IZMIR BIYOTIP VE GENOM MERKEZI

Their core work

Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center (IBG) is a Turkish research centre focused on genomics, rare diseases, and molecular biology. Their work spans from fundamental research on cell death mechanisms and immune system signalling to applied biomedical technologies like endoscopic laser ablation devices. Most significantly, they are building institutional capacity in rare disease research through large-scale EU-funded programmes, combining expertise in gene regulation, epigenetics, and mouse genetics to study genetic disorders at the molecular level.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

IBG's early H2020 work (2018-2019) centred on fundamental immunology — specifically death receptor signalling, Fas ligand/TRAIL pathways, and natural killer cell biology. By 2020, their focus shifted decisively toward genomics infrastructure: gene regulation, epigenetics, mouse genetics, and chromatin biology, anchored by the large RareBoost capacity-building grant. This evolution signals a move from participating in others' immunology projects to leading their own genomics-centred research agenda.

IBG is investing heavily in becoming a regional hub for rare disease and genomics research, with institutional capacity building suggesting they aim to attract more international collaborations in this space.

How they like to work

IBG acts primarily as a project leader — they coordinated 2 of their 3 H2020 projects, including the largest one (RareBoost at EUR 2.5M). With only 8 unique partners across 5 countries, their consortium network is still small and developing. The dominance of MSCA and CSA funding schemes suggests they are in a growth phase, using EU instruments specifically designed to build research capacity and international mobility.

IBG has collaborated with 8 unique partners across 5 countries — a modest but developing network. Their partnerships span European research institutions, consistent with MSCA mobility and Widening Participation programmes designed to connect newer centres with established ones.

What sets them apart

IBG is one of Turkey's dedicated biomedicine and genome research centres, positioned at the intersection of genomics, epigenetics, and rare diseases. Their EUR 2.5M RareBoost grant — a Widening Participation project running until 2027 — signals EU recognition of their potential as a growing research hub. For consortium builders, they offer access to Turkish clinical populations and a genomics infrastructure that is actively scaling up.

Highlights from their portfolio

• RareBoost
  Largest project (EUR 2.5M, running to 2027), a Widening Participation grant specifically designed to build IBG's rare disease research capacity — signals strong institutional commitment and EU investment in their growth.
• CLEAN
  Coordinated biomedical device project developing a laser ablation endoscopy capsule, demonstrating applied technology capability beyond their core genomics work.
• DISCOVER
  Their entry into H2020 as a participant in tumour immunology research on death receptor signalling, establishing their credentials in molecular biology.