EMBO and the Federation of European Biochemical Societies (FEBS) have named Geneviève Almouzni, Deputy Director of the Institut Curie in Paris, France, as the winner of the 2013 FEBS/EMBO Women in Science Award.
Professor Almouzni has been recognised for her outstanding contributions to research in the area of histones and chromatin, her engagement in promoting epigenetics in Europe, and her active role in mentoring female scientists.
The FEBS/EMBO Women in Science Award rewards the exceptional achievements of a female researcher in molecular biology over the previous five years.
Almouzni has investigated the basic mechanisms involved in chromatin assembly from the nucleosome to higher order structures such as those found in heterochromatin domains. The dynamics of this organisation in the context of cell cycle, development as well as genotoxic stresses have been central to her research.
‘Her work has greatly extended our understanding of chromatin assembly and DNA repair,’ said Sir John Gurdon, winner of the 2012 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, who worked with Almouzni on examining aspects of nuclear reprogramming involving histone variants.
The French scientist has been an inspiring mentor and motivator for other women in science throughout her career at the Institut Curie. She is also highly engaged with the European scientific community as the coordinator and member of international projects such as the FP6 Epigenome Network of Excellence and the FP7 European Network of Excellence EpiGeneSys.
‘Her capacity to succeed at all levels and still have the time and energy for others is admirable,’ said her colleague Edith Heard, Research Unit Director at the Institut Curie.
The 2013 FEBS/EMBO Women in Science Award of €10,000 will be presented to Almouzni on 9 July at the FEBS Congress in St Petersburg, Russia, where she will give a special lecture.
