The EMBL Alumni Association board held their biannual meeting at EMBL Heidelberg on 25 February 2008. One of the major topics was the upcoming board elections. On behalf of EMBL, Matthias Hentze thanked those members stepping down, in particular treasurer Albert Stegmüller. The Board welcomed Spanish alumnus Oscar Martin-Almendral as Albert’s successor.

Other items discussed included procedures in identifying more local chapter organisers; the design of the Matti Saraste memorial in the new ATC building; and fundraising plans to support the Association’s services for EMBL staff and alumni.