Biotechnology is any technique that uses living organisms or substances from those organisms to make or modify a product; perform services; improve plants or animals; or develop microorganisms for specific uses. These techniques include the use of novel technologies, such as recombinant deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), cell fusion, and other new bioprocesses.

Administered by the University System of Maryland Administration, the Institute consists of five research centers: Center for Advanced Research in Biotechnology; Center for Agricultural Biotechnology; Center of Marine Biotechnology; Institute of Human Virology; and Medical Biotechnology Center. The Institute also administers three special programs: Collaborative Virtual University Education (VIRTUE); Public Issues in Biotechnology; and Science and Technology Education. In research and academic activities, each center works closely with government laboratories, other academic research institutions, and the State's biotechnology business community.

Established in 1986, the Public Issues in Biotechnology Program advances research in the ethical and legal issues of biotechnology. The Program identifies critical issues resulting from developments in and applications of biotechnology, and assists State, national and international government agencies to make decisions about such issues.

CENTER FOR ADVANCED RESEARCH IN BIOTECHNOLOGY

The Center for Advanced Research in Biotechnology, located in Shady Grove, was established in 1985 to build and cultivate a multidisciplinary center of research excellence in protein engineering, structure, and function. Through collaboration with industrial scientists and cultivation of a basic research environment beneficial to industry, the Center fosters advancement of Maryland's biotechnology industry.

The Center's scientific programs are managed by the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Programs are administered with advice from a board of overseers representing the University System of Maryland, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Montgomery County government, and the local biotechnology community.

CENTER FOR AGRICULTURAL BIOTECHNOLOGY

Created in 1987, the Center for Agricultural Biotechnology studies the molecular biology of plant and animal protection, particularly of plant-pathogen interactions, poultry virus and vaccine production, and insect genetic engineering. Research programs integrate molecular genetics and biochemical engineering methods to study gene expression. The Center cooperates with scientists at the National Agricultural Research Center, including the Molecular Plant Pathology Laboratory, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

CENTER OF MARINE BIOTECHNOLOGY

The Center of Marine Biotechnology is devoted to the application of molecular biology and molecular genetics to marine organisms. Established in 1985, the Center studies the molecular biology and molecular genetics of aquaculture and fisheries biotechnology, marine microbial products and processes, and marine pollution and bioremediation. Center research then is applied to improve methods of seafood production, develop new marine-based compounds and pharmaceuticals, devise new medical diagnostic test methods, and implement novel techniques for environmental cleanup and biofilm prevention. The Center also is conducting research on Pfiesteria and related micro-organisms.

In 1993, the Center opened the Aquaculture Research Center at Fells Point in collaboration with the Columbus Center and the National Aquarium in Baltimore. The Center of Marine Biotechnology moved to the Columbus Center at the Inner Harbor of Baltimore City in 1995.

INSTITUTE OF HUMAN VIROLOGY

The Institute of Human Virology was formed in 1996 to combine basic research, epidemiology, and clinical research disciplines toward the study of human virology. Research supports development of more effective treatments and prevention of cancers caused by viruses, immune disorders, neurologic diseases, and autoimmune diseases.

MEDICAL BIOTECHNOLOGY CENTER

Established in 1986, the Medical Biotechnology Center studies health-related aspects of molecular biology and biotechnology at the basic applied and clinical levels. The Center focuses its research on molecular medicine, including gene therapy, antisense therapy, molecular neurobiology/muscle, and molecular genetics. The Center also is concerned with biomedical photonics and molecular cell signaling, including biosensing, bioimaging, bioprocessing, clinical sensors, protein and membrane dynamics, and fermentation and monitoring of bioreactors. Laboratory and clinical research facilities are housed at the Center.

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