InternalEMBL + European XFEL: Bundling expertise
By signing a Memorandum of Understanding, the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) and the European XFEL have laid the foundation for a close future collaboration.
The European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) is Europe's top address for biological research on the molecular level. The European XFEL will be Europe's brightest X-ray light source – among others ideally suited for deciphering the structure and dynamics of biomolecules.
It is thus clear that both organizations would benefit from bundling their expertise. The foundation of such a collaboration was laid on 12 September 2011 with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). An MoU is an expression of intended common action. It comes without much legal implication, but is an important first step nonetheless.
“Free-electron lasers like the European XFEL have an enormous potential for life science, a potential we only start to understand,” EMBL Director General Iain Mattaj commented at the signing. Massimo Altarelli, Chairman of the European XFEL Management Board, said: “We will be very happy to help EMBL to unravel the full biological potential of this new light source. EMBL is an ideal partner for us.”
