The National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB) was established in 1989 under the supervision of the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology. Since then, NIGEB has been given a mandate to undertake original, state-of-the-art research activities. It was established with dual purposes of promoting research in avant-garde areas of biological sciences and biotechnology as well as providing advanced training and educational programs for scientists and students from other universities and academic institutions. The activities of NIGEB are being conducted by three sub-institutes heading nine departments. Institute of Agricultural Biotechnology (IAB) runs the departments of Plant Bioproducts, Plant Molecular Biotechnology, and Animal Biotechnology, the Institute of Industrial and Environmental Biotechnology (IIEB) manages the departments of Bioprocess Engineering, Systems Biotechnology as well as Energy and Environmental Biotechnology. And the Institute of Medical Biotechnology (IMB) conducts the departments of Medical Genetics, Stem Cell, and Molecular Medicine. Each institute or department is dedicated to a highly innovative and pioneering investigation in the different fields of biotechnology. NIGEB is located in Tehran in a unique complex of buildings designed and equipped for studies on various biotechnology fields. The town of 'Chitgar', 17 km northwest of Tehran, houses the institute’s new main campus with numerous laboratories and facilities as well as a modern pilot plant for exploring the production of new Biotherapeutics. Researchers of universities and research centers from inside the country and around the globe are cooperating with NIGEB through shared research projects and applied educational courses. The time preceding the foundation of this institute coincides with the impetuous growth of the biotechnology and extensive spreading of the concepts and methods of genetic engineering in Iran. At the turning point in terms of globalization, biotechnology acts as a phase of evolution. Accordingly, research at NIGEB is linked directly to the science development. However, a balance between technical advancement and harmony with humanity and environment is of utmost importance. In other words, the coupling of scientific technology with ethics and morality is necessary; thus, we at NIGEB are sincere in our acknowledgement toward it. Furthermore, education and research generally have been carried out individually by our universities so far, but we must acknowledge that presently, we live in an interactive world society. Looking squarely at current needs and realities, NIGEB is determined to contribute to the well-being of the country community by working to transmit the intellectual wisdom of human society, helping to create a safe global environment, and contributing knowledge and expertise that will be of use to future generations. Research in advanced areas of science and technology must be built on a foundation of unique ideas, and it is only when such ideas lead to innovations and discoveries of exemplary ingenuity that research can be said to yield truly fruitful results. The purpose of this home page is publicizing NIGEB research and educational goals. We hope that it will deepen people understanding of these aims and open up new possibilities for future academic collaborations. NIGEB has now the potential to become an internationally recognized academic center with a high reputation. The faculty, staff and students of NIGEB are making continuous efforts for developing, striving for renovation and perfection and although still faced with numerous problems, never ceases in its search. Objectives of NIGEB