Since its foundation IMBB is regularly (about every three years) evaluated by an independent advisory board (SAC). Members of SAC are internationally recognized as outstanding scientists in the biological scientists. Current members are Spyros Artavanis-Tsakonas, Harvard Medical School, Miltos Tsiantis, Max Planck Institute for Plant Breeding Research, David Van Vactor, Harvard Medical School, Tomas Kirchhausen, Boston Children’s Hospital, Daniel Louvard, Institut Curie, Irene Papatheodorou, Earlham Institute, Patricia Gaspar, Paris Brain Institute, French National Centre for Scientific Research, Angeliki Louvi, Yale School of Medicine, and Nikos Hatzakis, University of Copenhagen. During their visit the IMBB Director presented his vision for the IMBB, and all group leaders discussed their research directions. Furthermore, students and post-docs had the opportunity to meet with SAC. After the visit SAC will provide a comprehensive report on strengths and weaknesses of the Institute which will be of great value for future planning at IMBB.