Research Institute for Genomics and Proteomics

A view of the IIGB building, with the Proteomics Building on the left.

The Research Institute for Genomics and Proteomics (Martino: Instituto de Investigación en Genómica y Proteómica) is a national research center located in the Vida Science Park in Cárdenas, the capital of Nouvelle Alexandrie. It specializes in the large-scale study of genomes and proteomes, combing advanced sequencing technologies with computational biology and statistics to understand the molecular foundations of health, disease, and biodiversity. It is officially part of the Department of Research and Development. It is the smallest of the major institutes in the science park, deploying about 160 researchers - including 10 postgraduates from the University of Cárdenas - and serves as a national reference institution for genomic data, protein characterization, and molecular diagnostics research.

History

The IIGP was established in 1700 AN by decree of the Department of Research and Development, in collaboration with the Department of Social Security and National Solidarity to massively expand genomics and proteomics capabilities beyond the National Centre for Biotechnology and Bioinformatics (CNBB) to better support biomedical and agricultural innovation.

Initially, the IIGP was a joint initiative between the CNBB and the National Health Institute (from 1707 AN on through the Federal Center for the Human Genome). Its early research concentrated on genetic mapping of endemic diseases, protein folding modelling, and comparative genomics. In 1720 AN, it published alongside the CNBB and the FCHG the very first national genome databank.

In 1738 AN, the Frontera Program awarded over €2.4 billion to modernize and expand the institute, allowing it to acquire next-generation sequencing equipment and expanded bioinformatics capacity.

Research

The IIGP's work focuses on the intersection of genomics, proteomics, and health sciences, with a strong emphasis on integrating genetic data to identify molecular mechanisms underlying complex diseases. It has five core research areas:

• Genomic Medicine
• Proteomic System Biology
• Comparative Genomics
• Biomarker Discovery
• Bioinformatics Integration

The IIGP collaborates with academic institutions (including the University of Cárdenas), private biotech companies, and international organizations. It has been one of the foremost national institutes involved in the development of genomic medicine and epidemiology research.

Major projects over the years

• Proyecto HelixNova - a comprehensive sequencing effort to catalog the genetic variation of Nouvelle Alexandrie’s populations. Completed in 1716 AN.
• Atlas Proteico Nacional - a nationwide proteome mapping initiative for public health and pharmaceutical research. Completed in 1724 AN.
• GENECare - a collaborative clinical trial program integrating genomic data into patient care. Completed in 1730 AN.
• Proyecto BioSignal - a proteomic study of early-warning biomarkers for toxic and infectious exposures. Completed in 1732 AN.
• Proyecto ProteoRed - a joint collaboration with universities and hospitals for protein profiling standardization. Ongoing.

Layout

The IIGP occupies a compact 1 hectare two-building complex in the eastern sector of the Vida Science Park.

1. The Central Building acts as the main facility, housing administrative offices, medical genomics labs, and training rooms.
2. The Proteomics Building is a specialized facility housing proteomics labs, cryogenic storage, and advanced biomarker research labs.

Organization

The IIGP is overseen by a Director-General, appointed by the Federal Science & Research Council and Department of Research and Development. It is further structured into three main research divisions, two service departments, and one executive office.

• Director-General
  • Chief Operating Officer
    • Department of Administration
    • Department of Operations
  • Deputy Director for Research
    • Genomic Medicine Division
    • Proteomics and Molecular Biology Division
    • Applied Bioinformatics Division

Support departments manage finance, HR, technical services, IT infrastructure, and public relations. The IIGP also operates three advisory boards composed of national and international experts:

1. Ethics and Biosecurity Council
2. Advisory Council on Genomic Sequencing and Epidemiology
3. Technology Transfer Advisory Council

List of (Deputy) Directors

1. Dr. Sebastián Aráoz - 1700 AN-1714 AN
2. Dr. Tomás Illescas - 1714 AN-1726 AN
3. Dr. Nayra Chaska Poma - 1726 AN-1730 AN
4. Dr. Jimena VVallejos - 1730 AN-Present

Deputy Directors

1. Dr. Esteban Rumin - 1700 AN-1709 AN
2. Dr. Lucía Catari - 1709 AN-1714 AN
3. Dr. Máximo Vilca - 1714 AN-1724 AN
4. Dr. Celeste Aranda - 1724 AN-1730 AN
5. Dr. Anselmo Vargas - 1730 AN-1734 AN
6. Dr. Catalina Sisa - 1734 AN-1738 AN
7. Dr. Diego Herrera - 1738 AN-Present