On June 30, 2026, EMBO announced the election of Prof. Sebastian Hiller, group leader at the Biozentrum, University of Basel, as a new member. This year, 71 researchers from 23 countries were selected to join the EMBO community, which now includes more than 2,100 members. Since the founding of the Biozentrum, Sebastian Hiller is the 33rd scientist from the institute to receive this distinction.
“It is a pleasure to welcome the new EMBO Members and Associate Members. Their election celebrates their achievements and creativity. By contributing their unique perspectives and experiences, they will greatly strengthen the network of leading life scientists who are shaping the field,” says EMBO Director Fiona Watt.
“Becoming part of the EMBO community means a great deal to me,” says Hiller. “This membership is not only a personal honor, but also a recognition of the outstanding work and dedication of my team. I look forward to contributing actively to EMBO in the years ahead.” The new members will be officially welcomed at the next EMBO Members’ Meeting in Heidelberg from 30 September to 2 October 2026.
Research and Career
Sebastian Hiller’s research focuses on understanding the structure, dynamics, and function of proteins. Using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, he has uncovered the mechanisms of action of novel antibiotics and revealed how proteins interact with each other and are integrated into cellular membranes. For his scientific achievements, Hiller has received several distinctions, including his recent election to the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina.
Hiller studied Interdisciplinary Natural Sciences at ETH Zurich and the University of Cambridge before completing his PhD in the laboratory of Nobel Laureate Kurt Wüthrich. Following research positions at Harvard Medical School and ETH Zurich, he joined the Biozentrum at the University of Basel in 2010 with an SNSF Professorship. Today, he is Full Professor of Structural Biology at the Biozentrum.
About EMBO
Founded in 1964, EMBO is an international organization dedicated to promoting excellence in the life sciences across Europe. Each year, EMBO elects new members to its ranks in recognition of their outstanding scientific achievements and invites them to actively participate in the organization's initiatives.
Through fellowships, workshops, conferences, and scientific journals, EMBO supports researchers at all career stages, fosters international collaboration, and helps shape research policy and the future of science.
Contact: Communications; Katrin Bühler