Introduction
The activities of the Institute of Biotechnology are focused on excellent basic research in molecular biology with prospective transfer of biotechnological methods and tools to human and veterinary medicine or other important areas of human activity.The beginnings of the Institute were not easy; most groups were newly established and the Institute had limited financial possibilities to assist their establishment and development. Another limitation was the allotted space. Despite these problems, by honest and intensive scientific work our researchers have shown that they are able to publish a number of good publications in international journals with a solid impact factor every year. The Institute demonstrated not only viability but continuous growth.
Application of R&D results
The Institute activities are also oriented toward transfer of scientific knowledge into practice. In the project "Centre of Molecular Methods for Monitoring Diffuse Pollution of the Environment" (with participation of several biotech companies) we created many prototypes for commercial production and for monitoring of environmental pollution (Laboratory of Reproductive Biology). Research at the Laboratory of Molecular Therapy has been sponsored by private donors, which is a remarkable achievement within the Academy. These funds enable faster transfer of results (anti-cancer agents) to preclinical and clinical trials. The Laboratory of Ligand Engineering filed a patent application presenting a new generation of protein binders usable for development of novel drugs as an alternative to conventional drugs based on neutralizing monoclonal antibodies. The Laboratory of Biological Recognition filed several applications for prototypes (software) to study the structure of proteins. Research in other groups is also directed towards practical applications, mainly to diagnostics.
The Institute activities are also oriented toward transfer of scientific knowledge into practice. In the project "Centre of Molecular Methods for Monitoring Diffuse Pollution of the Environment" (with participation of several biotech companies) we created many prototypes for commercial production and for monitoring of environmental pollution (Laboratory of Reproductive Biology). Research at the Laboratory of Molecular Therapy has been sponsored by private donors, which is a remarkable achievement within the Academy. These funds enable faster transfer of results (anti-cancer agents) to preclinical and clinical trials. The Laboratory of Ligand Engineering filed a patent application presenting a new generation of protein binders usable for development of novel drugs as an alternative to conventional drugs based on neutralizing monoclonal antibodies. The Laboratory of Biological Recognition filed several applications for prototypes (software) to study the structure of proteins. Research in other groups is also directed towards practical applications, mainly to diagnostics.
Academical and international cooperation
Our Institute maintains collaboration with other Institutes of the Academy and Universities, both in grant applications and publication activity. Our study programmes (Bachelor, Master, PhD) are performed in cooperation with the Universities. Six of our scientists lecture at Universities and work in expert committees and scientific councils of faculties.
International cooperation is one of the key factors for work of all our groups and is promoted at all levels at the Institute. Our groups participate in joint projects, bilateral agreements, or simply in solution of a particular scientific problem. We received eminent scientists from abroad and enjoyed their interesting lectures. As well, our institute is open to foreign PhD students.
Our Institute maintains collaboration with other Institutes of the Academy and Universities, both in grant applications and publication activity. Our study programmes (Bachelor, Master, PhD) are performed in cooperation with the Universities. Six of our scientists lecture at Universities and work in expert committees and scientific councils of faculties.
International cooperation is one of the key factors for work of all our groups and is promoted at all levels at the Institute. Our groups participate in joint projects, bilateral agreements, or simply in solution of a particular scientific problem. We received eminent scientists from abroad and enjoyed their interesting lectures. As well, our institute is open to foreign PhD students.
Journal publishing
The international journal ‘Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology’ (RB & E) is issued under the auspices of our Institute. RB & E represents a global platform for reproductive and developmental biologists, reproductive endocrinologists, and many others. For more information see: http://www.rbej.com.
The international journal ‘Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology’ (RB & E) is issued under the auspices of our Institute. RB & E represents a global platform for reproductive and developmental biologists, reproductive endocrinologists, and many others. For more information see: http://www.rbej.com.
Significant awards for employees
The good standing of our Institute has been confirmed by honours awarded to our researchers. Cyril Bařinka obtained the prestigious five-year J.E. Purkynje Fellowship and EMBO grant in 2010. Jaroslav Truksa was awarded by the Kellner Foundation (2012). In 2009, Jana Pěknicová received a medal acknowledging her work in the ICCIR and Development of Reproductive Immunology. Several researchers were acknowledged for the best publication in their field of study or for the best presentation at symposia.
Scientists from our Institute are also active in popularizing scientific results, by giving lectures and participating in the “Week of Science” and ”Open-Door Days” organized by the Academy, as well as by appearances on TV and in printed media.
The good standing of our Institute has been confirmed by honours awarded to our researchers. Cyril Bařinka obtained the prestigious five-year J.E. Purkynje Fellowship and EMBO grant in 2010. Jaroslav Truksa was awarded by the Kellner Foundation (2012). In 2009, Jana Pěknicová received a medal acknowledging her work in the ICCIR and Development of Reproductive Immunology. Several researchers were acknowledged for the best publication in their field of study or for the best presentation at symposia.
Scientists from our Institute are also active in popularizing scientific results, by giving lectures and participating in the “Week of Science” and ”Open-Door Days” organized by the Academy, as well as by appearances on TV and in printed media.
IBT future
Another significant activity of the Institute, playing a crucial role in its further development, is involvement in the project BIOCEV within the framework of the Research and Development for Innovation Programme of the Ministry of Education of the Czech Republic (www.biocev.eu). The Institute of Biotechnology, along with five institutes of the Academy of Sciences (Institute of Molecular Genetics, Institute of Microbiology, Institute of Physiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine and Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry) and two faculties of Charles University in Prague (Faculty of Science and First Faculty of Medicine) participated in the preparation and implementation of the project. The Institute is involved in two of the five BIOCEV programmes - WP 3 (Structural Biology and Protein Engineering) and WP 5 (Development of Therapeutic and Diagnostic Procedures).
Research and development of novel biotechnologies by a young emerging institute with high scientific potential, in collaboration with long-established and experienced research institutions, could bring great benefits to society, particularly concerning the socio-economical impacts on various areas of population health.
The Institute of Biotechnology has all the prerequisites for further development, fostering acquisition of ground-breaking knowledge and results, and consequently publications in top scientific journals. As such, the Institute represents an invaluable platform for transfer of highly innovative scientific findings to their practical application.
Prague, June 2013
Jana Pěknicová
Another significant activity of the Institute, playing a crucial role in its further development, is involvement in the project BIOCEV within the framework of the Research and Development for Innovation Programme of the Ministry of Education of the Czech Republic (www.biocev.eu). The Institute of Biotechnology, along with five institutes of the Academy of Sciences (Institute of Molecular Genetics, Institute of Microbiology, Institute of Physiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine and Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry) and two faculties of Charles University in Prague (Faculty of Science and First Faculty of Medicine) participated in the preparation and implementation of the project. The Institute is involved in two of the five BIOCEV programmes - WP 3 (Structural Biology and Protein Engineering) and WP 5 (Development of Therapeutic and Diagnostic Procedures).
Research and development of novel biotechnologies by a young emerging institute with high scientific potential, in collaboration with long-established and experienced research institutions, could bring great benefits to society, particularly concerning the socio-economical impacts on various areas of population health.
The Institute of Biotechnology has all the prerequisites for further development, fostering acquisition of ground-breaking knowledge and results, and consequently publications in top scientific journals. As such, the Institute represents an invaluable platform for transfer of highly innovative scientific findings to their practical application.
Prague, June 2013
Jana Pěknicová
The Institute of Biotechnology is member of: BIOCEV, CzechBIO, The Technology Centre ASCR, BIOCEV z.s.p.o.
