Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction "Acad. Kiril Bratanov"
The mission of the Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction “Acad. Kiril Bratanov” at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (IBIR-BAS) is related to the implementation of fundamental and applied scientific research, as well as training in the biology and immunology of animal and human reproduction.
Scientific activity
The subject of research of IBIR-BAS is unique at national level and is aimed at solving social problems related to reproductive health, optimal use and restoration of natural resources and improvement of the quality of life.
The main research areas are studying the factors and mechanisms involved in gametogenesis, insemination, implantation and pregnancy; clarifying the processes of autoreactivity and autoimmune response in reproduction; tumors of the reproductive system; stem cells; discovering the role of biomolecules and metabolic processes for the storage and cryopreservation of reproductive tissues and cells; developing biotechnological approaches to artificial fertlization, micromanipulations and embryo transfer in animals.
IBIR is the founder of a new direction in the medical and biological sciences – immunology of reproduction. In 1967, for the first time in the world, Acad. Kiril Bratanov and his collaborators organized and conducted the First Symposium of Immunology of Spermatozoa and Fertilization with the participation of 150 scientists from 21 countries from all over the world. During the 1st Symposium, an International Coordination Committee on Immunology of Reproduction (ICCIR) was established, with K. Bratanov (Bulgaria) and the future Nobel Prize Winner in Medicine and Physiology (2010), Prof. Robert G. Edwards – founder of the in vitro reproduction technology. In his lecture before the Nobel Committee, Professor Edwards emphasized the importance of the immunology of reproduction and the contribution of Acad. Kiril Bratanov in organizing the International Coordination Committee on Immunology of Reproduction in Varna.
Educational activity
Doctoral Programs:
- Scientific specialty 01.06.17 Animal and human physiology, 4.3. Biological Sciences, 4. Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Informatics;
- Scientific specialty 01.06.23 Immunology, 4.3. Biological Sciences, 4. Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Informatics;
- Scientific specialty 04.02.01 Breeding of farm animals, biology and biotechnology of reproduction; 6 Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine; 6.3 Livestock breeding.