25 June 2019

Barbara Ann Halkier - new EMBO Member

Recognition

Professor in Plant Biology Barbara Ann Halkier is elected as new member of EMBO. She is Head of DynaMo Center of Excellence and has made significant contributions both in basic and applied research within plant science.

 
“I am both honored and proud to be a member of EMBO. Not only is it a recognition of my contribution to science, it also gives me the opportunity to influence the future direction of life science research across Europe”, says Barbara Ann Halkier about her election as EMBO Member.

At the forefront of life science

Barbara Ann Halkier was one out of 56 life scientists elected for EMBOs membership in June 2019 and joining a group of more than 1800 of the best researchers in Europe and around the world. The purpose of the membership is to actively participate in the execution of EMBO’s initiatives by serving on committees, evaluating applications for EMBO funding, mentoring young scientists and provide suggestions for activities such as EMBO courses and workshops.

EMBO was founded in 1964 with the goal to establish a central laboratory and the establishment of networking activities to enhance the interactions between scientists across Europe. EMBO Members and Associate Members are of the best researchers in Europe and around the world. Election to EMBO Membership is recognition of research excellence and the outstanding achievements made by a life scientist. The annual nominations and elections ensure that the membership remains at the forefront of life science research.

Plant research at its best

Barbara Ann Halkier’s research focuses on specialized metabolites, their transport processes from source to sinks and their role as chemical language in plants' communication with the surroundings and in shaping the microbiota. Her goal is to understand the molecular mechanism underlying these processes. She uses the glucosinolate defense compounds as model compounds. She has a strong track record in applying the gained knowledge through pathway and transport engineering in synthetic biology and agriculture. Barbara Ann Halkier has published more than 140 scientific papers, and has since January 2012 been the Head of DynaMo Center, funded by the Danish National Research Foundation, and located at the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen.

Read about this year's new members of EMBO