Institute for Medical Research

What Institute for Medical Research does

The Institute for Medical Research (Institut za medicinska istraživanja, IMR) is a public scientific research institute operating under the University of Belgrade and designated an Institute of National Importance for the Republic of Serbia. Founded in 1947 by the Serbian Academy of Sciences, it is one of Serbia's leading national scientific institutes in medical sciences with international recognition. IMR conducts fundamental and applied biomedical research organized into 11 research groups and two Centers of Excellence (Nutrition and Metabolism; Food and Vector-borne Zoonoses), with approximately 120 active research projects and 115 expert researchers supported by 100+ scientific seminars.

Its core technology and product portfolio spans precision diagnostics and personalized medicine, omics-based biomarker identification, ELISA-based tick-bite detection, a JAK/STAT pathway detection approach for myeloproliferative neoplasms, and the proprietary M2BoostHEM platform for hemoglobin stabilization and iron bioavailability. It also offers commercialized services including personalized nutrition consultation, genetic analysis for metabolism, sports performance, and vital aging, and functional food products such as calcium-enriched juices, supported by stable multiple myeloma cell lines as research tools.

The institute operates a community-led, government-anchored go-to-market: revenues are derived from state appropriations, competitive research grants (Horizon Europe, Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia, COST Actions, bilateral agreements), and specialized diagnostic analyses provided exclusively to the Serbian national health system. Distribution is direct to clinical centers and healthcare institutions domestically, with international reach achieved through bilateral partnerships (Denmark, Japan, Korea, France, Slovenia, Bosnia, Turkey) and forward integration into the planned BIO4 Campus ecosystem.

Name

Institute for Medical Research

Legal name

Institute for Medical Research of the University of Belgrade (Институт за медицинска истраживања Универзитета у Београду)

Website

https://imi.bg.ac.rs

Company type

Private

Founded year

1947

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

The Institute for Medical Research (IMR) is a public biomedical research institute under the University of Belgrade, designated an Institute of National Importance for Serbia. It conducts fundamental and applied biomedical research across 11 research groups and two Centers of Excellence, serving the national healthcare system through specialized diagnostics, research grants, and commercialized nutrition and biomarker services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Biomedical Research Services

NAICS

Medical Laboratories (621511), Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) (541714), Scientific Research and Development Services (5417)

SIC

Services-Medical Laboratories (8071), Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731), In Vitro & In Vivo Diagnostic Substances (2835)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYEDAHAGAI

Biomedical Sciences & Medical Research Institutes (University-Based)

Education/Higher Education (Colleges & Universities)/Medical & Health Sciences Universities

SECONDARYHLAFAMAL

Clinical Research & Trial Central Laboratories

Healthcare & Life Sciences/Healthcare Providers & Systems/Clinical Laboratories

SECONDARYHLAFAMAE

Molecular Diagnostics & Genomics Laboratories

Healthcare & Life Sciences/Healthcare Providers & Systems/Clinical Laboratories

SECONDARYHLAJAIAD

Disease-Specific Reference Laboratory Networks (e.g., TB, HIV, Influenza)

Healthcare & Life Sciences/Public Health, Government & Regulators/Public Health Laboratories & Reference Testing Networks

Keywords

• Biomedical research services
• Clinical diagnostic services
• Genetic analysis testing
• Personalized nutrition services
• Scientific research collaboration

Headquarters

HQ city

Belgrade

HQ country

Serbia

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Government Funding: As a public research institute under the University of Belgrade and an Institute of National Importance for the Republic of Serbia, the institute receives government funding for its core operations.
2. Research Grants: Project-based funding from national and international sources including Horizon Europe, Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia, bilateral agreements, and COST actions.
3. Specialized Diagnostic Services: Highly specialized diagnostic analyses performed exclusively for the benefit of the national health system.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

The Institute for Medical Research is a public biomedical research institute that conducts fundamental and applied research across 11 research groups and 2 Centers of Excellence. It delivers highly specialized diagnostic analyses exclusively for the benefit of the national health system of Serbia, provides personalized nutrition and genetic analysis services (for metabolism, sports performance, and vital aging), and develops functional ingredient platforms such as M2BoostHEM for hemoglobin stabilization and iron bioavailability.

