INSTITUTE
OF GENETICS & CYTOLOGY

National Academy of Sciences of Belarus

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.

2nd Meeting of the CIS Cooperation Working Group in the Field of Genetic Technologies

On 15 April, the Institute of Genetics and Cytology, NAS of Belarus, took part in the 2nd meeting, an online format, of the CIS Cooperation Working Group in the Field of Genetic Technologies. The event was held at the National Research Centre “Kurchatov Institute” ― the base organization of CIS member states for the development of “Megascience” class research infrastructure.

The focus of discussions ― development and integration prospects for nature-like technologies. These are approaches that imitate the principles of living nature for the development of sustainable, safe and energy efficient solutions. They are especially relevant in the context of a need for transition to environmentally oriented technologies of the future.

In addition, the meeting agenda included the discussion of issues related to the development of biotechnology and bioenergy, nuclear medicine and targeted radionuclide oncotherapy.

A decision was made to hold the 3rd working group meeting at the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus in the third quarter of 2025.

30th Anniversary Forum “The Healthcare of Belarus 2025”

The Institute of Genetics and Cytology takes part in the 30th Forum “The Healthcare of Belarus 2025” demonstrating scientific developments in the field of medical genetics!

The Forum takes place in Minsk, on April 15-18.

At the Institute’s exposition stand, you can get consultation on genetic laboratory diagnostics issues and discuss the options of collaboration.

Don’t miss a chance to join such a milestone event, share experience with colleagues, make new contacts and find out about the latest achievements in the field of medicine!

At our stand, we will be pleased to see our long-standing partners and everyone interested in the Institute’s developments!

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