Institute of Problems of Cryobiology and Cryomedicine

Purpose & Mission

The Institute for Problems of Cryobiology and Cryomedicine (IPCC NASU) is a leading scientific center dedicated to advancing the fundamental and applied aspects of low‑temperature biology, cryomedicine, cryopreservation and biobanking. Established in 1972, the Institute integrates multidisciplinary research in biophysics, cell biology, biotechnology, and regenerative medicine to develop innovative technologies for the preservation and restoration of biological systems.

The Institute’s mission is to:

• investigate the mechanisms of biological response to low temperatures

• develop safe and effective cryopreservation methods for cells, tissues, and complex biological structures

• translate cryobiological knowledge into medical, veterinary, agricultural, and biotechnological applications

• support national and international scientific collaboration and training of young researchers

 Key Research Areas

• Biobanking and long‑term storage of biological materials

• Cryopreservation of microorganisms, plant, animal genetic resources as well as human reproductive, hematopoietic, and stem cells
• Cryobiology of tumors and cold‑induced stress responses

• Cryoinjury mechanisms and membrane biophysics
• Cryosurgery and low‑temperature therapeutic technologies
• Regenerative medicine and tissue engineering

 Major Projects & Achievements

• More than 50 years of continuous contribution to global cryobiology and biobanking, development of cryopreservation technologies
• Establishment of national biobanking platforms

• Cryosurgical methods for oncology and regenerative therapies
• International collaborative research with UNESCO, ATP‑Bio (NSF), IMET2000, and the Society for Cryobiology

Recent Projects:

1.    Study of adaptation of living organisms to polar conditions in the Arctic and Antarctica (SALO to PC (AA)), 2019–2020
Research on human, animal, and plant adaptation to extreme polar environments.
Project link: https://www.researchinsvalbard.no/project/20000000-0000-0000-0000-000000009311/project-info

2.    Ukrainian–Czech R&D Project “Cryobiology profile of 3D mesenchymal stem cell spheroids” (М/55 – 2022), 2021–2022
Study of cryobiological properties and preservation strategies for 3D MSC spheroids.
Project link: https://nrat.ukrintei.ua/searchdoc/0121U113738/

3.    CryoStore – Horizon Europe, Marie Skłodowska‑Curie Actions
“Innovation in germplasm cryopreservation for improved animal breeding and the conservation of Europe’s livestock biodiversity”
Grant Agreement No. 101120454, 2023–2025
Project link: https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101120454

4.    National Research Foundation of Ukraine Grant (Science for Safety and Sustainable Development of Ukraine)
“Therapeutic potential and safety of 3D mesenchymal stem‑cell–based constructs for the treatment of non‑healing wounds”, 2023–2025
Project link: https://nrfu.org.ua/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/rejtyngovyj-spysok-proyektiv.pdf

5.    COST Action HAPLO‑iPS (CA21151): Quality Control, Biobanking and Registration of Cell Lines, 2025–2026
Participation in European coordination of standards for iPSCs and cell‑line biobanking.
Project link: https://haplo-ips.eu/structure/working-groups/wg3-quality-control-biobanking-and-registration-of-cell-lines/

6.                  COST Action “Enhancing knowledge of BIOmolecular solutions for the well-being of European AQUAculture sector” (BIOAQUA) CA22160, Participation in antibacterial group, 2023-2026

Project link: https://bioaqua-cost.eu/members/

 Geographic Reach and Partnerships

National: Collaboration with medical, veterinary, and biological institutions across Ukraine, including universities, clinical centres, and research institutes of NASU and the Ministry of Health.

International: Partnerships with leading institutions in the USA, UK, Germany, Sweden, Italy, Japan, and other countries. Active participation in global biology and medicine networks and international consortia.

 Infrastructure & Capabilities

• Biobanking and long‑term cryostorage repositories

• Controlled‑rate and ultra‑rapid freezing systems
• Molecular and cellular biology facilities
• Cryomicroscopy and thermal analysis laboratories
• Experimental cryosurgery units
• Training facilities for young scientists and clinicians

 Funding Levels

• National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine core funding
• International collaborative grants (NSF, UNESCO, IMET2000, EU partners)
• Contract research and technology development projects
• Training and educational program support