About our research

During the ongoing search for new talents and future scientific leaders, IOCB has adopted a progressive system of Junior groups with gifted young scientists from all around the world, making it a unique case among academic institutes in the Czech Republic. The institute supports each of these teams by providing a startup package, fixed salary resources, equipped laboratory space, and services. The new group leaders are selected in an international competition, following the selection committee's recommendation and aided by an International Advisory Board.

All the groups undergo a comprehensive evaluation every five years by the IAB, which adheres to strictly transparent rules based on scientific merit. Depending on the evaluation, Junior groups may be promoted to Senior or terminated. The exceptional categories of Distinguished and Honorary Chair groups are no longer subject to periodic evaluation, as their long-term achievements are outstanding – they represent an equivalent to a permanent position.

In addition, IOCB also supports Joint research laboratories established in collaboration with strategic university partners.

All research groups are supported by a network of Core facilities.

Embracing various perspectives and approaches in organic chemistry and biochemistry, including insights from biology, physics, and mathematics, enhances the understanding of the complexity of living systems and addresses big questions in the life sciences.

Research at IOCB is organized into three main clusters of interconnected disciplines: CHEM, BIO, and PHYS.