Organization Description

CIAB is dedicated to fundamental and applied research in Cell Biology and its relation to Biomedicine and Biotechnology, studying challenging issues such as membrane transport, signaling and control of gene activity in development, cancer, alcoholism, as well as in infectious and degenerative diseases.

The Center is developing a strong relationship with health and pharmaceutical industries, as well as with government organizations to improve human health. Its scientists carry out interdisciplinary studies on important cellular functions in normal and diseased cells using leading edge cellular and molecular techniques.

Specifically, CIAB is examining several membrane proteins that function as transporters or receptors that receive external signals and translate them into physiological responses. Also studying intracellular regulation, as well as second messengers in normal and diseased stages in addition to the molecular and genetic basis of neurodegenerative disases. CIAB will put a significant effort into the study of several genes that regulate the expression of some of these proteins.

In addition to performing internationally recognized leading edge research, the Center will serve the Chilean community through outcomes such as improved postgraduate education, social benefit to Chileans (i.e., improved education and health), and finding solutions to major biomedical and biotechnological problems of Chile.

Strategic Direction

CIAB main strategy is to:
• Develop first-rate internationally recognized Cellular and Molecular Biology Research.
• Develop innovative under and post-graduate education, as well as medical personnel specialization.
• Participate in the nascent Chilean biotechnology industry providing scientific, administrative and regulatory “know-how”.
• Improve human health through diffusion of knowledge acquired by research on high prevalent diseases.
• Improve education by providing quality training to high school teachers and students

Intellectual Property Protection

CIAB is working with intra- and extramural agencies to provide timely and optimal IP protection. Its researchers are in periodic communication with patent lawyers to provide maximum protection, exploring licensing as a main resource for economical growth.

The Center’s researchers have been granted a number of patents in Chile and overseas. In addition, they have gained several national contests for new patent applications.

Markets and Competitive Position

At the present moment, the Center is strongly positioned as a basic research institution. Its scientists have gained national and international research funds. Also, its students of pre and postgraduate programs in biological sciences have gained national and international prizes for their scientific work.