The A.N.Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology was founded in 1965 by Professor Andrey N. Belozersky, Vice-President of the USSR Academy of Sciences, Head of the Department of Plant Biochemistry of Moscow State University (MSU).

Academician A.N.Belozersky, the first Director of the Institute, died on December 30, 1972. Since that time the position was occupied by Academician V. P. Skulachev. The scientific work of the Institute is directed by its Academic Council elected by researchers.

Besides 16 research departments covering all major branches of modern physico-chemical biology, the Institute includes 5 service departments, where the most expensive equipment is localized.

60 scientists of the Institute are recipients of various State and International Awards for their research achievements.

From the first day of its foundation, the Institute has become an important educational MSU centre. It has close relations with 4 departments of the Biological Faculty, 2 departments of the Chemical Faculty and 2 departments of the Physical Faculty. Members of the Institute staff deliver lectures and carry out practical training for students of these Faculties. Every year about 200 postgraduates and undergraduate students work on their graduation theses study in the Institute.

The subject matters of the Institute are, as a rule, included into the State Scientific Programmes. 66 Institute scientific projects are supported by grants from Russian Foundation for Basic Research, 4 projects — by the Howard Hudges grants, 5 — by the CRDF grants, 10 — by INTAS grants, 3 — by Copernicus grants, 2 — by NIH (Fogarty) grants, 3 — by Volkswagen grants, etc.

The Institute maintains widespread international relations. The scientists cooperate with their colleagues from Europe, USA, Canada and Japan. In 1989 the Institute was included into the Network of UNESCO Basic Institutes working in the field of physico-chemical biology.

• Lomonosov Moscow State University