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Edith Heard elected as member of the French Academy of Sciences
The EMBL Director General was elected by her peers to become a member of one of Europe’s oldest national science academies
In recognition of her outstanding professional contributions, Edith Heard, FRS, who is a Professor of the Collège de France and Director General of EMBL, has been elected to the French Académie des Sciences – Institut de France, under the section ‘Human Biology and Medical Sciences’, for her work on epigenetics, particularly in deciphering the process of X-chromosome inactivation.
The French Académie des Sciences was first created in 1666, and is an assembly of scientists dedicated to examining the political, ethical, and societal issues surrounding scientific research and development. In addition to providing policymakers with a framework of expertise, the academy supports research, science education, and scientific life at the international level.
“It is an honour to be elected to one of Europe’s oldest and most prestigious scientific academies,” said Prof. Heard. “After having spent so many years of my research career in France, I’m particularly proud to receive this recognition by my peers. I share this honour with all past and current lab members, who have been instrumental in driving the lab’s scientific process.”
Prof. Heard was one of 18 scientists elected to the Académie des Sciences in 2022, which currently has 286 members, 120 foreign associates and 63 correspondents. The reception ceremony for the newly elected members will take place on Tuesday 6 June 2023 at the Institut de France.
