Institute
Laboratory of Ecological Genetics and BiotechnologyEducation
Councils
Scientific activity
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).
Scientific Directions
We are the leading research institution of the Republic in the field of genetics, genomics and biotechnology. Our Institute is involved in research and development of innovative approaches in the field of biological sciences with a focus on genetics, genomics and biotechnology. We strive for excellence in scientific research, collaboration with leading scientists and organizations, as well as producing new knowledge and developing of technologies that can lead to breakthroughs in the field of genetics, genomics and biotechnology. Our mission is to expand our understanding of living systems, their functions and relationships and to use this knowledge to design new techniques for diagnostics, therapy and improvement of people’s lives.
News
6th International Scientific Conference “Genetics & Biotechnology of the 21st Century: Challenges, Achievements and Prospects”
Dear Colleagues,
We are happy to invite you to take part in the work of the 6th International Scientific Conference “Genetics & Biotechnology of the 21st Century: Challenges, Achievements and Prospects” (timed to the 60th Anniversary of the establishment of the Institute of Genetics and Cytology, NAS of Belarus).
All information about the conference, including registration and news, is available on the official event website.
Quality Management System Performance Analysis
On Aril 9, the Institute of Genetics and Cytology held a meeting of the Quality Management Board of the Institute. The issues related to the 2024 Quality Management System (QMS) Performance Analysis were considered; draft Goals in the field of quality management and the 2025 QMS Improvement Plan of the Institute of Genetics and Cytology, NAS of Belarus, were presented.
Quality Management System (QMS) Performance Analysis Reports will be presented at the meeting of the Scientific Board of the Institute of Genetics and Cytology, NAS of Belarus.
Laboratory Practicals on the Course “Cell Biopolymers & Their Analysis Techniques”
On April 8, the Institute of Genetics and Cytology held laboratory practicals on the course “Cell Biopolymers & Their Analysis Techniques” for second-year students of the Faculty of Biology, the Belarusian State University, as part of the activities of the branch of the Molecular Biology Department. During the training class, Anna Shchayuk, a Senior Research Scientist and an Associate Professor, acquainted the students with the activities of the Institute’s research laboratories. The students visited the Republican Center for Genomic Biotechnology, the Republican DNA Bank and the Shareable Core Facilities GENOME where they studied the stages of sample preparation for PCR, RT-PCR and high-throughput sequencing. Young scientists of the National Coordination Biosafety Centre (NCBC) spoke about the methods used for determining genetically modified ingredients in raw materials, feedstuffs and food products.
