The Center for Microbial Resources consists of two laboratories and one center: the State
Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources, the Laboratory of Systematic Mycology and Lichenology and the Center for Culture Collection of Microorganisms.

　　The Center for Microbial Resources conducts research in the following areas: (A) diversity of microorganisms; (B) bioactive substances from microorganisms; (C) preservation of species and gene resources of myceteae; and (D) microbiology databases.

　　The State Key Laboratory of Microbial Resources has devoted much of its efforts to the collection and evaluation of microbial resources in China, the basic biology of extremophiles and the biotechnological exploitation of microorganisms.

　　The Systematic Mycology and Lichenology Laboratory is focused on the study of natural system of myceteae including myxomycetes, oomycetes, and lichenized and non-lichenized fungi.
The Center for Culture Collection of Microorganisms is the international Depositary Authority under Budapest Treaty ratified by WIPO, and also entrusted to preserve microbial strains for patent procedure. So far there are 14,500 microbial strains preserved in this center, mainly for industrial, agricultural and scientific purposes.

　　The Center for Microbial Resources has 54 staff members, including 25 senior researchers, 26 junior researchers, one technician and two secretaries.

　　In 2001, the Center published 81 research papers and 5 monographs, filed 4 patent applications and received 3granted patents. It has also signed 3 agreements for technology transfer.