EMBL Seminars

Abstract
Fertilization requires gamete recognition and membrane fusion, yet the molecular basis of this process in vertebrates remains unknown. We identify SPARK (sperm protein assembly and receptor-binding key), a conserved multi-protein complex that integrates all known sperm fertilization factors, including TMEM81–IZUMO1–SPACA6 and DCST1/2, together with two newly identified components, TMDD1 and FAM187A. SPARK subunits are mutually dependent for stability in mature sperm, and disruption of any single component causes male sterility in zebrafish and mice. Incubating zebrafish sperm with soluble egg receptor Bouncer partially rescues fertilization of Bouncer-deficient eggs in a SPARK-dependent manner, consistent with egg receptor binding priming the complex for fusion. Thus, we propose SPARK as a con-served molecular machine that couples gamete recognition to membrane fusion. 

Connection details
Zoom*: [https://www.google.com/url?q=https://embl-org.zoom.us/j/94328842098?pwd%3DfkFpTwL3dGati0RDZxaqjv4waJXcrf.1%26jst%3D2&sa=D&source=calendar&ust=1789544319644714&usg=AOvVaw2NP4zguJ2_780CkO2gzj8e] (Meeting ID: [94328842098], Password: [855080])

Please note that the talk will yes/not be recorded.
*For the FAQ section, as a zoom participant, please use either the chat function (the host will read out your question) or the “raise your hand” function and turn on your microphone.

Location: Room 301, Building D (3rd floor), Università della Sapienza di Roma - Viale Regina Elena 295

Abstract

To be announced

Abstract

EMBL “Entrepreneurial Minds” is a  quarterly webinar series crafted to ignite entrepreneurial spirit and initiatives among all EMBL staff and fellows. Our speakers share practical insights into entrepreneurship, technology transfer, research commercialisation, and navigating start-up landscapes. Through engaging online webinars, attendees will explore success stories, learn from speaker experiences, and connect with industry experts including entrepreneurs, tech transfer professionals, and EMBL alumni. 

This event is open to all and will be livestreamed from EMBL Rome. Participants from EMBL Rome and other Monterotondo campus institutes are encouraged to attend in-person.

Please note - for our planning, we kindly ask both in-person and online participants to register at: https://embl-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN__n6yIi-wR4e0QhhNG8hYzQ 
Please note that the talk will be recorded.

About the speaker
In this seminar we will hear from Ilaria Ferlenghi, Global Scientific Leader and Associate Director at GSK.

Ilaria is an esteemed structural biologist and microscopy leader with over 30 years of expertise in cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), AI/ML applications, and structural analysis, including more than 20 years dedicated to vaccine research and development. She was among the pioneers in introducing cryo-EM in the pharmaceutical industry to identify and characterize new vaccine candidates, contributing significantly to its adoption as a transformative tool in vaccine R&D. In this context, she played a key role in the design and development of the BEXSERO vaccine.

As Global Scientific Leader and Associate Director at GSK, she leads scientific vision and strategic direction across therapeutic areas, driving innovation in structural vaccinology. Ilaria developed the GEMINI AI/ML-based platform, which integrates structural biology with artificial intelligence to accelerate the identification of antigens as potential vaccine candidates.

Her career spans leadership roles at GSK and Novartis, with deep specialization in advanced microscopy techniques and vaccine R&D. She holds a PhD in Structural Biology and Biophysics from the University of Heidelberg, followed by postdoctoral research at HHMI (Boston) and CNRS (France). Widely recognized for fostering impactful collaborations between academia and industry, Ilaria continues to drive scientific innovation at the intersection of structural biology, digital technologies, and global health.

She serves as a member of nine scientific advisory boards worldwide, contributing her expertise to advance innovation and translational science in vaccine development and beyond. She is also the co-founder of the WeInspireBio initiative, a global effort dedicated to inspiring and supporting the next generation of scientists.

Abstract
Dear EMBL colleagues,
We are pleased to invite you to the 7th session of the EMBL Entrepreneurial Minds Webinar Series! This event will feature Ilaria Ferlenghi, a former EMBL predoc and Global Scientific Leader and Associate Director at GSK, whose career spans structural biology, advanced microscopy, vaccine R&D and scientific innovation.

Event details
•    Location: EMBL Rome seminar room and online via Zoom 
•    Registration (for both in-person and online attendance): link 
Registration is open to all EMBL fellows and staff.

We look forward to your participation!
Kind regards,
Laurène and Rachel