National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev
The National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev (NIBN), is hosted within Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. Its Director is Prof. Varda Shoshan-Barmatz.[1]
Mission of the NIBN
Conducting multi-disciplinary research guided by clear biotechnological goals, the National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev was created with a mission to plant the seeds that will lead to the growth of successful biotechnology industries in Israel, particularly in the Negev. The NIBN is organized along unique guidelines designed to encourage its members to cross the academic barriers that, by tradition, have separated scientific disciplines and instead engage in creative and ground-breaking biotechnological research.
A New Paradigm in Israeli Research
The NIBN strives to create a unique, exciting atmosphere, where scientists from different disciplines of medicine, biology, computer science and engineering can freely interact. However, to create an environment conducive to pioneering ideas and products, an entity dedicated to biotechnology requires a framework distinct from existing academic models.
As the first self-organized, independent research body to be established in Israel, the NIBN functions under the auspices of BGU as a separate and distinct Institute, steered by its own Advisory Committee in which the Israeli Government, major donors and BGU have equal representation. The autonomous status of the NIBN as a not-for-profit private company under an independent Board of Directors entails an organizational structure and staff membership that differ from standard University practice.
In the words of former NIBN director, Prof. Irun Cohen, “The NIBN operates through multi-disciplinary channels of communication and collaboration, relatively free of departmental concerns.” Indeed, with the scientific goals and timetables of the NIBN being selected and managed by scientists, more creative research is possible than could be realized within a more rigid industrial structure. At the same time, and in keeping with NIBN objectives, Institute scientists must generate research of commercial value. Membership in the Institute is, moreover, subject to scientific re-evaluation every three to five years, so as to maintain the highest standards of research at the NIBN and to ensure that the research focus of all current members remains in line with the goals of the Institute.
NIBN - A Flagship for Negev Development
Comprising two-thirds of Israel’s land mass, the sparsely populated Negev region has yet to realize its true potential. Through advances in biotechnology, the NIBN promises to significantly impact the economic prosperity of the entire Negev region. The Institute will fuel spin-off companies, incubator programs and accelerator corporations, all designed to commercialize the novel ideas and technologies developed by NIBN researchers. Taking its mandate one step further, NIBN is working to turn the biotechnology field into a leading sector of the Israeli economy. Indeed, Israel must rapidly develop industrial-research infrastructures in the Life Sciences if it is to become a major player in the multi-billion dollar biotechnology arena.
History of the NIBN
On May 22, 2001, then Prime Minister Ariel Sharon declared the establishment of a National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, with the stated aim of creating an effective applied research platform from which to launch successful biotechnology-based industries in the Negev and Israel.
The NIBN as it stands today was the brainchild of Swiss banker Edgar D. de Picciotto, who provided the incentive, financial support and vision to found the Institute for Applied Biosciences, the predecessor and now a central component of the NIBN.
In 2002, a major step in the evolution of the NIBN took place when businessman and philanthropist Mr. Morris Kahn agreed to support the establishment of a research institute focused on the genetic basis of human diseases. As the driving force behind the establishment of the Morris Kahn Human Molecular Genetics Laboratory, Kahn had the foresight to move this entity under the umbrella of the reconfigured NIBN. Since then, the NIBN has rapidly expanded in both research and faculty.
In November, 2005, the Israeli government announced its commitment to provide $30 million to help defray the costs of establishing the NIBN as part of a $3.6 billion, 10-year master plan targeted to developing the Negev region.
Why BGU?
Drawing on the intellectually stimulating environment of BGU, its proven record of research excellence and success in securing competitive research funding, as well as the availability of advanced scientific equipment and specialized support personnel, BGU offers NIBN member scientists all the conditions needed for performing cutting-edge research. With its Faculties of Engineering, Natural and Health Sciences, the Ilse Katz Center for Meso- and Nanoscale Science and Technology, its affiliation with the Soroka University Medical Center and the adjacent planned Advanced Technologies Park, BGU is a natural home for the academic cooperation and cross-fertilization of ideas and approaches central to the philosophy of the NIBN.
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