• Five Indian scientists have been selected as members of the European Molecular Biology Organisation (EMBO).
• Global Investigator Network.
• The scientists, including Dr. Prem Kaushal and Dr. Rajender Motiani from the Regional Centre for Biotechnology, will start their tenure in January 2025.
• Dr. Kaushal's research focuses on protein synthesis in pathogenic microbes, while Dr. Motiani's research centers on calcium-driven inter-organelle crosstalk in skin pigmentation.
• The new global investigators will receive financial support for four years, fostering international collaborations and advancements in life sciences.

In a significant achievement for Indian science, five Indian scientists have been selected as the newest members of the European Molecular Biology Organisation (EMBO) Global Investigator Network. This prestigious network supports young group leaders in Chile, India, Singapore, and Taiwan, fostering international collaborations and advancements in life sciences.

The five Indian scientists, including two from the Regional Centre for Biotechnology (RCB), Faridabad, join a network of nearly 800 current and former EMBO Global Investigators, Young Investigators, and Installation Grantees. The new global investigators will officially start their tenure in January 2025, as per the Ministry of Science and Technology.

Among the selected scientists, Dr. Prem Kaushal and Dr. Rajender Motiani from the RCB have made significant contributions to their respective fields. Dr. Kaushal's research focuses on protein synthesis in pathogenic microbes, specifically Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Entamoeba histolytica. On the other hand, Dr. Motiani's research program centers on understanding the role of calcium-driven inter-organelle crosstalk in skin pigmentation.

Indian Scientists' Reactions and Contributions

Expressing his anticipation, Dr. Motiani said, "I look forward to engaging and networking with some of the brightest life science researchers across the globe. Dr. Kaushal also expressed his gratitude to EMBO, stating, "I am grateful to EMBO for recognizing our research work. It will help establish international collaborations and bring new technologies to the Regional Centre for Biotechnology."

The RCB, an academic institution established by the Department of Biotechnology, has regional and global partnerships synergizing with the programs of UNESCO as a Category II Centre. In 2016, the RCB was recognized as an Institution of National Importance by Parliament, further highlighting its significant role in the scientific community.

EMBO Director Professor Fiona Watt warmly welcomed the new Global Investigators, stating, "Their research highlights the universal language of discovery and provides diverse perspectives to tackle foundational research questions as well as global challenges." She further added, "We are delighted to support these outstanding group leaders in forming connections with scientists in Europe and around the world."

The Impact of the EMBO Global Investigator Network

The new global investigators will receive financial support for four years for networking activities and collaborations with local scientists and those in Europe. This support is expected to foster international collaborations, bring new technologies to the respective institutions, and contribute to the global scientific community.

This achievement is reminiscent of previous recognitions for Indian scientists. For instance, in 2017, Charlotte Kirchhelle, an INRAE Researcher, was awarded the prestigious European Research Council grant for the EDGE-CAM project. She later joined the "Mechanotransduction and Development" team at the RDP laboratory and took over its management in 2024. Her research program aims to produce a multi-scale, mechanistic model of plant morphogenesis, focusing on the role of cell edges.

The selection of the five Indian scientists as EMBO Global Investigators is a testament to the growing recognition of Indian scientists in the global arena. It also underscores the importance of international collaborations in advancing scientific research and addressing global challenges.

As the new global investigators embark on their journey, they carry with them the hopes and expectations of the Indian scientific community, ready to make their mark on the world stage. This achievement not only highlights the caliber of Indian scientists but also the potential for future breakthroughs in life sciences through international collaboration and support.