International Advisory Board of IBT Welcomes Two New Scientific Members and Bids Farewell to a Long-Standing Member

Two prominent figures of European science – Professor Emanuela Tolosano from the University of Turin and Dr. Carsten Janke from the Institut Curie in Orsay/Paris – are joining the International Advisory Board (IAB) of the Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IBT). In this context, the institute also expresses its gratitude to Professor Marie-Paule Roth, who has decided to step down from the board.

New Scientific Members

Professor Emanuela Tolosano is a Professor of Biology at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Turin, and leads a research group at the “Guido Tarone” Molecular Biotechnology Center. Her long-standing research focuses on heme metabolism – an iron-containing molecule essential for cellular respiration, oxygen transport, drug metabolism, and gene expression. Her team studies both the physiological regulation of heme and its involvement in pathological states, including cancer, genetic disorders, and hematological dysfunctions. The group uses a variety of models, including genetically modified mice and zebrafish, as well as cancer cell lines. The results of their research hold significant potential for developing new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

Dr. Carsten Janke leads a team in the Genome Integrity, RNA and Cancer Unit at the Institut Curie Institute in Orsay. He is recognized as one of the pioneers in the study of the tubulin code –a set of post-translational modifications of tubulin that influence microtubule functions, key structures of the cytoskeleton. His laboratory’s research has revealed the importance of these modifications in neurology, oncology, fertility, and ciliary biology. Janke’s team has also developed advanced biochemical and in vitro models that enable the precise study of the molecular mechanisms behind these processes. His work contributes to bridging detailed molecular understanding with the comprehension of complex physiological phenomena and pathologies.

“I’m pleased that our international board is being strengthened by Emanuela Tolosano and Carsten Janke,” said IBT Director Professor Bohdan Schneider. “They both bring global expertise and interdisciplinary perspectives that will be valuable not only in the evaluation of individual research groups but also in shaping strategic recommendations for the institute as a whole.”

Thank You to Professor Marie-Paule Roth

After years of active collaboration, Professor Marie-Paule Roth has decided to step down from the International Advisory Board. She has contributed to the evaluation of IBT’s scientific work since the board’s inception.

“It has been a pleasure and an honor to participate in evaluations and strategic discussions at such a dynamic and high-quality institute,” she said in her farewell message. “IBT impressed me with its ambitious scientific culture, excellent infrastructure, and outstanding success in national grant competitions.”

Institute Director Professor Schneider thanked her for her contribution to maintaining high standards of quality: “It was an honor to have you as part of our team.”

About the Advisory Board

The International Advisory Board of the Institute of Biotechnology of the Czech Academy of Sciences is composed of leading international scientists who regularly participate in the evaluation of research groups and contribute to the institute’s strategic direction. Their recommendations are addressed to individual teams as well as to the institute’s leadership. This mechanism allows the institute to maintain a high level of scientific excellence and to respond flexibly to the challenges of modern biomedical science.