Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences / IOCB Prague

The mission of the Institute is independent basic research (with the purpose to collect new knowledge) in organic chemistry and biochemistry, and molecular oriented disciplines related to organic chemistry and biochemistry, with strong aspects of application of the results in praxis. The research is oriented mainly to the following fields: nucleic acid components, proteins, peptides, natural products, synthetic functional molecules and molecular modeling. The aim of the Institute is to reach excellence in the international competition and to keep this position in the long term.

The principal activity of the IOCB is scientific research in the fields of organic chemistry, biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology, computational chemistry, physico-organic chemistry and biochemistry and in related disciplines, i.e., medicinal chemistry, bioorganic chemistry, bioinorganic chemistry and molecular pharmacology. Research is focused especially on medicinal applications and those aimed at plant and animal protection, the development of new synthetic, biotechnological, analytical and computational procedures, the development of functional molecules, the study of the structure, properties and biological activity of substances, chemistry and biochemistry of peptides, proteins, nucleic acids, natural materials and their components and analogues.

The IOCB creates and maintains selected collections of reference standards for chemical substances and makes them available to the professional public. Within the domains of its scientific activities, the IOCB develops special and unique substances including methods for their preparation or isolation from natural materials and for their analysis and characterisation. It synthesises special chemical substances, prepares pure solvents and solutions for special purposes, develops and uses procedures for regeneration and liquidation of solvents and other chemicals. Within the scope of its scientific research, it performs measurements, analyses and testing of chemical and biological preparates, develops software and is engaged in the development, manufacture, repair and maintenance of unique scientific instruments and equipment.

The IOCB contributes to raising the level of knowledge and education and to utilising the results of scientific research in practice. It acquires, processes and disseminates scientific information and issues scientific publications (monographs, journals, proceedings, etc.). It provides scientific assessments, professional opinions and recommendations, consulting and advisory services, and promotes science popularisation. In cooperation with universities, the IOCB carries out doctoral study programmes and provides training for young scientists. Within the scope of its activity, the IOCB promotes international cooperation, including the organisation of joint research projects with foreign partners, participation in exchange programmes for scientists and the exchange of scientific information, as well as the preparation of joint publications.

The IOCB organises scientific meetings, conferences and seminars at the national and international levels and provides the infrastructure for research including accommodation for its employees and guests. It pursues its aims both independently and in cooperation with universities and other research and professional institutions.

The IOCB has established a long-term cooperation with the American biopharmaceutical company, Gilead Sciences, which deals with research, development, and distribution of novel pharmaceuticals. The institute and the company established a joint research centre on July 13, 2006.