Professor Tom Gilbert elected to the EMBO Membership
The Center for Evolutionary Hologenomics is proud to announce that our Director, Professor Tom Gilbert, has been elected to the prestigious European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) Membership - one of the highest honours in the life sciences.
Professor Tom Gilbert is among 71 leading scientists from 23 countries elected to the EMBO Membership in 2026. The newly elected cohort includes 60 EMBO Members based in Europe and 11 Associate Members from countries outside Europe. Election to EMBO is a lifelong recognition of research excellence and outstanding scientific achievement.
The honour acknowledges Professor Tom Gilbert's pioneering contributions to evolutionary biology, genomics, and hologenomics — an interdisciplinary field that explores how hosts and their associated microbial communities evolve and thrive together. Through his leadership of the Center for Evolutionary Hologenomics, he has helped establish the holobiont field as an international hub for research at the interface of genomics, evolution, microbiology and ecology.
"We are delighted to see Professor Tom Gilbert receive this well-deserved recognition," says Anders Johannes Hansen, Head of Globe Institute. "His scientific vision, leadership, and collaborative approach have been instrumental in shaping the Center for Evolutionary Hologenomics into a world-leading research environment. His election to EMBO is a testament to the global impact of his research."
Outstanding life scientists
Each year, EMBO elects outstanding life scientists through a rigorous nomination and peer-review process. The organization's more than 2,200 Members and Associate Members represent many of the world's leading researchers and play an active role in shaping the future of the life sciences by advising on scientific policy, reviewing research funding, and supporting the next generation of scientists.
Commenting on this year's election, EMBO Director Fiona Watt said: "It is a pleasure to welcome the new EMBO Members and Associate Members. Their election celebrates their achievements and creativity. By contributing their unique perspectives and experiences, they will greatly strengthen the network of leading life scientists who are shaping the field."
Professor Tom Gilbert will be formally welcomed to the EMBO Membership at the EMBO Members' Meeting in Heidelberg, Germany, from 30 September to 2 October 2026.
The Center for Evolutionary Hologenomics congratulates Professor Tom Gilbert on this exceptional achievement and looks forward to seeing his continued contributions to both the international scientific community and the advancement of evolutionary hologenomics.
Read more in the press release from EMBO.
Contact:
Professor and Center Director Tom Gilbert
Email: tgilbert@sund.ku.dk
Communication Responsible Christina Noer
Email: cnoer@sund.ku.dk