NIGEB was established in 1989 under the supervision of the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology. Since then, NIGEB has been given a mandate to undertake original, state-of-the-art research activities. It was established with dual purposes of promoting research in avant-garde areas of biological sciences and biotechnology as well as providing advanced training and educational programs for scientists and students from other universities and academic institutions.
NIGEB is a pivotal hub for advancing the field of biotechnology in Iran, notable for its focus on multidisciplinary collaboration and ethical progress. Impressively, they engage in both basic and applied research across various biotechnology sectors while considering the implications of technological commercialization and socio-economic impacts. NIGEB's commitment to global cooperation and knowledge sharing is essential, particularly in a domain as fast-evolving and globally connected as genetic engineering and biotechnology. Their work not only propels the scientific community within Iran but also makes significant contributions to international efforts addressing complex issues in agriculture, industry, the environment, and health. This reflects a comprehensive approach to research and education in the field.
The activities of NIGEB are being conducted by three sub-institutes heading nine departments. Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology (IAB) runs the departments of Plant Bioproducts, Plant Molecular Biotechnology, and Animal Biotechnology, the Institute of Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology (IIEB) manages the departments of Bioprocess Engineering, Systems Biotechnology as well as Energy and Environmental Biotechnology. And the Institute of Medical Biotechnology (IMB) conducts the departments of Medical Genetics, Stem Cell, and Molecular Medicine. Each institute or department is dedicated to a highly innovative and pioneering investigation in the different fields of biotechnology.