IUBMB

The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (IUBMB) is an international non-governmental organization that coordinates the global community of biochemists and molecular biologists. It serves as a umbrella for national societies and individual scientists, aiming to advance research, education, and the dissemination of knowledge in its disciplines. The IUBMB also works to promote international collaboration and the development of widely accepted nomenclature and standards.

Origin and scope: The union traces its roots to early 20th-century international meetings of biochemists and was established in the mid-20th century to provide a formal international coordinating body for biochemistry and molecular biology. It operates through member societies and through various regional and thematic committees that address scientific, educational, and policy matters.

Governance and activities: IUBMB is governed by an elected council and officers, with a secretariat that manages daily operations. It organizes international congresses, regional meetings, and education-focused events. The organization maintains commissions on education, nomenclature, and terminology, including the NC-IUBMB Nomenclature Committee, which oversees enzyme nomenclature and related standards. The IUBMB also supports capacity building, travel grants, and educational outreach programs.

Partnerships and impact: The union collaborates with other international scientific organizations, national academies, universities, and agencies such as UNESCO and other science councils to advance science policy, education, and open science. Its global network links dozens of national biochemistry and molecular biology societies, enabling collaboration, knowledge exchange, and professional development for researchers and educators worldwide.