The Institute of Biotechnology (BI) is a dynamic unit with the mission to advance fundamental discoveries in biosciences for the benefit of people and the environment. BI operates in a wide scientific landscape from plants and microbes to seals and molecular pathogenesis and treatment of human diseases and developes cutting-edge life science research infrastructures.
The Institute of Biotechnology operates at the highest international level and its researchers have been very successful in obtaining for example ERC grants and Academy of Finland Center of Excellence funding. Research in BI spans from fundamental research to applied biotechnology and includes cytoskeletal and membrane dynamics; morphogenesis, stem cells and regeneration; plant, animal, microbial genomics and evolution; and structure and function of membrane protein complexes.
BI has pioneered the development of Finland’s life science research infrastructures and currently houses core facilities for biological imaging, proteomics, protein crystallization, cryogenic electron microscopy (cryo-EM), NMR, genomics and bioinformatics.
The research findings are actively applied for the benefit of society through valorisation of innovations and spinout companies. Several success stories including Herantis Pharma Ltd and Mobidiag Ltd originate from the Institute.