13) Denis Duboule - Hox genes, finding joy in the process of discovery and memories of Fotis Kafatos

Denis Duboule (EMBL Group Leader 1988-1993) chats with Thomas Vaccari (EMBL Predoctoral Fellow 1999-2004). Denis reflects on his arrival as a group leader at EMBL in the 1980s, and on how EMBL’s freedom and international spirit helped shape his identity as a European scientist. He also shares memories of working for Director General Fotis Kafatos and his pride in giving the inaugural Kafatos Lecture. This conversation was recorded in September 2025. Alumni Chat contributors are members of the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) community. The opinions expressed are their own and are not necessarily representative of the views of EMBL or any other party. The mere appearance of content on EMBL Alumni media channels does not constitute an endorsement by EMBL. Production and Editing: EMBL Alumni Relations Content and Interviews: Angus Lamond and Thomas Vaccari Music: Eco Technology by Aleksey Chistilin from Pixabay Thanks to: EMBL Audiovisual and EMBL Design Sponsored by: EMBLEM © European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL)