The IBMC (Instituto de biologia molecular e celular) is a multidisciplinary research institution that was formed in 1997 with the aim of bringing together researchers working within the University of Porto and affiliated hospitals to produce a unique environment promoting research in the life sciences. It became a Research Unit recognized and funded by the Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT) of Portugal; the main Portuguese government body that funds science.
At this stage, IBMC joined forces with the Institute of Biomedical Engineering (INEB), also funded by the FCT, and proposed the creation of an Associate Laboratory and requested funds to build a site that could house the two research communities. In 2000 the new building was inaugurated and the two Research Units became known as the IBMC.INEB Associate Laboratory (LA).
