Institute of Molecular Genetics and Genetic Engineering (IMGGE - formerly Centre for Genetic Engineering) was founded in 1986 upon proclamation of the Law for the Ratification of Statute of the International Centre of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) by Yugoslav Parliament. Thus, the Institute is associated to ICGEB, Trieste, Italy, as an affiliated centre and it is involved in all activities within this international organization. The first director who actually fathered IMGGE was Professor Vladimir Glišin. The IMGGE has the collaboration with many institutes in the region as well as with the ICGEB member countries. In 1998 Institute moved to a new building of 2.400 m2 where most of the equipment necessary for sophisticated experimental manipulations in genetic engineering is available. Pursuant to the Decision of Serbian Government 05 No. 022-1183/2007 dated March 1st , 2007, IMGGE is established as a state research institute.

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, Institute's 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: Laboratory for Molecular Hematology, Laboratory for Molecular Biology, Laboratory for Human Molecular Genetics, Molecular Genetics of Actinomycetes, Laboratory for Molecular Genetics of Industrial Microorganisms and Laboratory for Laboratory for Plant Molecular Biology.
Staff 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 and engaged in the realization of the PhD programme “Molecular Biology”. The young talented students are steadily being trained and their experimental and theoretical education required for fulfilling curricula for MSc and PhD theses have been obtained in the Institute. 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 Institute's programs: The applied approach is accomplished through ongoing Institute's 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 microorganismsIn 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.