ICGEB is an intergovernmental organization founded as a particular project of UNIDO.
Autonomous since 1994, it has run over forty-five state-of-the-art laboratories in Trieste, Italy, New Delhi, India, and Cape Town, South Africa. It forms an interactive network with almost 70 Member States, with operations aligned to the United Nations System. It plays a crucial role in Biotechnology, promoting Research Excellence, Training, and Technology Transfer to industry to contribute concretely to sustainable global development.
ICGEB stands for the International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology. It is an international, intergovernmental organization dedicated to advancement in research and training in the field of molecular biology and biotechnology, with particular regard to the needs of the developing world.
ICGEB was established in 1983 as a unique project nder the flagship of United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) to promote genetic engineering and biotechnology to benefit developing countries. Its headquarters are in Trieste, Italy, and additional centers are in New Delhi, India, and Cape Town, South Africa.
ICGEB's activities include basic and applied research in molecular biology and biotechnology and the development of new technologies for applications in health, agriculture, industry, and environmental protection. It also offers training courses, workshops, and conferences for scientists from developing countries, fellowships, and research grants.
ICGEB strongly focuses on collaborative research and partnerships with other institutions, including universities, research organizations, and industry. Its mission is to use the latest advances in biotechnology to contribute to the sustainable development of countries worldwide, particularly those in the developing world.
Programs Offered
ICGEB offers a variety of programs in the fields of molecular biology and biotechnology. Some of these programs include:
- Research: ICGEB researches various areas, including molecular medicine, plant biology, microbial biotechnology, and structural biology.
- Training: ICGEB offers training courses, workshops, and seminars for scientists, technicians, and students from developing countries. These programs cover various topics, such as advanced molecular biology techniques, bioinformatics, and bioprocessing.
- Fellowships: ICGEB offers postdoctoral fellowships for scientists who want to research at one of its three locations. These fellowships are open to scientists from developing countries and cover travel, living expenses, and a stipend.
- Grants: ICGEB offers research grants to support research projects in molecular biology and biotechnology. These grants are available to scientists from developing countries and can be used for research expenses such as equipment, supplies, and travel.
- Meetings and conferences: ICGEB organizes seminars and conferences on various molecular biology and biotechnology topics. These events bring together scientists worldwide to discuss the latest research findings and advances in the field.
Overall, ICGEB's programs aim to promote the use of biotechnology to benefit developing countries and improve the well-being and health of people worldwide.
Disciplines covered by ICGEB
ICGEB covers a broad range of disciplines in molecular biology and biotechnology, including:
- Molecular Medicine: ICGEB is actively researching the genetics and molecular mechanisms of diseases such as cancer, tuberculosis, and HIV/AIDS.
- Plant Biology: ICGEB studies the molecular biology of plant development and biotechnology approaches for improving crop yields and disease resistance.
- Microbial Biotechnology: ICGEB researches the genetics and biotechnology of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses. This includes applications in bioremediation, industrial biotechnology, and vaccine development.
- Structural Biology: ICGEB uses cutting-edge techniques to study the structures of biological molecules, such as proteins and nucleic acids. This research can lead to a better understanding of molecular interactions and the development of new therapies.
- Bioprocessing: ICGEB develops new bioprocessing technologies for producing biopharmaceuticals, enzymes, and other biologically active molecules.
- Bioinformatics: ICGEB is involved in developing and applying bioinformatics tools and databases for analyzing and interpreting large biological datasets.
Overall, ICGEB's research and training programs cover a wide range of molecular biology and biotechnology disciplines, aiming to advance knowledge and develop new technologies for humanity's benefit.