German researcher Nina Schmolka is the only scientist in Portugal to be awarded an EMBO 2026 Installation Grant by the European Molecular Biology Organisation (EMBO), joining the select group of ten researchers chosen annually by this organisation. In addition to establishing her research group in Portugal, at the Católica Biomedical Research Centre (CBR), Nina Schmolka will also be a lecturer at Católica Medical School.

The aim of the Developmental Haematopoiesis Laboratory led by Nina Schmolka is to study the molecular mechanisms that regulate blood development in the embryo. Through genetic perturbations during embryonic haematopoiesis, the laboratory seeks to identify new molecular regulations involved in this process.

“I am deeply grateful to receive this grant, which supports the creation of my own research group. After completing my PhD in Portugal, EMBO supported my move to Switzerland, where I continued my training in gene regulation. Now, nine years later, EMBO is supporting my return to Portugal to continue my dream of being a researcher,” says Nina Schmolka. “Using state-of-the-art approaches, my work focuses on understanding how blood cells develop in the embryo and how this knowledge can be used to prevent the pathological transformation of blood cells and to develop future therapeutic strategies,” explains the researcher.

Using murine and human stem cell models, the laboratory also seeks to identify pathways that, when dysregulated, lead to early childhood leukaemia or that can be applied to improve the in vitro generation of haematopoietic stem cells for regenerative medicine.

“The awarding of this grant to Nina Schmolka recognises the scientific excellence of her work and reinforces the position of the Católica Biomedical Research Centre as a hub for attracting international talent in the field of biomedical research,” says Pedro Simas, executive director of the Católica Biomedical Research Centre (CBR).

Financiamento e networking para investigação de ponta

EMBO Installation Grants are designed to support talented young researchers in setting up their laboratories in participating countries, with the aim of strengthening excellence in life sciences in Europe and beyond.

Each grant recipient receives €50,000 per year for a maximum period of five years, ensuring flexible funding for the development of ambitious research projects. Recipients also benefit from a wide range of professional development opportunities, including mentoring, training courses and additional funding for travel and conference organisation.

In addition, grant recipients become part of an international network of more than 800 current and former recipients of EMBO Installation Grants, Young Investigators and Global Investigators, promoting scientific exchange. The programme also offers access to the central facilities of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Heidelberg, Germany.

EMBO is an international organisation comprising more than 2,000 scientists in Europe and around the world, committed to creating a research environment where scientists can do their best work.

More information: www.cbr.fm.ucp.pt