Web site: http://www-niibio.univer.kharkov.ua/

The Research Institute of Biology at Kharkiv National University was founded in 1944 by O. Nahornyi, Corresponding Member of the Ukrainian National Academy of Sciences, a prominent researcher in gerontology. In 1953-1989, the Institute was headed by V.M. Nikitin, Academician of the Ukrainian National Academy of Sciences. During this period the Institute became a leading center for gerontology in Ukraine. Every two years the Institute holds Biological Mechanisms of Aging international symposium. The Institute has Expert Examining Board for conferring doctoral degrees in Biochemistry as well as Human and Animal Physiology. The Institute also offers postgraduate courses for obtaining PhD degrees in Biochemistry, Human and Animal Physiology, Biotechnology, and Ecology. The Research Institute of Biology is one of the leading organizations specialized in Biology within the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine.

Today there are 5 Doctors of Sciences (Biology) and PhDs (Biology) on the staff of the Institute. The Institute’s research activity is mainly focused on studying organism development and aging processes as well as developing modern biotechnologies. The Institute comprises 6 departments: Molecular Biology and Ontogenesis Department (Head of the Department – A. Bozhkov, DSc (Biology)); Membrane Biophysics Department (Head of the Department – Y. Nikitchenko, PhD (Biology)); Genetics Department (Head of the Department – Y. Shkorbatov, DSc (Biology), Full Professor); Physiology Department (Head of the Department – N. Babenko, DSc (Biology)); Cell Biology and Biotechnology Department (Head of the Department – N. Menzianova, PhD (Biology)) engaged in studying adaptation mechanisms; Animal Ecology Department (Head of the Department – I.Kryvytskyi, PhD (Biology)).

The Institute provides its laboratory facilities for practical training of students from the University School of Biology, Radiophysics and School of Medicine. The Institute researchers develop and teach courses in Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering and pay particular attention to promotion of the latest research findings in Biology.