The first biochemical institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences in Moscow was founded in 1935. Activities of the Institute combine studies of molecular processes in living organisms and practical applications of fundamental biochemical concepts. Priority lines of research of the Institute include ecologically safe biotechnologies, enzymology of biodegradation, mechanisms of adaptation to stress and factors of environmental risks, molecular regulation of plant growth, analytical techniques and diagnostic kits for agricultural and industrial practice. The Institute comprises 25 laboratories and research groups. 340 employees in total, 240 people are engaged in R&D, among them 170 PhDs. The Institute provides teaching to 35 Ph.D. students. Five specialized educational and research centers have been launched in cooperation with the universities and colleges. The research activity is supported by Russian (more than 50) and international (more than 30) programs, grants and funds. The Institute collaborates with numerous scientific centers, universities and research institutions both in Russian Federation and over the world. Russian National Contact Point on FP6 Thematic Priority 5 was established by the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation on the basis of the A.N. Bakh Institute of Biochemistry for promoting integration of the Russian science into European Research Area. Its main objectives are: (i) Provision of the information interface between Russian and European scientific communities, dissemination of information about European Community research projects and programs in Russia; and (ii) Comprehensive support actions (organizational, informational, consultative, etc.) for Russian scientific and research organizations as well as SMEs willing to participate in international research projects associated with food quality and safety. (Vladmir Popov)