“Joining EMBO feels particularly special to me. It is an organisation that has profoundly shaped European science, championing excellence in the life sciences and the conviction that Europe's strength lies in connections, not borders. As a new member, I look forward to contributing to its mission and becoming part of this outstanding community.
Francesca Spagnoli, Professor of Regenerative Medicine
30 June 2026
Professor Francesca Spagnoli elected among leading scientists to join EMBO Membership
Professor Francesca Spagnoli from King’s College London has been elected as a member of EMBO, recognising her outstanding contributions to life sciences research.
Seventy-one leading life scientists from 23 countries have been elected to the 2026 cohort of EMBO Members, an honour recognising research excellence and exceptional achievements. Professor Spagnoli joins a global community of more than 2,200 researchers who make up the EMBO membership.
Professor Spagnoli is Professor of Regenerative Medicine at King’s College London, based in the School of Basic & Medical Biosciences. Her research aims to translate discoveries from developmental biology into new approaches for regenerative medicine and therapies.
Her research group investigates the mechanisms regulating cell identity and plasticity in key metabolic organs, with a focus on the pancreas and liver. A central aim of her work is to understand how microenvironmental niches interact with gene regulatory networks to direct pancreatic lineage differentiation in human pluripotent stem cells. This work has important implications for developing new treatments for diseases where cell replacement and regeneration could transform patient care.
Professor Spagnoli is also Director of the Wellcome Trust PhD Programme in ‘Advanced Therapies for Regenerative Medicine’ and co-leads King’s ‘From developmental biology to regenerative medicine’ Research Interest Group. She also coordinates a multidisciplinary Type 1 Diabetes Grand Challenge research programme, funded by the Steve Morgan Foundation, JDRF and Diabetes UK, which aims to develop innovative bioengineering approaches for diabetes cell therapy.
EMBO (European Molecular Biology Organization) supports excellence in the life sciences by promoting research, supporting scientists at all career stages and encouraging international collaboration. Its members contribute to shaping the future direction of life sciences research through activities including reviewing funding applications, advising on scientific programmes and supporting research communities across Europe and beyond.
Reflecting on her election to EMBO, Professor Spagnoli said:
“Being elected as an EMBO member is a great honour, for me and for my research – it is a wonderful recognition of my team's work over the years.
I am deeply grateful to my mentors, colleagues, collaborators, family, and friends whose support and inspiration have been invaluable throughout my journey."
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Professor of Regenerative Medicine