The European Academy of Microbiology (EAM) is proud to announce the appointment of Professor Cecília Maria Arraiano as its new President, effective 1 January 2026.

Prof. Arraiano brings a distinguished record of scientific leadership and innovation to the role, reinforcing the EAM’s mission to amplify the impact of microbiology and promoting excellence in the field across Europe and the world. Currently, she is Coordinating Investigator and Head of the Control of Gene Expression Laboratory at ITQB NOVA, Instituto de Tecnologia Química e Biológica António Xavier of NOVA University of Lisbon, based in Oeiras, Portugal. Her leadership will guide EAM in fostering excellence, supporting scientists, and addressing global challenges through microbiological research.

”I am pleased to become the next EAM President.  This is an important step for gender issues in science, as I am the first woman leading this Academy. It is also an important step for Portugal, as this nomination highlights our world-class science. The EAM Board represents very high-quality science, and I look forward bringing my best to this distinguished role.” – Prof. Cecília Maria Arraiano

Prof. Arraiano’s research spans molecular biology, genetics, RNA biology, microbiology, and synthetic biology. Her work on RNA has focused on the control of gene expression, primarily in microorganisms, where she has characterized many ribonucleases and unraveled new mechanisms of RNA degradation.

In addition to her scientific achievements, Prof. Arraiano has been an active advocate for collaboration and knowledge exchange within the microbiology community.

”Prof. Arraiano’s appointment marks an exciting next chapter for the European Academy of Microbiology.” said Prof. Antonio Ventosa, FEMS President and EAM Board Member. “Her outstanding scientific achievements and leadership in RNA biology and microbial research will strengthen the EAM’s mission to promote excellence and innovation in microbiology. We look forward to the fresh perspectives and collaborative spirit she will bring to our community.”

Prof. Arraiano was elected as a Fellow of the European Academy of Microbiology in 2015. Over the years, she has received numerous distinctions that highlight the quality of her research. She is an elected member of the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO) and she spent eleven years on the Executive Committee of the European Federation of Biochemistry (FEBS), receiving the FEBS “Diplôme D´Honneur”. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Microbiology, being the first in Portugal to receive this distinction, and was an ambassador in Portugal for the American Society for Microbiology. Prof. Arraiano was President of the Portuguese Society of Genetics, and has been a corresponding member of the Lisbon Academy of Sciences since 2009, among others.

Prof. Cecília M. Arraiano takes over from previous EAM President Prof. Ken Timmis, and will join the other seven members of the EAM Board from January 2026.

About the European Academy of Microbiology (EAM)

The European Academy of Microbiology (EAM) is a leadership group of eminent microbiology experts founded by the Federation of European Microbiological Societies (FEMS) to promote and recognize excellence in microbiology across Europe. The mission of the EAM is to amplify the impact and visibility of microbiology and microbiologists, promoting excellence in the field. It fulfills its mission through targeted programs and activities at the edges of the discipline, and communication to scientists, stakeholders and the public.