Jan Ellenberg Appointed Director of SciLifeLab at Uppsala University
Jan Ellenberg most recently comes from the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Heidelberg, where he is head of the cell biology and biophysics unit and head of the EMBL Imaging Centre.
– I am honored and excited to take on the role of director at SciLifeLab, with its strong international reputation for promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and conducting cutting-edge research in the life sciences. I look forward to leading the future development of SciLifeLab, in a time of unprecedented opportunity where the life sciences are beginning to make living systems predictable and are increasingly important to society,” says Jan Ellenberg.
Pioneering research in cell biology
He is known for his pioneering research in cell biology, particularly in the areas of advanced imaging and studies of cell division. He has authored a large number of influential publications and has been awarded several prestigious awards for his contributions in the field, including the second ERC Advanced Grant he was recently awarded. He also has extensive experience in leading the build-up of pan-European research infrastructure and has coordinated the establishment of the Euro-BioImaging ERIC and the EMBL Imaging Centre.
Jan Ellenberg has also previously been chairman of the SciLifeLab International Advisory Board. He is an elected member of the German Academy of Sciences – Leopoldina, Academia Europeae and EMBO member.
– I am convinced that Professor Ellenberg will lead SciLifeLab to new insights with his extensive expertise and his visionary approach, says Olli Kallioniemi, the outgoing director of SciLifeLab.
Build a new research group
As a professor at KI, SU and KTH, Jan Ellenberg will also build a new research group on cell division and nuclear organization. He looks forward to engaging in new collaborative opportunities at SciLifeLab, including new technology development and translational aspects of his work.
SciLifeLab and EMBL already have a close collaboration after signing a memorandum of understanding in 2021. They have since worked together in several areas, including education, research infrastructure and life science data. As incoming director, Jan Ellenberg looks forward to building an even closer collaboration between SciLifeLab and EMBL in the future.