Product overview

Institute for Medical Research operates as a biomedical research institution offering a portfolio of specialized scientific services and research-based products. The portfolio includes personalized nutrition services based on genetic analysis for metabolism, sports performance, and vital aging; diagnostic services such as the ELISA tick-bite detection test and JAK/STAT pathway detection for myeloproliferative neoplasms; research tools including stable multiple myeloma cell lines; and functional food products like organic calcium-enriched juices. The M2BoostHEM platform represents their functional ingredient development for iron bioavailability applications. The AID Project focuses on anti-inflammatory dietary interventions for breast cancer patients. These offerings are delivered through their research groups, Centers of Excellence for Nutrition and Metabolism and for food and Vector-borne Zoonoses, and various international research collaborations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Personalized Nutrition (Персонализована исхрана) Personalized dietary consultation service based on individual genetic, metabolic, and health profiles to optimize nutrition recommendations. Offered as a service through the Institute's research groups.
• Gene Analysis for Metabolism (Анализа гена за метаболизам) Genetic analysis service that examines genes related to metabolic processes to provide personalized nutrition and health recommendations.
• Gene Analysis for Sports Performance (Анализа гена за спортске перформансе) Genetic testing service analyzing genes associated with athletic performance, muscle composition, and recovery to optimize training and nutrition strategies.
• Gene Analysis for Vital Aging (Анализа гена за витално старење) Genetic analysis service focused on genes related to healthy aging processes to develop personalized interventions for vital aging.
• M2BoostHEM Platform Functional ingredient development platform for hemoglobin stabilization and improved iron bioavailability, based on a standardized process designed to deliver predictable performance across different formulations for dietary supplements and pharmaco-nutritional formulations for the prevention and treatment of anemia.
• ELISA Test for Tick-Bite Detection ELISA-based diagnostic test for early tick-bite detection based on tick salivary proteins, developed for identifying exposure to tick-borne pathogens.
• JAK/STAT Pathway Detection for Myeloproliferative Neoplasms Novel diagnostic approach for myeloproliferative neoplasms focused on detecting JAK/STAT pathway activation independently of known genetic mutations.
• Functional Juices with Organic Calcium Functional beverages enriched with organic calcium developed for specific health applications.
• Stable Multiple Myeloma Cell Lines In vitro established stable cell lines from primary patient samples used for multiple myeloma research and therapeutic development, available as research tools for collaborative studies.

Quantifiable outcome

• 78 years of continuous operation as a leading national scientific institute
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

