National Centre for Biotechnology and Bioinformatics

A view of the main entrance of the CNBB in the Vida Science Park.

The National Centre for Biotechnology and Bioinformatics (Martino: Centro Nacionál de Biotecnología y Bioinformática) is a premier national research institute dedicated to advancing the fields of biotechnology and bioinformatics in Nouvelle Alexandrie. It is located within the Vida Science Park in Cárdenas. It is officially part of the Department of Research and Development, and serves as a national hub for molecular biology research, data-driven life sciences, and biotechnology innovation. It employs over 800 researchers - with over 100 postgraduates from the University of Cárdenas - supporting both basic and applied research, serving as a bridge between academic and industry.

History

The CNBB was formally established in 1690 AN by decree of the Department of Research and Development in collaboration with the Department of Social Security and National Solidarity, in response to a growing need for centralized, high-performance research capacity in molecular biology, genetic engineering, and computational biology. Before this, research into biotechnology had been fragmented in Nouvelle Alexandrie, with separate efforts by the University and both Departments, as well as a plethora of private institutes. The CNBB was envisioned as a national platform where biotechnology and bioinformatics could be integrated to drive innovation in healthcare, agriculture, environmental science, and biosciences. Its leading figures were Eugenio Varela and Salomé Castañeda, both leading scientists in the field of biotechnology and early members of the Federal Science & Research Council.

The site at Vida Science Park was selected for its proximity to several of the centers of the National Health Institute and more than 20 private biotechnology companies. Since its inauguration, the CNBB has expanded steadily through federal funding, international collaboration programs, and public-private partnerships. In 1738 AN, the Frontera Program appropriated a record €1.8 billion investment to expand and upgrade the institute, creating new research infrastructure and innovative R&D programs.

Research

The CNBB focuses on cross-disciplinary research at the intersection of biology and computational science, with projects ranging from basic molecular biology to advanced bioengineering. Its work is broadly organized into several core research areas:

• Genetic Engineering & Synthetic Biology
• Computational Genomics and Systems Biology
• Microbiology and Bioprocessing
• Bioinformatics
• Agrobiology & Biotechnology

The CNBB also hosts a supercomputer known as the BioDataGrid, which powers the national storage, processing, and analysis of genetic data - in conjunction with the National Centre for the Human Genome. It also supports clinical research through its Commercialization Division, which connects lab research to therapeutic and diagnostic development, including clinical trials.

The CNBB collaborates with academic institutions (including the University of Cárdenas), private biotech companies, and international organizations. Its researchers have been world renowned, contributing to international biotechnology developments, genetic mapping, and agricultural science.

Major Projects over the years

• Proyecto Génesis Humano - collaboration with National Centre for the Human Genome to complete the first national genome databank; providing a foundational genomic map used for population genetics, hereditary disease screening, and ancestry research. It also served as the reference backbone for the BioDataGrid. Completed in 1720 AN.
• Proyecto AgroSintética - development of transgenic cereal varieties with enhanced drought resistance and nitrogen efficiency, ensuring food security in the arid territories of the Island regions. Also formed the basis of the national seed subsidy program of the Department of Trade and Industry. Completed in 1731 AN.
• Proyecto Proteoma Abierto - development of an open-access proteomics database covering over 65,000 proteins across key pathogens, crops, and human tissues; accelerating vaccine design and drug discovery. Completed in 1735 AN.
• Projecto Valoración Integral de Datos de ADN - ongoing project t develop a national AI-driven platform for genomic risk profiling and personalized genome-driven medicine; enabling customized healthcare planning, preventative medicine, and pharmacogenomic testing for clinical trials. Ongoing as of 1740 AN.

Organization

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

• Director-General
  • Chief Operating Officer
    • Department of Administration
    • Department of Facilities
  • Deputy Director for Research & Development
    • Molecular Biology Division
    • Bioinformatics Division
    • Applied Biotechnology Division
    • Agrobiology Division
    • Commercialization Division

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

1. Bioethics and Data Security Council
2. Scientific Advisory Committee
3. Industrial Relations Advisory Committee

List of (Deputy) Directors

1. Dr. Eugenio Varela - 1690 AN-1700 AN
2. Dr. Mireya Beltrán - 1700 AN-1712 AN
3. Dr. Arturo Silanes - 1712 AN-1726 AN
4. Dr. Marisol Dávila - 1726 AN-1733 AN
5. Dr. Joaquín Elado Rosales - 1733 AN-Present

Deputy Directors

1. Dr. Salomé Castañeda - 1690 AN-1697 AN
2. Dr. Arturo Silanes - 1697 AN-1710 AN
3. Dr. Fernando Acuña - 1710 AN-1714 AN
4. Dr. Lina Ortiz - 1714 AN-1726 AN
5. Dr. Tomás Herrera - 1726 AN-1734 AN
6. Dr. Solène Marchal - 1734 AN-1738 AN
7. Dr. Ignacio de Solano - 1738 AN-Present