History

The creation of the IBS in 1992 was decided upon by two main research organizations (the CEA and the CNRS), following the emergence of a new field of research of vital importance for the understanding of fundamental biological mechanisms: structural biology.

In 1999, the IBS became a three-way partnership (Unité Mixte de Recherche) involving the CEA, the CNRS and the Université Joseph Fourier.

The first director of the institute was Professor Jean-Pierre Ebel, who set the IBS on its initial course and gave it early momentum. The sponsoring organizations decided to honor him by associating his name with that of the institute. The subsequent directors were Professors Pierre Vignais, Michel van der Rest and Roland Douce. The institute is currently led by Professor Eva Pebay-Peyroula, who became director in June 2004.