The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) was established as a special project initiated by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). Its primary objective is to support the establishment of biotechnology infrastructure in developing countries and to enhance their international interactions in the field of biotechnology.
The process of signing the agreement for the establishment of ICGEB was initiated in 1983 as a result of efforts carried out under the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). The agreement entered into force in 1994, following its ratification by 35 countries. Currently, ICGEB has 66 member countries. The organization’s headquarters is located in Trieste, Italy.
ICGEB contributes to advanced scientific studies in life sciences through 44 research laboratories located in Italy (Trieste), India (New Delhi), and South Africa, with over 600 employees. At the same time, the organization is striving to strengthen its impact through Affiliated Centres established in its 66 full member countries, as well as through the newly introduced Regional Research Centres project.
Türkiye became a member of ICGEB in 1989 through an intergovernmental agreement. The purpose of this membership is to enable Turkish researchers working in the fields of molecular biology, genetic engineering, health sciences, biomedical sciences, and agricultural biotechnology to benefit from ICGEB’s knowledge and technologies in these areas, and to contribute to the increase of international cooperation in the topics covered by ICGEB’s activities.
Since 1989, the TÜBİTAK Marmara Research Centre, Vice Presidency of Life Sciences, has been serving as the ICGEB Affiliated Centre and as the National Liaison Office for Türkiye.
The ICGEB programmes available to Turkish researchers include:
PhD Fellowships;
Postdoctoral Fellowships;
Collaborative Research Projects;
Return Grants, and Support for the Organization of Courses, Meetings, and Workshops.
Further information about the organization is available at https://www.icgeb.org/