The Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB) at the Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas (FORTH; http://www.forth.gr/ ) is a non-profit government organisation, monitored by the Greek General Secretariat of Research and Technology. Located on the island of Crete, it is one of 6 Institutes of FORTH, the largest and most prominent research centre in Greece. IMBB is an internationally known and highly competitive research institute, with an outstanding track record, modern infrastructure and a broad range of research, development and educational activities. In a recent evaluation by a committee of foreign experts, it was ranked first among all Greek research institutes. 

Research conducted at the IMBB places emphasis in the elucidation of basic life processes, addressing major issues that concern modern biology and its applications. Our researchers utilize a wide spectrum of model organisms to focus on important, key biological problems including but not limited to: (1) Elucidating the function of molecular machines whose coordinated action is the basis of cellular life, (2) Elucidating the mechanisms of cell-to-cell communication, development, differentiation and ageing, (3) Developing methodologies suitable for solving biological questions, (4) Developing bio-technologies in the areas of functional genomics, bioinformatics, gene discovery, data mining, animal imaging, biosensors, and (5) Studying organisms of social and economic importance. These activities are successfully carried out through the establishment of national and international competitive research networks. IMBB participates in a highly successful joint graduate studies programme together with the Department of Biology and the Medical School of the University of Crete, and attracts excellent students from Greece and abroad. Our international scientific advisory committee, which meets biannually, reviews the progress of the research programs of the Institute and advises for the development of new activities.

Team Lead

Name
Professor Nektarios Tavernarakis – Neurobiology of C. elegans, Neurodegeneration & Necrotic Cell Death, Sensory transduction & Integration, Learning and Memory, Ageing & Energy Metabolism

Members

Name

Alumni

Name
Alumni Dr. Panayiota Poirazi – Computational Neuroscience