Today, the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) announced the election of 69 new members. Among them is Clemens Plaschka, who has led a research group at the IMP since 2018 and was promoted to the institute’s senior faculty earlier this year.
Plaschka and his lab have made key contributions to understanding RNA splicing and mRNA maturation, crucial steps in gene expression. They have shown how non-coding introns are removed from RNA, how mature mRNAs are packaged for export, and how these processes are tightly controlled. A recent discovery revealed that mRNAs form compact globules before leaving the nucleus—offering new insight into gene regulation. The team also uncovered how the spliceosome assembles and disassembles, including a “multi-factor authentication” mechanism that ensures precise timing. These discoveries have reshaped models of mRNA maturation and highlighted the checkpoints that maintain gene expression fidelity, with implications for understanding disease.
“I’m sincerely grateful to be elected to EMBO. This recognition reflects the creativity and dedication of our entire team, along with strong support from our colleagues, mentors, and research community at the Vienna BioCenter and beyond. It encourages us to continue exploring the mechanisms that control gene expression.”
Bon-Kyoung Koo, former group leader at IMBA and now Director of the Center for Genome Engineering of the Institute of Basic Science (IBS) in South Korea, was selected as an EMBO Associate Member. Koo’s research combines novel genetic tools and stem cell-based models to investigate how stem cells contribute to tissue homeostasis and aging.
About EMBO
EMBO promotes excellence in life sciences through support for researchers, scientific exchange, and a collaborative research environment. With over 2,100 members—including 92 Nobel Laureates—EMBO membership recognises scientific achievement and is a lifelong honour. Members guide EMBO’s initiatives and help shape the future of research. More: embo.org/the-embo-communities/embo-members
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