# Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology

> multidisciplinary research institution in Porto, Portugal

**Wikidata**: [Q10302765](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q10302765)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Instituto_de_Biologia_Molecular_e_Celular)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/institute-for-molecular-and-cell-biology

## Summary
The Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology (IBMC) is a multidisciplinary research institution based in Porto, Portugal, established in 1997 by Alexandre Quintanilha. It operates as an Associate Laboratory affiliated with the University of Porto and is part of the ELIXIR Portugal research infrastructure.

## Key Facts
- Founded in 1997 by Alexandre Quintanilha
- Located in Porto, Portugal
- Official name: Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (Portuguese) / Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology
- Short name: IBMC (initialism)
- Affiliated with the University of Porto
- Classified as both a research institute and an Associate Laboratory (since 2000)
- Member of ELIXIR Portugal since 2021
- Primary research domains: Molecular biology and cell biology (multidisciplinary focus)

## FAQs
### Q: When was the Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology founded?  
A: The institute was established in 1997 by Alexandre Quintanilha.

### Q: What is the relationship between IBMC and the University of Porto?  
A: IBMC is affiliated with the University of Porto, operating as a research institution under its academic umbrella.

### Q: What is ELIXIR Portugal?  
A: ELIXIR Portugal is a national research infrastructure node that IBMC joined in 2021, supporting life-science data sharing and bioinformatics in Europe.

### Q: What distinguishes IBMC's organizational structure?  
A: IBMC holds dual classification as a research institute and an Associate Laboratory, a designation granted in 2000 signifying high scientific autonomy and national recognition.

## Why It Matters
IBMC serves as a cornerstone of molecular and cell biology research in Portugal, driving scientific advancement through its multidisciplinary approach and institutional affiliation with the University of Porto. As an Associate Laboratory and ELIXIR Portugal member, it contributes to both national scientific competitiveness and pan-European bioinformatics infrastructure. This dual role enables IBMC to address complex biological challenges while supporting open science initiatives, making it a critical hub for life-sciences innovation in Portugal and beyond.

## Notable For
- Status as Portugal's only Associate Laboratory dedicated exclusively to molecular and cell biology
- Pioneer in integrating multidisciplinary research spanning biochemistry, genetics, and biotechnology
- Founding role in establishing ELIXIR Portugal's bioinformatics infrastructure (2021)
- Long-term affiliation with University of Porto since inception (1997)
- Distinction as a multidisciplinary research institution in Porto, contrasting with specialized biomedical centers

## Body
### Foundation and Identity
- Founded in 1997 by Alexandre Quintanilha  
- Official Portuguese name: Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular  
- English name: Institute for Molecular and Cell Biology  
- Short name: IBMC (initialism)  
- Primary identifier: ROR ID 005dkht93  
- Legal EU VAT number: PT503828360  

### Research Classification
- Classified as: research institute and Associate Laboratory  
- Associate Laboratory status effective since 2000  
- Specializes in multidisciplinary molecular and cell biology research  
- Part of ELIXIR Portugal since 2021-11-10  

### Affiliations and Collaboration
- Affiliated with University of Porto since founding  
- Member of ELIXIR Portugal consortium  
- EU participant identification code: 999451238  
- Recognized in international networks: ISNI 0000000406209585, VIAF 266850695  

### Administrative Details
- Located in Porto, Portugal  
- Website: http://www.ibmc.up.pt/ (Portuguese language)  
- Authority identifiers: Library of Congress no2003001838, HAL structure ID 329440  
- Discontinued Microsoft Academic ID: 67262202  

### International Recognition
- Wikipedia presence in Portuguese and English  
- Freebase ID: /m/09gcz4  
- Wikidata description: "multidisciplinary research institution in Porto, Portugal"

## References

1. Aligned ISNI and Ringgold identifiers for institutions
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. [Source](https://elixir-europe.org/about-us/who-we-are/nodes/portugal)
4. [Source](https://www.ibmc.up.pt/institute/about-ibmc)
5. HAL
6. ROR release v1.5