The mission and conception of the Institute of Biophysics

The Institute of Biophysics, Czech Academy of Sciences (IBP) represents a cohesive unit profiling itself in the research of basic molecules of life, which are nucleic acids. Also, we aim to study the biophysical aspects of cellular systems and their organization. We are addressing these tasks at the physical, chemical, biological, and medical levels. Specifically, researchers focus on (i) the structural properties of nucleic acids. For the study, researchers use computer simulations of molecular structural dynamics and bioinformatics approaches. Also, we analyze (ii) the chemical and electrochemical features of nucleic acids. By the use of modern technologies, we develop modern biomolecule sensors with application potential. Also, we are interested in (iii) epigenetic processes regulating genetic information having far-reaching implications in medicine and well as agriculture. Next, we study (iv) interactions of nucleic acids with environmental factors, such as chemical mutagens and radiation. Detailed knowledge of these effects will help to better assess the risks that human society faces considering a changing climate and increasing environmental pollution. Following the above analysis, we study (v) chemical compounds interaction with nucleic acids, chromatin (complex of proteins and DNA), or intracellular signaling molecules, which can be used as drugs in the treatment of serious human diseases, including cancer or other civilization diseases. The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed our lives, making us realize the limits of science and technology. Therefore, researchers of the Institute are also asking important (vi) evolutionary questions about how organisms and viruses develop and interact with each other and under what conditions the first information molecules were formed on planet Earth. Together, these research fields can be unified under the umbrella of what we nowadays call systemic biology, an area where the potential has not been fully explored yet and is expected to play an increasingly important role as the challenges of modern society which has become even more complicated and diversified. A broad spectrum of cross-disciplinary methods is used to achieve these goals, including modern methods of molecular and cellular biology or biophysics. We aim to constantly introduce technical innovations such as CD spectroscopy, calorimetry, fluorescence super-resolution microscopy, single-cell analyses, advanced in vitro and in vivo models, or genome editing. We realize that the application and development of modern technologies make our research modern, effective, and attractive. IBP scientists contribute to increasing the level of knowledge and education, to the development of biotechnology, and to the transfer of research results into practice, especially in the field of diagnosis and treatment of serious human diseases. Also, we find our place in the introduction of new approaches in modern agriculture. The scientific attractiveness of IBP is based on a deep understanding of the solved issues, where individual research groups are built exclusively by excellent scientific personalities who define their research directions themselves. Scientists of the Institute of Biophysics are largely provided with the best working conditions, financial remuneration, and academic freedom. The spectrum of research is not rigid but constantly evolving. New promising research directions are being established, while others are reduced or disappear altogether. Only in this way can the mission of the research institute be fulfilled. This mission is to seek answers to the fundamental questions of human society, leading to a better future, especially in the sense of improving the quality of life.

Eva Bártová & Aleš Kovařík