšnys was elected as an associate member of EMBO on 23th of May, alongside with other 7 scientists, representing Harvard Medical School, University of Beijing, Genome Institute of Singapore and other most renowned science institutions.
Prof. Šikšnys is developing the CRISPR system, enabling precise editing of particular DNA sequences in order to fix the flaws of improper genes. His discovery is paving the way for a revolution in medicine and agriculture. Earlier this year prof. Šikšnys shared a prestigious award of the Warren Alpert Foundation with other 4 scientists for their remarkable contributions to the understanding of the CRISPR bacterial defence system and the exceptional discovery that it can be adapted for genome editing.
VU Rector prof. Artūras Žukauskas states that such appreciation is significant for the country. ‘The selection of professor Šikšnys as an Associate Member of EMBO is another sign of recognition for VU scientists for their international achievements. EMBO is shaping the history of molecular biology not only in Europe, but the world as well. The invitation of our professor to such elite club is a big accomplishment for the whole country, which, thus far, is not a member of EMBO, but can be proud that its scientific competence is recognized and valued across the globe. Such acknowledgement indicates a huge potential of our research prospects and gives us hope that we are on the right direction when speaking of our talent education as well as the creation of favourable environment for them’, says prof. Žukauskas.
According to the Rector, research in life sciences is the area where the university is extremely successful in adapting the inventions for industry and business sectors – in this way the university is contributing to the growth of Lithuanian economy that is based on high added-value products and intellectual resources.
In total 8 scientists from China, Japan, Singapore, United States and Lithuania have been recently elected as Associated Members of EMBO. 84 members of EMBO have been awarded the Nobel Prize since the establishment of the organization in 1964. It is predicted that this year a Nobel Prize could be awarded for the invention of CRISPR technology.
