Scientific expertise & excellence

Unique National Hub in Chemical Biology

The Institute of Chemical Biology (ICB) acts as a focal point of Excellence, through an interdisciplinary approach in the area of Drug Discovery and Chemical Biology.

ICB fosters a strong culture of collaboration and openness,  establishing robust partnerships with academic and research institutions. Its location (surrounded by hospitals and university clinics accounting for over 50% of Greece’s hospital capacity) provides unique access to clinical environments and enhances translational research efforts.

ICB is the only Institute in Greece employing an integrated and multidisciplinary approach for disease prevention and treatment combining state-of-the-art biological research (biological target identification, biological evaluation of bioactive agents, biomarker discovery) with synthetic and medicinal chemistry, molecular analysis and structural biology (rational drug design and synthesis of bioactive compounds – potential drugs) as well as nanobiotechnology (development and characterization of biocompatible carriers of biomolecules).

Excellence Objectives

The individual Excellence objectives of ICB include:

1. Discovery and development of targeted bioactive compounds, smart probes and theranostics for disease prevention, treatment and diagnosis and for healthspan.
2. Identification and validation of disease- and Drug-related biomarkers using modern holistic approaches.
3. Basic research to unravel the molecular mechanisms involved in physiological and pathological conditions.
4. (Nano) Biotechnology, Synthetic Biology and Green Chemistry for the production of high added value products with applications in food, nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and chemicals.
5. Promotion of translational research through closer collaboration with clinical scientists.
6. Consolidation of the activities of ICB in the education of young scientists and promotion of the diffusion of scientific knowledge to the society.
7. Strengthening of partnerships with the private sector, transfer of know-how and provision of specialized research services to the public and private sector.
8. Exploitation of research results through patents and creation of spin-off and start-up companies.