Laboratory of Ecological Genetics and Biotechnology
Laboratory of Applied Genomics
Laboratory of Plant Cytogenomics
Laboratory of Molecular Genetics
Laboratory of Molecular Bases for Genome Stability
Laboratory of Cytoplasmic Heredity
National Coordination Biosafety Centre
National Coordination Centre on Access to Genetic Resources and Benefit-Sharing
(ABS NCC)
Republican DNA Bank of a Human, Plants, Animals, Microorganisms
The Shareable Core Facilities “GENOME”
About the Institute
The Institute of Genetics and Cytology of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus was established in 1965. The founder and the first director of the Institute was Nikolai V. Turbin, an outstanding geneticist, the Academician of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus and of the Russian Academy of Agricultural Sciences, the Honored Scientist of the Byelorussian SSR and the laureate of the State Award of the Byelorussian SSR. At different times, outstanding geneticists worked at the Institute: A.P. Zhebrak and P.F. Rokitsky, the Academicians of the Academy of Sciences of the Byelorussian SSR; A.N. Ipatiev, the Corresponding Member of the Academy of Sciences of the Byelorussian SSR.
Over the years of its existence, the Institute has made a significant contribution to the solution of a number of fundamental and applied genetic issues. It rightfully has the fame of one of the recognized centers of the former Soviet Union in the theory of heterosis, quantitative genetics and ecological genetics (activity under the direction of Academician N.V. Turbin, Academician L.V. Khotyleva, and Academician A.V. Kilchevsky); and mathematical genetics (activity under the direction of Academician P.F. Rokitsky). The activity in the field of experimental polyploidy of agricultural plants and cytogenetics of distant hybrids, led under the direction of Corresponding Member V.E. Bormotov, received the widespread recognition of the scientific community. The staff members of the Institute were among the first who started to comprehensively investigate the interaction between nuclear and cytoplasmic genetic systems (under the direction of A.N. Palilova, D.Sc. in Biology; Corresponding Member O.G. Davydenko etc.), and develop a problem of the genetic transformation of plants (under the direction of Academician N.A. Kartel). For over 30 years, oncogenetics and mutagenesis study was carried out at the Institute.
Outstanding achievements of the Institute’s staff members were marked with the State Awards of the Byelorussian SSR and the Republic of Belarus (1974, 1984 and 2002); Lenin Komsomol Prize of the Byelorussian SSR (1990); the Awards of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus (1993, 1999, 2001,2003, and 2011); and the Academician V. A. Koptyuga Award (2007).
Directions of activity:
- Study of the structural and functional organization of plant, animal, microorganism and human genomes;
- Development of problems in the area of genetic and cell engineering;
- Development of genomic biotechnology for agriculture, medicine, sports and environmental protection;
- Study of biosafety, conservation of genetic resources and their use monitoring related issues;
- Study of the genome and microbiome interaction;
- Bioinformatics
News
January 22, 2026
New Film About the Institute of Genetics and Cytology
The film highlights the multifaceted activities of the Institute of Genetics and Cytology of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus, a state scientific institution with a rich history. It covers key areas of research in plant, animal, human, and microbial genetics, as well as genomic biotechnologies and biosafety.
Particular emphasis is placed on practical results, including scientific developments and the range of services offered by the Institute to both individuals and legal entities.
January 20, 2026
The National Academy of Sciences of Belarus has officially launched the elimination rounds for the finals of the republican youth project “100 Ideas for Belarus.”
The competition kicked off in October 2025. Forty-eight NAS projects have reached the elimination round, and only twenty will advance to the finals.
Elizaveta Drozd, a junior researcher of the Laboratory of Ecological Genetics and Biotechnology, the Institute of Genetics and Cytology, has presented her work “Creating Tomatoes with High Antioxidant Properties” for the contest .
January 19, 2026
Discussion on Genetic Passports and Family Planning
On January 19, 2026, Maxim Amelyanovich, Head of the Human Genetics Laboratory at the Institute of Genetics and Cytology, took part in a dialogue platform organized by the «Guild of Fathers» at the Hotel Minsk. The discussion focused on creating a supportive environment for the traditional Belarusian family.
During the event, the association proposed several measures to strengthen the family institution, specifically suggesting the inclusion of a mandatory genetic passport in family planning programs. 🧬 Such passports enable the early detection of predispositions to a range of diseases, which is crucial for enhancing the quality of medical prevention and healthcare.
