The State Research Center for Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology (SRCAMB) in Obolensk is one of the Russian biological institutes that were funded from the International Science and Technology Center (ISTC) for conversion of its former biological weapons, BW, research. An assessment in 2004 revealed a promising development related to the research at the institute. At a few issues, the report expressed concern related to the use of dual use technology and a risk factor was retained critical competences. Also, the economic situation was alarming. In the recent decade, the situation has gradually changed; the institute currently has a role in the Rospotrebnadzor public health network with funding allocated from the federal budget. The research profile has the emphasis on public health issues and few activities are related to BW agents such as the tularaemia or anthrax bacteria. The plague bacterium is still in focus, but the research is mainly in international collaboration. The attention is also on the development of alternative means of antibiotics, i.e. antimicrobial bacteriocins and bacteriolytic phages. It is concluded that the transparency concerning research activities is met by a large number of international collaborations and a growing number of publications in international refereed journals. In addition to research funding, the support for conversion was directed to reorganization of the strain collection, and safety and security issues on microbial work was highlighted. Finally, commercialization activities including vaccines, diagnostics and nutrient media were realized. The development of the political situation in Russia still causes concern when it comes to transparency of the research institutes accused of BW activities in the Soviet era, and emerging plans for future Russian weapon systems described by president Putin. In spite of the concerns emphasized, the conclusion of the study, based on the review of recent research publications, is that the conversion of SRCAMB has been successful. The present activities have a strong profile in public health issues and they are characterized by transparency through collaborations and networks.