Emerging Wings

A Nordic Symposium for the Next Generation of Drosophilists

Planned by early career Drosophilists for early career Drosophilists

Emerging Wings is designed to:

Inspire fundamental discovery by showcasing the high-impact career paths of Nobel Laureates.

Empower the next generation by dedicating the majority of the program to early career Drosophilist presentations and mentorship.

 Honouring the Pioneers of Developmental Genetics

We are honoured to welcome two distinguished Nobel Laureates whose discoveries have profoundly shaped modern biology. Their pioneering work in Drosophila melanogaster unveiled the genetic principles guiding embryonic development — insights that continue to inspire and inform research across disciplines.

Eric F. Wieschaus and Christiane Nüsslein-Volhard were jointly awarded the 1995 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, together with Edward B. Lewis, for their discoveries on the genetic control of early embryonic development. Through an extensive genetic screen using Drosophila melanogaster, they identified key genes that determine how a fertilized egg develops into a fully patterned embryo. Their collaborative work established the foundation of modern developmental genetics and transformed our understanding of how genes orchestrate the formation of complex body plans.

Eric F. Wieschaus
Eric Wieschaus has continued to explore the cellular mechanisms underlying morphogenesis, investigating how cells change shape, move, and organize during development. His research combines genetics, cell biology, and live imaging to understand how gene activity translates into the dynamic processes that sculpt the embryo. Wieschaus is also widely recognized for his commitment to education and mentorship, inspiring generations of developmental biologists through both his research and teaching.

Christiane Nüsslein-Volhard
Following their landmark discovery, Christiane Nüsslein-Volhard has continued to lead groundbreaking research in developmental and molecular genetics, expanding her studies to vertebrate models such as zebrafish. Her work has revealed how molecular gradients and signaling pathways shape tissues and define body axes. Beyond her scientific achievements, she is an influential advocate for women in science, and founded the Christiane Nüsslein-Volhard Foundation to support young female researchers balancing family and scientific careers.