SIBBM
Società Italiana di Biofisica e Biologia Molecolare
The Italian Society of Biophysics and Molecular Biology
The Italian Society of Biophysics and Molecular Biology (SIBBM), established in 1965, is a non-profit organization aimed at promoting basic and translational research in the fields of Molecular Biology and Biophysics.
SIBBM aims at fostering the exchange of information and ideas among researchers, mainly through the organization of the yearly Scientific Meeting with the participation of high calibre international speakers, and of the biannual PhD Students Meeting in collaboration with ABCD (Cell Biology and Differentiation Association). Moreover, SIBBM has a programme of SIBBM lectures to support the organization of highly prestigious Lectures at SIBBM members’ research Institutions. SIBBM moreover compiles a monthly newsletter dedicated to its members, with important news about funding opportunities, meetings and more. Additionally, travel grants e visiting fellowships are made available to young researchers by SIBBM. In collaboration with the Chiara D'Onofrio Foundation, SIBBM promotes and supports the Chiara D’Onofrio Awards, directed at both senior and junior Italian researchers who accomplish outstanding achievements in Molecular Biology. The awards are conferred on the winners at the awards ceremony that takes place at the SIBBM Seminars. SIBBM strives for continuous renovation; aiming to increase the presence and active participation of young researchers through the institution of Junior Membership, the introduction of Junior Members in the Society’s Executive Committee and the allocation of several travel grants to support participation in the SIBBM Seminar and the PhD Meeting.
The logo chosen for the SIBBM is the sculpture titled Molecular Orgasm, by Ferruccio Ritossa. Born in Istria in 1936, graduated in Agriculture in 1959, he served as Professor of Genetics at the Universities of Bologna and Bari, Ritossa is famous for having discovered the phenomenon of chromosomal puffing as a result of heat shock in Drosophila. A scientist of great wit and curiosity, after he left the academic world in 1992, he devoted himself to sculpture, producing beautiful works, admirable for his intellectual synthesis and the his hints of the research world which he presented in an often ironic and elegant way in his sculptural art and vice versa. Ferruccio Ritossa passed away on January 9th 2014, leaving deep regret among his students, colleagues and friends.