"The EMBO mission is to promote excellence in life sciences," Dr Watt explains. "We support talented researchers, stimulate an exchange of scientific information, and help build a research environment where scientists can achieve their best work." With over 2,100 members, including 92 Nobel laureates, EMBO has become a cornerstone of European science. In 2023, the organisation awarded 135 postdoctoral fellowships and 304 scientific exchange grants, and funded 80 courses, workshops, and symposia in 18 countries.

EMBO Installation Grants

Dr Fiona Watt, Director of EMBO, and a leading scientist in stem cell biology, is researching how the differentiated state of cells in adult tissues is maintained and how regenerative medicine can benefit from it. She has published over 280 publications, filed five patents, and received numerous awards and honours for her achievements. Her inspiring career isn't the only reason for our interview; it's her connection to the EMBO Installation Grants and two RBI scientists, Dr Jelena Bujan and Dr Damir Baranašić.

"EMBO Installation Grants are a vital part of a portfolio of EMBO," says Dr Watt. “They support group leaders who have international experience to establish their labs and strengthen the life sciences in the countries participating in the scheme.”

"We should note that the selection process is highly competitive, as we only select scientists who have demonstrated excellence in their research," Dr Watt highlights. "While Damir and Jelena work on different things, such as the evolution of protists and heat resistance in insects, what singles them out is that they're excellent life scientists."

Small Countries, Big Scientific impact

While being excellent scientists, both come from Croatia, a small country that doesn't have an extensive science community or abundant resources. How can they and other Croatian scientists compete? Can they punch above their weight and become significant participants in the world science arena?

As someone born and raised in Edinburgh, Scotland, Dr Watt understands the challenges and opportunities for scientists from smaller European nations.

"My impression of Croatia is that it is a country where education is fantastic, there is plenty of talent, and a number of very eminent scientists working in the US and Europe are Croatian. Those scientists have never forgotten where they have come from and are passionate about giving back to their country," she observes. "Once scientists receive installation grants, EMBO helps amplify their work by integrating them into the global network. With that integration, the whole science community gets under the spotlight as well, as there is nothing like saying, look, these are fantastic Croatian scientists."

Leadership in science

When it comes to leadership in science, there aren't many better people to discuss it with. She held many leadership roles, from deputy director of the CRUK Cambridge Institute and the Wellcome–MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, to director of the Centre for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine at King's College London. She was on secondment as executive chair of the Medical Research Council, and finally, in January 2022, she became EMBO Director and a group leader at EMBL Heidelberg.

However, contributing broadly to science doesn't require a leadership role. Dr Watt thinks there are many areas where you can give back to the community:. "Scientists can contribute in several ways. We might be interested in promoting women in science. We might be passionate about open science and data sharing, and we might want to ensure that wherever you have talent, there's an opportunity to grow it."

She made history as the first woman to lead the Medical Research Council in the UK since its foundation in 1913. No wonder she is now a vocal advocate for diversity in science, as she has examined the challenges women face in "getting to the top."

Astrid Gall (EMBO), Andrej Kajganić and Fiona Watt (EMBO)

For science to flourish, we have to be inclusive

"When doing my PhD, I was the only female student in the department for a while. Now, at least 50% of PhD students in life sciences are women. However, we see a drop-off of female scientists at the transition from postdoctoral researcher to independent investigator," Dr Watt notes. "This varies across countries, but sharing best practices and fostering networks can help with this challenge."

Her commitment to fair representation stems from personal experience. In her career, she found that she didn't like being the token woman and that including both women and men in committees making appointments is highly important. Now, she thinks that ensuring an inclusive environment is crucial for science to prosper. "Making sure that science is inclusive in all dimensions - which don't only include gender, but also country of origin or specific challenges such as physical disability. There are many dimensions to consider, but the most important goal is to maximize the potential of our scientists and create an environment where science can flourish." Dr Watt says.

Power of persistence, some advice for young scientists

"I'm still an active scientist, although I've held several leadership roles," she shares. "There are many examples of talented scientists who move into major leadership roles and stop doing science. For me, and I would argue for the majority of the EMBO community, we are science practitioners." When asked what has kept her in science, Dr Watt smiles and answers relatively simply: "I am a scientist who just loves science."

Her advice to young researchers reflects her affection for research: "If you are passionate about science and someone is willing to pay you to pursue that passion, it's better to follow it as long as you can until, or unless, other pressures of life force you to take a different job. Don't count yourself out of a career because of the obstacles you envision in the future."

"Any scientist with a PhD is trained in rational thought, understands risk, and possesses a natural curiosity, which greatly benefits the wider society." For her, science is not merely a career but a lifelong pursuit of knowledge.  Dr Watt believes that persistence and curiosity are the keys to longevity in the field. Her final piece of advice to scientists is: "Science is tough, but if you love it, stick with it."

She adds, "It's worth every challenge.”