INSTITUTO DE BIOLOGIA MOLECULAR E CELULAR-IBMC

Their core work

IBMC is a leading Portuguese research centre in Porto specializing in molecular and cell biology, with deep strengths in cell division mechanisms, neuroscience, pain biology, and immunology. They conduct fundamental research on how cells divide and how chromosomes separate — work directly relevant to understanding cancer and genetic disorders. In recent years, they have pivoted toward building research excellence hubs in neurobiology and immunology, positioning Porto as a European centre for these disciplines. They also contribute to pan-European research infrastructures in chemical biology and bioimaging.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In 2015–2018, IBMC focused heavily on fundamental cell biology — thymic epithelium progenitors (TEC_Pro), actomyosin contractility (ACTOMYO), mitotic fidelity (CODECHECK), and pancreatic gene regulation (ZPR). These were classic ERC-funded basic science projects led by individual PIs. From 2019 onward, the centre shifted decisively toward institution-building: large Widening Participation grants in neuroscience (NCBio, NEUROTWIN), immunology (ImmunoHUB), and aging biology (PhasAGE), all designed to elevate Porto as a European research hub. The transition signals a maturing institute moving from individual PI excellence to strategic institutional capacity.

IBMC is investing heavily in becoming a European hub for neurobiology and immunology, making them an increasingly attractive partner for large-scale brain science and immune-oncology consortia.

How they like to work

IBMC leads more often than it follows — 10 of 19 projects as coordinator, including their largest grants. Their early projects were small, PI-driven ERC grants with no or few partners, while recent projects involve broader consortia (133 unique partners across 28 countries). This dual pattern means they can operate both as independent scientific leaders and as collaborative hub-builders, making them flexible partners who can take on coordination responsibility when needed.

With 133 unique consortium partners across 28 countries, IBMC has built a broad European network. Their recent Widening Participation projects specifically connect them to institutions across Southern, Central, and Eastern Europe, including twinning with Ukraine (NEUROTWIN).

What sets them apart

IBMC stands out as a Portuguese research centre that has successfully combined individual scientific excellence (multiple ERC grants in cell biology) with strategic institutional growth through Widening Participation funding. Few institutes in Southern Europe have managed this dual track so effectively — they attract top PI talent while simultaneously building institution-wide capacity in neuroscience and immunology. For potential partners, this means access to both deep fundamental biology expertise and a growing, well-funded infrastructure in Porto.

Highlights from their portfolio

• NCBio
  Their largest grant (EUR 2.48M) and a flagship Widening Participation project to establish Porto as a European neurobiology centre through 2026.
• CODECHECK
  Long-running ERC grant (EUR 2.32M, 2016–2023) on mitotic fidelity and the tubulin code — their most sustained fundamental research effort.
• ImmunoHUB
  EUR 2.48M coordination grant to build an immunology hub of excellence aligned with ERA priorities — signals IBMC's strategic ambition.