UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND
BIOTECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE

ORIGIN & FUNCTIONS

The General Assembly in 1985 established the Maryland Biotechnology Institute (MBI) at the University of Maryland. The Institute unites diverse research disciplines across the broad spectrum of biotechnology within the University System of Maryland. Administered by the University System of Maryland Administration, the Institute provides a core of expertise and state-of-the-art facilities dedicated to research, training, and economic development in biotechnology.

Biotechnology is any technique that uses living organisms or substances from those organisms to make or modify a product; perform services; improve plants or animals; or develop microorganisms for specific uses. These techniques include the use of novel technologies, such as recombinant deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), cell fusion, and other new bioprocesses.

The Institute consists of five centers: Center for Advanced Research in Biotechnology; Center for Agricultural Biotechnology; Center of Marine Biotechnology; Center for Public Issues in Biotechnology; and Medical Biotechnology Center. In research and academic activities, each center works closely with government laboratories, other academic research institutions, and the State's growing biotechnology business community.

The Maryland Sea Grant College, though not an official Institute center, is administered by the Institute and collaborates with the Center of Marine Biotechnology.

CENTER FOR ADVANCED RESEARCH IN BIOTECHNOLOGY

The Center for Advanced Research in Biotechnology was established in 1985 to build and cultivate a multidisciplinary center of research excellence in protein engineering, structure, and function. Through collaboration with industrial scientists and cultivation of a basic research environment beneficial to industry, the Center fosters advancement of Maryland's biotechnology industry.

The Center's scientific programs are managed by the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute and the National Institute of Standards and Technology with advice from a board of overseers representing the University System of Maryland, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Montgomery County government, and the local biotechnology community.

CENTER FOR AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY

Created in 1987, the Center for Agricultural Biotechnology studies the molecular biology of plant and animal protection, particularly of plant-pathogen interactions, poultry virus and vaccine production, and insect genetic engineering. Research programs integrate molecular genetics and biochemical engineering methods to study gene expression. The Center cooperates with scientists at the National Agricultural Research Center, including the Molecular Plant Pathology Laboratory, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

CENTER OF MARINE BIOTECHNOLOGY

The Center of Marine Biotechnology is devoted to the application of molecular biology and molecular genetics to marine organisms. Established in 1985, the Center studies the molecular biology and molecular genetics of aquaculture and fisheries biotechnology, marine microbial products and processes, and marine pollution and bioremediation. Center research then is applied to improve methods of seafood production, develop new marine-based compounds and pharmaceuticals, devise new medical diagnostic test methods, and implement novel techniques for environmental cleanup and biofilm prevention.

In 1993, the Center opened the Aquaculture Research Center at Fells Point in collaboration with the Columbus Center and the National Aquarium in Baltimore. In 1995, the Center of Marine Biotechnology moved to the Columbus Center.

CENTER FOR PUBLIC ISSUES IN BIOTECHNOLOGY

Established in 1988, the Center for Public Issues in Biotechnology advances research in the ethical and legal issues of biotechnology.

MEDICAL BIOTECHNOLOGY CENTER

Established in 1986, the Medical Biotechnology Center studies health-related aspects of molecualr biology and biotechnology at the basic and clinical levels. The Center applies this research to four areas: human molecular biology, including vaccine therapy, gene therapy, antisense therapy, cellular and traditional vaccines; biosensing, bioimaging, and bioprocessing; molecular neurobiology; and molecular genetics and the processes of cellular differentiation, aging, and carcinogenesis.

MARYLAND SEA GRANT COLLEGE

In 1977, the University of Maryland was selected as the site of a sea grant program by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. In recognition of the program's accomplishments in estuarine research and public education, the Administration designated the program a national sea grant college in 1982.

The Maryland Sea Grant College focuses its research and education efforts on the Chesapeake Bay, with particular emphasis on important commercial fisheries. Located at the University of Maryland, College Park, the College sponsors projects throughout the University System as well as at other agencies and educational institutions.

Maryland Manual On-Line

UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BIOTECHNOLOGY INSTITUTE