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
Exhibition at the Minsk International Exhibition Center
The National Academy of Sciences of Belarus will take part in the exhibition timed to mark the 80th anniversary of the Victory of the Soviet people in the Great Patriotic War. The Institute of Genetics and Cytology will present its developments at the collective stand of the NAS of Belarus.
The exhibition will be held at the Minsk International Exhibition Center (MIEC).
Exhibition opening hours:
May 8, 2025 ― from 2pm to 8pm
May 9-11, 2025 ― from 11am to 8pm
A temporary exposition “Road to Victory” will be presented in MIEC exhibition halls in the framework of which visitors will be able to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of events associated with the Feat of Soviet soldiers during the Great Patriotic War.
The exhibition is based on the museum items and scientific and auxiliary materials from the collections of the Belarusian State Museum of the History of the Great Patriotic War.
PLEASE NOTE! The exhibition opening hours may change. When planning a visit to the exhibition, please check the opening hours on the MIEC website (belexpo.bel).
International DNA Day
Every year on April 25, the world celebrates the International DNA Day – a remarkable date designed to emphasize the importance of genetics and scientific achievements made in this field.
The discovery of the DNA double helix was a revolutionary event comparable in significance to the invention of electricity or the telephone.
Thanks to the deciphering of the genetic code, humanity has gained the opportunity to determine genetic risks and predispositions to various diseases, create new drugs and develop genetic engineering technologies.
As part of the International DNA Day, the Institute of Genetics and Cytology will hold the following events: doors open days and excursions for students and young scientists of the Department of Biological Sciences. This is a unique opportunity to get to know the amazing world of genetics better, learn more about the complex processes occurring in our cells and understand the importance of scientific research in this area.
On the occasion of the International DNA Day, April 25, we invite you to immerse yourself in the fascinating world of genetics!
