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”
The 6th International Scientific Conference “Genetics & Biotechnology of the 21st Century: Challenges, Achievements and Prospects” dedicated to the Institute’s 60th anniversary has finished!
Dear Colleagues,
The Institute expresses its deep gratitude to all participants of the scientific conference. Thanks to your professionalism, insightful presentations and active participation in discussions. The event has become a significant milestone in scientific life and a platform to share knowledge and experience.
We appreciate contributions of all of you to the advancement of science, and no doubt our joint efforts will facilitate new discoveries, strengthened collaboration and promising projects.
Thank you for your support, interest and engagement!
We look forward to continued fruitful collaboration and meeting you at future scientific events.
Photos: November 17, November 18
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 15, 2026
On January 14-15, the Institute of Genetics and Cytology, NAS of Belarus, had the certification audit of the Institute conducted by audit experts of the Republican Institute of Higher School I. Mikhailyuk and A. Kirievsky for conformity with the STB ISO 9001-2015. Full conformity of the Institute’s Quality Management System with the requirements for standards was confirmed and its high efficiency was noted. Congratulations to the Institute’s staff and Larisa Konyushkevich, Lead Specialist of the Science and Innovation Department dealing with the matters in the field of quality management system, for professionalism and certification audit support!
January 13, 2026
The Institute of Genetics and Cytology develops perspective projects within the framework of the Union State. Director of the Institute Lyudmila Makarina-Kibak in her interview to The Union State Journal announced the project on the diagnostics and treatment of orphan diseases awaiting approval in 2026. The project will reduce the risk of fatalities among patients.
Also, the DNA Identification-2 programme, aiming to combat economic crime, poaching, and food adulteration, is at its approval stage. Scientists are also developing a biosafety system to monitor GMOs in ecosystems.
The 1-st DNA Identification programme results are already applied in forensics and medicine.
Lyudmila Makarina-Kibak noted the importance of young scientists to be involved:
It would be advantageous to develop a union academic mobility programme making it possible for young scientists to undergo training and internships at specialized institutes of a Partner country on a competitive basis and with subsequent involvement in joint projects.
January 12, 2026
Access to genetic resources: amendments
On March 9, 2025, the Law “On Genetic Resources Management” establishing procedures for access to genetic resources and/or associated traditional knowledge entered into force.
The National Coordination Centre on Access to Genetic Resources and Benefit-Sharing (ABS NCC) is responsible for providing access to genetic resources and changing access terms.
Since February 9, 2026, the ABS NCC provides services on a paid basis pursuant to the Decree of the President of the Republic of Belarus of January 9, 2026, No. 5:
- Obtaining access to genetic resources – 2 base amounts;
- Changing genetic resources access terms – 1 base amount.
It is recommended that these costs should be taken into account when planning international scientific projects, preparing grant applications, and drawing up genetic resources transfer agreements.
