‘I am delighted to become a part of the elite group of European scientists and be granted this opportunity to promote Lithuania and VU. The EMBO’s anniversary almost coincides with another significant milestone for us – next year will mark 50 years of molecular biology in Lithuania. In 1975, Prof. Arvydas Janulaitis pioneered the development of genetic engineering at the then Institute of Enzymology (renamed the Institute of Biotechnology in 1995). This initiative catalysed the emergence of a strong school of molecular biology and biotechnology, where I also gained my scientific background,’ said the Professor.
Prof. Petronis is the third Lithuanian and VU scientist to become an EMBO member. His predecessors are Prof. Virginijus Šikšnys and Prof. Saulius Klimašauskas, researchers from the VU Life Sciences Center (LSC). Lithuania became an EMBO member state in 2016.
‘I am deeply grateful to all my teachers, both in Lithuania and abroad,’ said Prof. Petronis.
The scientist has dedicated years to studying the epigenetic mechanisms of human diseases. In 2018, he initiated the establishment of the Laboratory of Epigenomic Studies at the VU LSC, which brings together researchers from the University of Toronto and the VU LSC for joint research. One of the major recent advancements of Vilnius and Toronto epigenetic researchers is in the field of the epigenetics of circadian rhythms. According to the Professor, the temporal (‘chronos’) dimension of the epigenome might prove to be highly significant – it is an excellent niche for promising new research that Lithuanian specialists can explore.
EMBO Director Fiona Watt said: “The new EMBO Members and Associate Members have made immense contributions to fundamental life science research, and, in many cases, their work has paved the way for innovations that have improved lives and livelihoods around the world. As EMBO marks its 60th anniversary, we celebrate the pivotal roles played by the EMBO Membership in strengthening international life science research and contributing to the EMBO Programmes and activities. I send my warmest congratulations to all those elected.”
To celebrate EMBO's 60th anniversary, EMBO Council invited the EMBO Membership to elect 100 new EMBO Members and 20 EMBO Associate Members this year. The newly elected Members and Associate Members reside in 37 countries/territories.
