Norwich young scientist among Europe's best

The John Innes Centre has announced that one of its project leaders, Dr Giles Oldroyd, has been singled out as one of Europe's 17 best young life scientists. The prestigious award has been made by the EMBO Young Investigator Programme who's annual selection process identifies some of the brightest young minds in Europe and provides academic, practical and financial support in the early years of their careers.

"The Young Investigator Programme is extremely competitive so I am very surprised and honoured to have been selected from amongst Europe's best young scientists" said Dr Oldroyd. "Members of the programme receive a number of benefits that are intended to help them as they set up and manage their own research group and begin to establish their reputation in the scientific community. I am sure the programme will really benefit me."

The Young Investigator Programme targets researchers who have been running their first independent laboratories and research groups for between one and three years. The programme provides funds for research as well as a mentorship programme, sponsorship of lectures at international meetings, an annual symposium and a laboratory management course. These are designed to augment the standing of young investigators and support new collaborations at an early stage in their independent careers.

The programme is highly competitive with a 13% success rate in the current round of selection.

The EMBO Young Investigator Programme has been identifying and supporting outstanding young life scientists in Europe since 2000. Currently the programme supports a network of 70 young scientists.

"Selection for this programme is a mark of the highest scientific excellence", said Professor Chris Lamb (Director of the John Innes Centre), "so I am really pleased that Giles has received this recognition and support as he begins to establish himself as an independent researcher. I also welcome it because it is another sign that we are attracting world-class scientists to the JIC and Norwich Research Park".