Professor Nina Gunde-Cimerman Becomes the Second Slovenian Woman Elected to EMBO
Željko Stevanić
Date of publication:
Professor Nina Gunde-Cimerman of the Department of Biology at the Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, has been elected to the European Molecular Biology Organisation (EMBO), one of the world\'s most prestigious organizations in the life sciences. As the second woman from Slovenia and only the sixth Slovenian researcher overall, she has received this recognition, which is awarded by the international scientific community for outstanding research achievements and an exceptional contribution to the advancement of science.
Election to EMBO is one of the highest international distinctions in the life sciences, recognizing researchers whose scientific achievements, international standing, and contributions have significantly advanced their fields. EMBO membership is lifelong and recognizes exceptional research excellence. The organization brings together more than 2,200 leading life scientists from Europe and around the world, including 92 current or former Nobel Prize laureates.
Election to EMBO represents above all a major professional recognition for me. I see it as confirmation of many years of research work in a field that, 25 years ago, was completely new and unknown, but is today becoming increasingly important for understanding how fungi adapt to extreme conditions and for exploring their biotechnological potential. I also see this recognition as an acknowledgement of my collaborators, students, and colleagues with whom I have had the opportunity to work in Slovenia and abroad. My election to EMBO is therefore not only important to me personally, but also to the research community from which I come.
Prof. dr. Nina Gunde-Cimerman
Exploring life in extreme environments
Professor Gunde-Cimerman is one of Slovenia's leading microbiologists and an internationally recognized expert in extremophilic fungi—microorganisms capable of thriving in some of the planet's most challenging environments, from hypersaline salterns and glaciers to household dishwashers. Her pioneering research has significantly advanced our understanding of how microorganisms adapt to extreme conditions, microbial biodiversity, and the role of fungi in natural ecosystems. In recognition of her scientific achievements, she has received numerous national and international awards, including the Jesenko Lifetime Achievement Award.
