International Centre of Biodynamics

The International Centre of Biodynamics was established through Government Decision No.1378/2000 on the basis of the Agreement between UNESCO and the Romanian Government signed in Paris on 30 October 1999 and ratified by the Law No.110/2001 initiates and coordinates research, technological development, and regional (European) training programs (Master and Doctoral) in the field of Biodynamics: for the development and applications of rapid, noninvasive methods to analyze and control biosystems in Biotechnology, Medicine, Food Industry and Ecology. ICB aims to maintain a balance between fundamental and applied research.

ICB conducts its own research projects and is involved in a number of collaborative projects with other organizations, having the following headings:

• Characterization techniques for cellular systems, with emphasis on noninvasive, real-time monitoring;
• Biomass monitoring;
• Detection of contaminants (microbes & toxins);
• Nonlinear Analysis of living systems;
• Biomedical applications - hematological assays, pre-clinical drug screening, monitoring of tissues, organs, and cell suspensions (including ischemic processes);
• Monitoring the effects of external agents on the evolution of cellular systems (drugs, toxic compounds, EM radiation, etc);

An International Postgraduate program "Master & Ph.D. in Biodynamics", is currently under development in collaboration with the University of Bucharest.

The International Centre of Biodynamics actively pursues the development of the regional collaborative network initiated by ICB, that brings together researchers from Romania and 15 other European Countries. The main objectives of the network are:

• to contribute to the stabilization of the R&D potential in the region through a continuous stream of joint projects, offering a suitable work environment for young researchers and Master and Ph.D. students at various training stages;
• to act as a powerful array of highly competent, flexible, small-sized research groups offering cutting-edge expertise;
• to quickly become compatible with International Programs dedicated to the development of Central and Eastern Europe, as well as with regional market demands. Once a suitable program/problem is located, a specific chain of partners could be readily established within the network;
• to offer a viable alternative to large-scale research institutes. Major investment is necessary to equip a huge national laboratory, while the equipment for small size research units such as ICB might be much more accessible, possibly through local sources
• to mutually reinforce the research competence and training capacity of institutes and universities, particularly from Central and Eastern Europe, by sharing resources and by undertaking joint activities based on equal partnership.