INSTYTUT MOLEKULYARNOI BIOLOGII I GENETYKY NAN UKRAINY

Their core work

The Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (IMBG) is a leading Ukrainian research institute specializing in nanomaterials, biosensors, and biomolecular electronics. Their H2020 work spans smart wound-healing materials using chitosan-based nanostructures, development of biosensor devices built on nanomaterial transducers, and wastewater recycling technologies for textile manufacturing. They bridge fundamental molecular biology with applied nanotechnology, translating lab-scale innovations into functional smart devices and environmental solutions.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

All three H2020 projects started in 2020, so a long-term evolution is not visible within Horizon 2020. However, keyword analysis suggests a dual trajectory: early engagement with biomedical nanomaterials (chitosan dressings, Langmuir-Blodgett films) alongside a broader push into biomolecular electronics and environmental applications (biosensors, wastewater recycling). The BIONANOSENS project's inclusion of marketing analysis and SWOT analysis keywords indicates the institute was actively working to build institutional capacity and commercialize its research.

IMBG is moving from fundamental nanomaterial research toward applied sensor devices and industrial environmental solutions, suggesting readiness for closer-to-market collaborations.

How they like to work

IMBG operates mostly as a participant (2 of 3 projects) but has demonstrated coordination capability with BIONANOSENS, their largest project. With 28 unique partners across 19 countries from just 3 projects, they work in large, geographically diverse consortia rather than small focused teams. This broad network for an institute of their size suggests they are well-connected and trusted as a specialist contributor within international research groups.

Remarkably broad network for a 3-project portfolio: 28 unique partners across 19 countries, indicating involvement in large multinational consortia. Their reach extends well beyond Eastern Europe into a genuinely pan-European collaboration footprint.

What sets them apart

IMBG brings deep nanomaterial and molecular biology expertise from Ukraine's leading academy of sciences — a combination that is rare among EU project partners. Their ability to contribute to both biomedical devices (smart dressings, biosensors) and industrial environmental processes (wastewater recycling) makes them a versatile nanotechnology partner. For consortium builders, they offer strong fundamental science capacity at competitive cost, with proven ability to work in large international teams.

Highlights from their portfolio

• BIONANOSENS
  Their only coordinated project and largest funding (EUR 301,448) — a Widening Participation initiative to build a centre of excellence in biomolecular electronics, showing institutional ambition beyond pure research.
• Waste2Fresh
  An Innovation Action (IA) tackling textile wastewater recycling — demonstrates IMBG's ability to contribute to applied industrial solutions, not just fundamental science.
• SWORD
  Combines chitosan chemistry with Langmuir-Blodgett thin-film technology for smart wound dressings — an unusual intersection of materials science and healthcare.