The Institute primarily conducts basic research in plant biology, namely in plant genetics, physiology and biotechnology. IEB is also involved in applied research. In plant genetics, the projects are focused on molecular genetics of pollen and on plant functional genomics. Physiological investigations include hormonal and ecological control of plant growth and development, mechanisms of transport and action of growth regulators, physiology of plant viruses, and plant pathophysiology. Biotechnological topics include design and preparation of edible vaccines from plants and mechanisms of phytoremediation.