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
September 12, 2025
Internship for Colleagues from the Republic of Uzbekistan
The Institute of Genetics and Cytology has launched an internship for colleagues from the Scientific Research Institute of Breeding, Seed Production and Cotton Growing Agrotechnology (the Republic of Uzbekistan).
Matyakubov Sukhrobbek and Sodikova Ozodakhon have started mastering one of the basic tools of modern molecular biology — the CTAB DNA extraction technique. The technique is valued for its versatility, simplicity and cost-effectiveness, which makes it indispensable in mass breeding programs. The genetic material obtained using it is of high quality and is ideal for the key stage of genetic research — PCR analysis.
For our colleagues, these are the first steps in the world of molecular genetic technologies, which open up broad prospects for accelerated breeding and introduction of innovations in agriculture. For one month, they will be mastering the entire cycle of molecular genetic research: from DNA isolation to the analysis and interpretation of the data obtained.
We are proud of strengthened scientific cooperation and wish you productive work!
September 11, 2025
Awarding PhD in Biology
On September 10, the Institute’s Scientific Council presented a diploma on awarding PhD in Biology to Elena Lagunovskaya.
A long-awaited and significant event was the result of many years of hard work, in-depth research and boundless devotion to science.
The dissertation “In vitro anther culture and the molecular genetic analysis of doubled haploid lines of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and triticale (× triticosecale Wittm.)» is devoted to the identification of genetic loci associated with responsiveness in in vitro anther culture in wheat and triticale, as well as the molecular genetic analysis of the obtained doubled haploid lines. The work was carried out at the Laboratory of Applied Genomics.
Scientific supervisor, PhD in Biology, Associate Professor Valentina Aleksandrovna Lemesh.
September 10, 2025
3rd Degree Diploma in the Men's Running Event
Today, on 10 September, Head of the Plant Cytogenomics Laboratory, Igor Gordey, PhD in Biology, was an honouree in the grand atmosphere of the Scientific Council’s meeting of the Institute of Genetics and Cytology, NAS of Belarus,.
At 2025 Summer Spartakiad timed to the Year of Improvement, he won a 3rd degree diploma in the men’s running event among the employees of the institutions of NAS of Belarus!
This is not just a sports result, but a bright symbol of the harmonious embodiment of intellect and the strength of mind, an example for young people to follow and pride for all Institute’s staff members.
We sincerely congratulate Igor on his outstanding achievement and wish him new wins, both on the sports tracks and at the forefront of science!
