On September 27, 2026, the Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology hosted a delegation from Tarim University, People’s Republic of China.
The delegation included:
Wang Chengtao — Deputy Party Secretary, Vice-President and Director of the Publicity Department of the Party Committee, Tarim University;
Gemingguli Muhatai — Professor, College of Animal Science and Technology;
Xia Zhanfeng — Member of the Party Committee, Vice-Dean & Professor, College of Life Science and Technology;
Xu Qian — Member of the Party Committee, Vice-Dean & Professor, College of Food Science and Engineering.
The purpose of the visit was to develop scientific cooperation between the Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology and Tarim University, strengthen interaction, and identify promising areas for joint activities. During the meeting, the parties discussed achievements to date and current issues related to developing research platforms, implementing joint projects, scientific research, and academic staff exchange.
As part of the visit, the delegation met with the Institute’s leadership and researchers. The participants discussed prospects for further scientific cooperation, opportunities for academic exchange involving young researchers and scientific staff, and the development and implementation of joint research projects in plant genomics, sustainable agriculture, and biotechnology.
In addition, the delegation visited the Institute’s research laboratories and learned about its scientific infrastructure and major research areas. Following the meeting, the parties exchanged views on the prospects for developing joint research projects and strengthening long-term scientific ties between the two institutions.
Within the framework of cooperation with Tarim University, joint research is being conducted with the Laboratory of Breeding and Biotechnology. The research focuses on studying the genetic structure, genetic diversity, and breed-related genetic characteristics of Kazakh horses using modern molecular genetic methods. As part of this cooperation, MSci and doctoral students from Tarim University are also being trained, with Professor Malika Shamekova, Head of the Breeding and Biotechnology Laboratory, serving as their academic supervisor.
A collaborative project with the Germplasm Cryopreservation Laboratory is planned to study the genetic diversity and genetic structure of Populus euphratica (Turanga) populations using modern molecular-genetic methods (Leading Researcher Timur Turdiev).
In addition, within the framework of this cooperation, Zagipa Sapakhova, Leading Researcher of the Laboratory of Breeding and Biotechnology at the Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology, together with Luo Xiaoxia, has been awarded a project under the Scientific and Technological Cooperation Program: “Discovery of Biocontrol Microbial Resources and Development of Green Control Technologies for Late Blight in Potatoes in China and Kazakhstan” (2026CA002). The project aims to identify promising microbial resources for the biological control of potato late blight and to develop environmentally friendly “green” technologies for potato protection in Kazakhstan and China.
