The ICGEB vision is Science for Development; to be the leading intergovernmental organisation for research, training and technology transfer in Life Sciences and Biotechnology. Our Mission is to combine scientific research with capacity enhancement to promote sustainable global development.
We are dedicated to advanced research and training in molecular biology and biotechnology, advancing knowledge by applying the latest techniques in the fields of biomedicine, crop improvement, environmental protection and remediation, biopharmaceuticals, biopesticides, and biofuel production.
ICGEB runs state-of-the-art laboratories in Trieste, Italy, New Delhi, India and Cape Town, South Africa and forms an interactive network with almost 70 Member States.
It holds a key role in Biotechnology, promoting Research excellence, training, and Technology Transfer to industry, contributing in concrete terms to sustainable global development. Its operations are aligned with those of the United Nations Common System.
The ICGEB Board of Governors comprises a representative from each Member State and meets once a year. The Council of Scientific Advisers includes Nobel laureates, who support scientific activities and make recommendations to the Board.
Approximately 1,000 people from over 40 countries work at the ICGEB. The majority are scientific personnel, including research scientists, postdoctoral fellows, PhD students, and research technicians.
History
- 1983 – The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology is launched with the signing of its Statutes (the international treaty sanctioning its existence, deposited with the
Secretary General of the United Nations) by 26 countries during a Plenipotentiary Meeting held in Madrid, by the visionaries who recognised the need for developing and applying peaceful uses of genetic engineering and biotechnology for the benefit of mankind. - 1984 – Representatives of the Signatory Countries meet in Vienna, Austria and determine ICGEB’s structure across two Components, one located in Trieste, Italy (also the Headquarters), and one in New Delhi, India, as well as a network of Affiliated Centres.
- 1987 – Pending the entry into force of the Statutes, ICGEB starts operations as a special programme of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO). Implementation of the programme is made possible through funds provided by the Host Governments of Italy and India.
- 1987 – Arturo Falaschi is appointed Head of Trieste Component, and on November 25, the first experiment is performed on the premises.
- 1994 – The Statutes of the Centre enter into force on 3 February, establishing it as an independent, international
organisation . - 2007 – A Third Component of the ICGEB is established in Cape Town, South Africa.
- The story continues, with ICGEB counting well over 65 Member States, and burgeoning Regional Research Centres across the globe.
