Welcome to the web site of the Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology of the Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas (IMBB-FORTH). IMBB is one of the most prominent life science research institutions in Greece, with an outstanding record of scientific achievements, state of the art infrastructure and a broad range of research, innovation and educational activities. IMBB’s main mission is to pursue cutting-edge research and promote scientific excellence.
Highlights

Artificial neural networks with dendrites: a possible solution for modern, energy-hungry, AI systems
IMBB researchers introduce a new type of artificial neural networks that incorporate characteristics of biological dendrites and can discriminate images accurately and robustly while using much fewer parameters. This new architecture paves the way for more compact and energy-efficient AI systems.

Activity-dependent K+ hotspots selectively boost the dendritic excitability of neurons, acting as 'volume knobs'
An international collaboration between scientists from IMBB, University of Copenhagen in Denmark and University of Bordeaux in France brings forward the novel concept that activity-dependent changes in the extracellular potassium concentration create local dendritic hotspots that transiently and selectively increase dendritic excitability.

Distinct trafficking routes of polarized and non-polarized membrane cargoes in Aspergillus nidulans
In a study published in eLIFE Diallinas team established a genetic system to show the existence of distinct parallel trafficking routes for polarized and non-polarized membrane proteins, initiating early upon exit from the ER and bypassing the Golgi. This work provides a paradigm shift in membrane protein trafficking in polarized eukaryotic cells.

Seed longevity is controlled by metacaspases
IMBB researchers uncover the crucial role of a novel proteolytic pathway with metacaspases in maintaining protein homeostasis and lipid droplet function in seeds, processes which are vital for their longevity. Understanding these molecular mechanisms, could lead to enhanced seed longevity, which is crucial for food security and biodiversity conservation.
News
Lectures in the new field of "Systems Therapeutics Drug Discovery", by Prof. Manolis Dermitzakis and Prof. Nikos Katsanis
February 17. 2025
The Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology (IMBB) of FORTH, is organizing two lectures in the new field of "Systems Therapeutics Drug Discovery", which will be given by Prof. Manolis Dermitzakis and Prof. Nikos Katsanis
INCLUDE Project: Advancing Intersectional Gender Equality in Biomedical Research and Innovation
February 13. 2025
The INCLUDE project launched its initiative to drive intersectional gender equality in the BioMedical Research and Innovation (R&I) sector during its Kick-Off Meeting (KOM) held on January 14-15 in Venice
Nektarios Tavernarakis: The First Greek President of the European Molecular Biology Conference (EMBC)
February 11. 2025
Nektarios Tavernarakis, Professor of the Medical School of the University of Crete and Chair of the Foundation for Research and Technology- Hellas (FORTH), was unanimously elected President of the European Molecular Biology Conference (EMBC)
Artificial Neural Networks with Dendrites: A Solution for Energy-Hungry AI Systems
January 24. 2025
Researchers at FORTH have developed a new type of artificial neural network (ANN) that incorporates features of biological dendrites. This innovative design allows for accurate and robust image recognition
Events
"Systems Therapeutics Drug Discovery"
IMBB Lectures
Prof. Manolis Dermitzakis and Prof. Nikos Katsanis
Date: February 17, 2025 @ 12:00
Location: G. Lianis amphitheater, FORTH central building
Attached file: Poster
"The role of histone demethylase PHF8 in macrophage activation and metabolism"
IMBB Colloquium
Maria DASKALAKI
PostDoctoral Researcher,
Tsatsanis Lab
Date: February 14, 2025 @ 13:00
Location: “Seminar Room 1 "Costas Fotakis”, FORTH’s bldg
"Investigating tick biology for disease prevention and novel biotechnological solutions"
IMBB Colloquium
Michail KOTSYFAKIS
Laboratory of Anthropod Disease Vector Biology
Date: February 21st, 2025 @ 13:00
Location: “Seminar Room 1 "Costas Fotakis”, FORTH’s bldg
"Funding opportunities in the life sciences"
MCTS - EMBO Information Webinar
Date: February 12, 2025 @ 11:00
Location: Online
Platform: link
Attached file: Poster