The major activities of the Institute are oriented towards fundamental research in molecular biology, molecular genetics, recombinant DNA technology and biotechnology. In the field of fundamental research, Institutes projects are mostly focused on research related to analysis of genome organisation and regulation of gene expression in different organisms. Furthermore, IMGGE is also oriented to biotechnological and commercial applications in human and veterinary medicine, agriculture, food production, and pharmaceutical industry. The Institute consists of six laboratories. Stuff of the Institute presently comprises 65 researchers. Apart from regular employees, IMGGE frequently hosts researchers from other research organisations. The Institute is affiliated to the University of Belgrade. Within last 15 years more than 180 diploma works, 70 MSc and 40 PhD theses have been completed in IMGGE.The applied approach is accomplished through ongoing Institutes programs: molecular diagnostics of hereditary, malignant and infectious diseases, GMO screening, marker assisted selection for the economic trait loci in cattle, genetic manipulation on lactic acid bacteria for food production, production of recombinant biologically active substances, and secondary metabolites of soil microorganisms. The IMGGE has implemented and maintains a QMS according to DIN EN ISO 9001:2008. The IMGGE is authorized by Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of Republic of Serbia as an official institution for GMO testing. The Laboratory for plant molecular biology is involved in international Quality Control system organized by International Seed Testing Association (ISTA proficiency test).

IMGGE research facilities and research infrastructure are fully opened for external users. Along with 6 ongoing fundamental research projects funded by the Ministry of Science and Technological Development, Republic of Serbia (MSTD RS), several international projects are in full swing at IMGGE, as a result of bilateral collaborations of the IMGGE with leading EU laboratories. In addition to two FP6 projects (EUROGENTEST Network of excellence-512148 (2005-2009) and HISERBS SSA-INCO-026357 (2006-2009)), one Welcome Trust (JW/imgge-mar14, 2006-2009) as well as 3 Collaborative Research Programme (CRP) projects funded by ICGEB (CRP/YUG06-01, 2007-2009; CRP/YUG07-01, 2008-2010; CRP/YUG08-01, 2009-2011) are in progress.Furthermore, the IMGGE has been one of the pioneers in the introduction of MG approaches in diagnostics in Serbia, and as such, it is well known for its participation in Serbian health sector. It is the only national institution where numerous different MG analyses relevant for human health are performed. Some of them are exclusively performed at the IMGGE . The IMGGE has implemented Good Scientific Practice Policy in 2008.

IMGGEs research groups are members of several European and world networks related to their research fields: European Network for Rare and Congenital Anaemias (ENERCA), European Leukemia Net (ELN), European Research Initiative on CLL (ERIC), Thalassemia International Federation (TIF), Cystic fibrosis (CF) Network, EQA schemes and Treat NMD network.

The international course “Molecular Diagnostics of Human Diseases” was organised in 2006 at IMGGE, as a part of the ICGEB annual course programme, as well as several practical and theoretical courses at national level (“Basic methods in genetic engineering” (1997, 1999), “Protein electrophoresis: theory and practice” (1997, 1998, 2003), “Detection of genetic modifications in plant material and food” (2002). Open day dedicated to Molecular Markers in Diagnostics and Follow-up of Hematological Malignancies (HISERBS SSA-INCO-026357 (2006-2009)) was organised and held at IMGGE in 2008.

Other activities of the Institute include an active participation in popularization and promotion of science in general public in Serbia (participation at the “Science Festival 2008”, Belgrade and “Science for Everyone”, IMGGE and Life Learning Center, University of Bologna)