I.    Foundation date

Institute of Microbiology and Biotechnology (IMBT) (previously known as Center for Biotechnology), a VNU-associated research institute, was founded on the 24^th of May 2007, by the Act 661 QĐ-TTg of the Vietnam Prime Minister.

IMBT is now one of the leading institutions specialized in research and development, training and technology transferring in the field of microbiology and biotechnology in Vietnam.

II. Missions

- Research and development: conduct fundamental and applied studies in the field of microbiology and biotechnology.

- Training: conduct post-graduate training programs and workshops in microbial biotechnology; complete other training tasks assigned by the President of VNU.

- Offer consultant services in microbiology and biotechnology.

- Trial production and technology transfer in microbiology and biotechnology.

III. Laboratories

Vietnam Type Culture Collection

Enzyme and Protein Lab

Fermentation and Bioproduct development Lab

Fungal Strains and Technology Lab

Microbial Biotechnology R&D Lab

Microalgae and Environmental Biology Lab

Microbial Ecology Lab

IV: Research directions

Conduct fundamental researches in the fields of Microbiology, Molecular Biology, Enzyme and Protein and Fermentation Technology:

- Complete and upgrade Vietnam Type Culture Collection so that its size and capability are comparable to those of other culture collections in Southeast Asia. IMBT is on its way to become a key institution (in Vietnam) that can offer services of taxonomic classification and preservation of microorganisms following world-class standards. Furthermore, IMBT will become a key supplier of microbial gene pools for research institutions and manufacturers in Vietnam.

- Study microbial structures and genetics; and engineer strains to improve their performance.

- Study microbial metabolism as the basis for fermentation technology R&D.

- Screen bioactive compounds from microorganisms.

- Study diversity and ecology of microorganisms with the aim for monitoring and treatment of environmental pollution.

Conduct applied studies and realize technological applications:

- Exploit the results of fundamental researches and modern techniques in applied studies in order to contribute to the establishment of a bio-industry in Vietnam.

- Study fermentation processes for the development of new high-quality bioproducts and technologies from microorganisms, in order to gradually replace imported products used in agri-and aqua-culture and environmental protection.

- Approach, apply and develop high technologies related to enzymes and proteins, gene technology and nanotechnology, for the development of high-quality bioproducts used in medicine.

- Integrate research achievements in microbiology, fermentation technology and molecular biology to create new bioproducts for domestic use as well as export, such as biodegradable plastics, biofuel and valuable biologically-produced solvents.

- Initiate and catalyze the transfer of advanced technologies for the development of bioproducts with high socio-economical values.

V. Research projects (selective):

National research programs

Ministerial, provincial and VNUH projects

International collaboration projects

Education - Training:

Joint Master program between Vietnam and Belgium

IMBT-VNUH organized the Joint Master program in Biotechnology for 2 classes (2008-2010 and 2010-2012). The lectures were given by Professors from University of Liege, Belgium.

Short-term training

With the well-equipped facilities for research on microbiology, biochemistry and molecular biology, IMBT successfully organized training courses on the novel techniques in the fields of microbiology and molecular biology. These training courses were instructed by the international experts, who are involved in the collaborative projects with IMBT.

Workshop on biochemistry and molecular biology techniques

Funded by the International Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Association, Vietnamese Biochemistry Association, together with Department of Biology, University of Education in Hanoi and IMBT-VNUH, organized a workshop entitled "Improvement of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology techniques", 20 – 25/7/2011.

Workshop on classification of useful microorganisms isolated from soil

The workshop "Methods of classification of useful organisms (fungi, bacteria) isolated from soil" was organized on May 24-28, 2010 at IMBT, together with Vietnam Academy of Agricultural Science (VAAS) and Agriculture and Technology project (AST). Trainees are students, researchers, lecturers from university and institute for agriculture.

Workshop on fermentation processes of microorganisms to retrieve biomass

Fermentation and bioproduct development lab, IMBT often organizes workshop on microbial fermentation processes and test product quality for other groups. Trainees learn the theory and perform experiments including preparing strains, fermentation and testing quality, purity and cell density of the products.

International collaboration

Collaboration forms:

International collaboration programs are in the forms of:

- Implementation of R&D projects for exchanging knowledge and methodology.

- Technology transfer.

- Training and staff exchange.

- Short-term training courses andworkshops.

- Long-term training: scientific researchers, Ms., PhDs.

- Holding scientific conferences and meetings in Vietnam.

Collaboration projects:

Collaboration with international culture collections in taxonomic classification and quality control of microbial strains and in studying microbial diversity:

- NBRC (NITE Biological Resource Center), Japan

- Japan Collection of Microorganisms (JCM), Riken, Japan

- Chinese General Microbiological Culture Collection Center (CGMCC), China

Collaboration in developing biotechnology applications in Agriculture, Food Industry and Environment Protection.

University of Liege, Belgium

Collaboration between IMBT, VNUH and University of Liege, Belgium on these following aspects:

- Study on chitosan and chitindeacetylase from microorganisms to modify chitin for plant protection

- Study on lactic acid bacteria to produce lactic acid

University of Osaka, Japan:

Collaboration between IMBT and International Center for Biotechnology, University of Osaka, Japan is under JSPS project. The collaboration focuses on bioactive compounds from microorganisms, especially from bacteria and actinomycetes.

National Institute of Technology and Evaluation (NITE), Japan

Collaboration project “Taxonomic and Ecological Studies of Microorganisms in Vietnam and the Utilization” was established in 2004, including two phases. Phase I (2004-2010) focused on diversity study (especially on fungi and actinomycetes) of Vietnam National forests. Phase II (2011- presence) focuses on the application of microorganisms isolated in Vietnam and stored at VTCC and NITE.

Shibaura Institute of Technology, Japan

Collaboration with International Center for Biotechnology (ICB), Shibaura Institute of Technology (SIT), Japan was established in 2008 with two main projects:

- Isolation of bacteria capable of oxidizing polycyclic aromatic hydocarbon (PAH), including dioxin, and application in environmental detoxification.

- Study on diversity of bacteria capable of oxidizing methane in Vietnam, especially in marine environment, and application in converting methane to methanol or in providing protein source for animal feeds.

Jena University, Germany

Collaboration with Jena University, Germany was established in 2006, focusing on extraction and investigation of bioactive compounds from macro fungi in Vietnam.

Address

Institute of Microbiology and Biotechnology

Building E2- 144 Xuân Thủy, Cầu Giấy, Ha Noi

Telephone: (04) 37547407; Fax: (04) 37547407

Website: http://www.imbt.vnu.edu.vn