International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology facts for kids
The International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) is a special organization that helps scientists learn about and use biotechnology. Biotechnology is about using living things, like tiny cells, to make useful products or solve problems. Think of it like using yeast to make bread, but much more advanced!
ICGEB started in 1983 as a project of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). UNIDO is a part of the United Nations that helps countries develop their industries. ICGEB has three main labs where scientists work on over 45 different research projects. These labs are in Trieste, Italy, New Delhi, India, and Cape Town, South Africa.
On February 3, 1994, ICGEB became an independent international organization. This means it can make its own decisions and work directly with countries. Arturo Falaschi was a key leader in this change. Today, more than 65 countries around the world are members of ICGEB.
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What ICGEB Does
ICGEB focuses on several important things to help science and development.
Research and Discovery
Scientists at ICGEB work on many different research projects. They study things like:
- Infectious diseases: These are illnesses that can spread, like the flu or malaria.
- Non-communicable diseases: These are illnesses that don't spread, like cancer or diabetes.
- Medical biotechnology: This involves using biotechnology to create new medicines or ways to treat diseases.
- Industrial biotechnology: This uses biotechnology to make products for industries, like new materials or cleaner energy.
- Plant biotechnology: This focuses on improving plants, for example, making crops grow better or resist diseases.
Learning and Training
ICGEB helps young scientists learn and grow. They offer special programs like:
- PhD Fellowships: These are for students who want to earn a PhD, which is a very high university degree.
- Postdoctoral Fellowships: These are for scientists who have already earned their PhD and want to do more research.
- Scientific Meetings and Courses: ICGEB organizes events where scientists from different countries can share their ideas and learn new skills.
Helping Scientists and Countries
ICGEB also supports scientists in its member countries.
- Grants: They offer money (grants) to scientists for their research projects. This helps them buy equipment and do important experiments.
- Technology Transfer: ICGEB helps move new scientific discoveries from the lab to companies. This way, new ideas can become useful products or services that help people.
ICGEB plays a big role in using science and biotechnology to improve health, agriculture, and industry around the world.
