# University of Tartu Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology
**Wikidata**: [Q18625110](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q18625110)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/university-of-tartu-institute-of-molecular-and-cell-biology

## Summary
The University of Tartu Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology is a research institute located in Tartu, Estonia. It serves as a unit within the University of Tartu's Faculty of Science and Technology, dedicating its primary purpose to scientific research. The institute specializes in the interdisciplinary fields of molecular biology, cell biology, and bioinformatics.

## Key Facts
*   **Type:** A research institute whose primary purpose is conducting research.
*   **Parent Organization:** Part of the University of Tartu and its Faculty of Science and Technology.
*   **Location:** Situated in Tartu, Estonia; specifically headquartered at Riia 23.
*   **Fields of Work:** Focuses on molecular biology, cell biology, and bioinformatics.
*   **Bioinformatics Definition:** Engages in bioinformatics, defined as an interdisciplinary science combining biology, computer science, and statistics to analyze biological data.
*   **Identifiers:** Holds the VIAF ID 3790149544589100490009 and HAL Structure ID 173344.
*   **Language:** Associated with Estonian-language Wikipedia content.

## FAQs
### Q: Where is the Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology located?
A: The institute is located in the city of Tartu, Estonia. Its specific headquarters address is Riia 23.

### Q: What is the primary purpose of the institute?
A: The organization is classified as a research institute, meaning its primary purpose is to conduct research rather than solely providing education or commercial services.

### Q: What specific scientific disciplines does the institute cover?
A: The institute focuses on three main areas: molecular biology, cell biology, and bioinformatics, the latter of which combines biology with computer science and statistics.

## Why It Matters
The University of Tartu Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology plays a critical role in the Estonian scientific landscape as a dedicated hub for life sciences research. As a component of the University of Tartu—an institution established in 1918 with roots going back to 1632—the institute upholds a legacy of academic rigor within the country's oldest and most prominent university.

Its significance is highlighted by its focus on bioinformatics, a vital interdisciplinary field that bridges the gap between biological data and computational analysis. By integrating biology, computer science, and statistics, the institute addresses the modern need for understanding complex biological datasets. This focus positions the institute as a key player in advancing biological knowledge and computational methodologies within Estonia and the broader scientific community.

## Notable For
*   **Interdisciplinary Approach:** Distinguishes itself by combining biology with computer science and statistics through its bioinformatics focus.
*   **Academic Heritage:** Functions as a specialized research arm of the University of Tartu, Estonia's national university.
*   **Specific Research Focus:** Dedicated exclusively to the primary purpose of research in molecular and cell biology.
*   **Strategic Location:** Situated in Tartu, the intellectual capital of Estonia, at the specific address of Riia 23.

## Body

### Organizational Structure
The Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology operates as a distinct unit within the larger framework of the University of Tartu. Structurally, it falls under the umbrella of the **University of Tartu Faculty of Science and Technology**. The entity is classified as a **research institute**, a designation indicating that its core mission is the generation of new knowledge through scientific investigation.

### Research Focus
The institute's work is concentrated in three primary domains:
*   **Molecular Biology:** The study of the molecular basis of biological activity.
*   **Cell Biology:** The study of cell structure and function.
*   **Bioinformatics:** Recognized within the institute as an interdisciplinary science, this field utilizes statistics and computer science to interpret complex biological data.

### Location and Operations
The institute is geographically situated in **Tartu, Estonia**. Its physical headquarters are located at **Riia 23**. This location places it within the broader academic infrastructure of the University of Tartu, which serves as the country's leading center for higher education and research.

## References

1. [Source](https://ut.ee/et/molekulaar-ja-rakubioloogia-instituut)