National Institute of Biology, Department of Biotechnology and Systems Biology (NIB/FITO) is one of the leaders in the analysis of nucleic acids in different samples from the analysis of genetically modified organisms and plant pathogens, to other microbial samples, as well as in basic research in the omics studies in different organisms.

Metrology Institute of the Republic of Slovenia (MIRS) in 2009 appointed NIB/FITO as a holder of national measurement standard for the amount of substance in food of plant origin (NNE). As NNE NIB/FITO participated in the project "Infrastructure metrology system - amount of substance / food of plant origin / GMO" led by MIRS and co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund. In the framework of the project NIB/FITO got the equipment droplet digital PCR, digital PCR and real-time PCR for free use.

New equipment will enable further high quality operation and development of effective new approaches and methodologies in the area of appointment. It represents a substantial improvement of metrological infrastructure system in Slovenia, because it allows a qualitative leap in the field of metrology analysis of nucleic acids, cooperation in relevant research projects, as well as the application for direct samples analysis for official control.

The project undoubtedly represents a great achievement and a good example of cooperation between Metrology Institute of the Republic of Slovenia and NIB/FITO.

digital PCR

real-time PCR

droplet digital PCR

Proteins of Higher Fungi – from forest to application published in Trends in Biotechnology published by NIB and IJS coworkers is one of the TOP 25 articles in the field of Chemical Engineering

Review article "Proteins of higher fungi - from forest to application" has been published in Trends in Biotechnology Journaland provides the first comprehensive overview of known proteins from mushrooms, describes the process of acquiring a new bioactive protein, and provides an overview of current and anticipated applications of these proteins across biotechnology, medicine and agriculture

Second most frequently viewed article on BMC Biotechnology

Our article Critical points of DNA quantification by real-time PCR effects of DNA extraction method and sample matrix on quantification of genetically modified organisms, that was published in August 2006 was second the most frequently viewed article on BMC Biotechnology in past year.

EU Presidency

Two of our colleagues, prof. dr. Jana Žel and dr. Mojca Milavec, were nominated to participate in working group for biosafety that will prepare, coordinate and attend Fourth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety.

Regional workshop on BCH

National institute of biology, the Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning and UNEP GEF were hosting regional workshop on efficient participation in Biosafety Clearing House (BCH). Workshop was held in Ljubljana from 17th to 21st September 2007. 23 participants from 10 EU member states were present.
Award for most outstanding presentation at From Grape to Wine symposium

Tanja Dreo attended From Grape to Wine 1st International Junior Researchers' Meeting held in Ljubljana from 12th to 14th July 2007, where her contribution Xylophilus ampelinus in Slovenia: first laboratory confirmation and development of new diagnostic methods was awarded as the most outstanding presentation.

Successful study

Global Knowledge Centre on Crop Biotechnology published news on study that explores gene changes brought by virus in potato. This is study done by dr. Maruša Pompe Novak and associates (2006). News was also cited by SeedQuest.