32 partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Serbian Association for Cancer Research (SDIR)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 July 2026Partner in organizing Science Day event at Jevremovac Botanical Garden for public outreach.
• Institute for Oncology and Radiology of SerbiacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 July 2026Scientific seminar collaboration on prognostic and predictive biomarkers research through Horizon Europe projects STEPUPIORS and EXPAND-EV.
• Seoul AI Foundation (Korea)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 June 2026Partnership during KSP working visit focused on AI development and application in science.
• National Information Society Agency (Korea)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 June 2026Collaboration on digital transformation and AI policy.
• KISTEP (Korea)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 June 2026Korea Institute of Science and Technology Evaluation and Planning partnership.
• AI Safety Institute (Korea)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 June 2026Partnership focused on responsible AI use in research.
• LG CNS Physical AI Lab (Korea)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 June 2026Collaboration on AI applications in science and technology.
• Gyeonggido Business & Science Accelerator (Korea)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 June 2026Partnership on science and technology innovation.
• Korea UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 June 2026Academic partnership for research collaboration.
• Danish Life Science ClustercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 June 2026Collaboration during study visit to Copenhagen focused on Denmark's approach to building a strong life sciences sector, connecting preclinical research, clinical trials, biotech development, and commercialization.
• Healthcare DenmarkcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 June 2026Partnership during Copenhagen study visit to learn about Danish life science ecosystem development.
• University of CopenhagencoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 June 2026Academic partnership during Copenhagen study visit focused on connecting biomedical research, innovation, and real-world application.
• BioInnovation Institute (Denmark)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 June 2026Partnership for learning about biotech development pathways and innovation support.
• Bioneer (Denmark)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 June 2026Collaboration focused on biotech development and research-to-application pathways.
• Danish Medicines AgencycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 June 2026Partnership for understanding regulatory frameworks in life sciences.
• Trial Nation (Denmark)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 June 2026Collaboration on clinical trials and healthcare innovation.
• Science Fund of the Republic of SerbiacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 May 2026Organizer of LAB2MARKET event 'Partnership between Science and Industry'.
• Science and Technology Park BelgradecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 May 2026Venue for LAB2MARKET event showcasing science-industry partnerships.
• İzmir Kâtip Çelebi University - Faculty of Health SciencescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 April 2026Erasmus+ teaching mobility program with Dr. Gülşah Kaner Tohtak delivering lectures on inflammatory pain and diet.
• University of Sarajevo - Institute for Genetic Engineering and BiotechnologycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 December 2025Bilateral project 'Continuation and Development of Bilateral Scientific Cooperation between Two Scientific Institutes of Importance to Bosnia and Herzegovina'.
• Établissement Français du Sang (French Blood Institute)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 November 2025Bilateral collaboration on cellular hibernation research. Researchers from IMR conducted research visit to Bordeaux within the project 'Harnessing H₂S to induce a hibernation-like state'.
• University of Ljubljana - Institute of Cell BiologycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 September 2025Scientific seminar collaboration on human amniotic membrane research in bladder cancer therapy.
• CIC JapancoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 July 2025Open innovation ecosystem partnership during study visit to Japan, exploring collaboration models between science, industry, and innovation centers.
• Shonan Health Innovation Park (Japan)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 July 2025Partnership focused on open innovation models in health technology.
• Takeda (Japan)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 July 2025Pharmaceutical company partnership exploring collaboration in therapeutic development.
• Axcelead (Japan)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 July 2025Biotech company partnership for innovation ecosystem development.
• Alloy Therapeutics (Japan)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 July 2025Partnership in biotech innovation and therapeutic development.
• NALEDcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 May 2025Collaboration through Empower Innovation project, supporting science-industry partnerships and innovation commercialization.
• Philip MorriscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 May 2025Partner in Empower Innovation project for science-industry collaboration.
• BIO4 CampuscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 May 2025IMR is one of the future hosts of BIO4 Campus, which will enable stronger connection between science, health sector, and industry.
• Institute for the Application of Nuclear Energy (INEP)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 May 2025Collaboration at Mini Innovation Fair and Empower Innovation project.
• Institute of Chemistry, Technology and Metallurgy (IHTM)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 May 2025Collaboration at Mini Innovation Fair showcasing innovations.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Pasteur Institute: France's flagship biomedical research foundation with global operations across infectious disease, immunology, and diagnostic development. Far larger and more diversified than IMR but operates a similar model of public-interest research plus diagnostic-services delivery.
• Karolinska Institutet: Sweden's leading medical university, comparable to IMR's university-based biomedical research mission but at vastly greater scale, with international research networks and clinical translational pipelines similar to IMR's partnerships with Swedish and EU institutions.
• Max Planck Institute for Molecular Biomedicine: German Max Planck Society institute focused on molecular biomedicine, cell biology, and vascular research; comparable to IMR's hematology, stem cell, and molecular oncology research groups as a publicly funded basic-to-translational biomedical research institute.

Direct peers

• Ruđer Bošković Institute: Croatia's flagship multidisciplinary public research institute, comparable to IMR as a government-funded national research center with multi-disciplinary biomedical, materials, and life-science programs. Closest regional peer in size and mission.
• National Institute of Biology (Slovenia): Slovenian public research institute conducting applied and fundamental research in biology, biotechnology, and environmental sciences; comparable to IMR in size, government affiliation, and regional context as a Southeast European national life-science institute.
• Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research (HZI): German government-funded research center for infectious disease research, comparable to IMR's vector-borne disease center of excellence and microbiology research group as a publicly funded translational biomedical research institution.
• Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering (IMGGE): University of Belgrade institute focused on molecular genetics and genetic engineering, directly comparable to IMR's omics, gene analysis, and molecular oncology programs as a sister university research institute in Serbia.
• Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković": University of Belgrade-affiliated biological research institute focused on biomedical sciences, comparable to IMR as a same-country, university-based public research institute with overlapping immunology, genetics, and ecology programs.

Regional players

• Bulgarian Academy of Sciences: Bulgaria's national academy of sciences with biomedical research institutes, comparable to IMR as a Southeast European national research consortium with overlapping biomedical research mandate and historical institutional structure.
• Czech Academy of Sciences - Institute of Microbiology: Czech public research institute focused on microbiology, immunology, and biomedicine; comparable to IMR's microbiology/parasitology and immunology research groups as a Central European national research institution with similar public funding model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/imrbelgrade
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@InstituteforMedicalResearch
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/institute-for-medical-research

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Institute for Medical Research