An online conference devoted to applied research in biotechnology with the participation of scientists from Nazarbayev University took place at S. Toraighyrov Pavlodar State University.

The purpose of this event was to strengthen and develop scientific cooperation in the field of applied research in biology and biotechnology between Nazarbayev University and S. Toraighyrov PSU.

Nurken Kuzembayev, Candidate of Historical Sciences, Associate Professor, and Director of the Department of Science and Innovation at S. Toraighyrov PSU, delivered an opening speech. “Biotechnology is one of the top-priority research areas for PSU,” he said.

The Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Doctor of Agricultural Sciences, Professor Toktar Bekseitov was the moderator of the Conference. He told about the work carried out by scientists of Pavlodar State University in the field of biotechnology. PSU has been successfully performing such research projects as “Micropropagation of Virus-free Potato”, “The Use of Vermicompost for Soil Fertility Recovery on Irrigated Lands”, “Animal Embryo Transplantation”, “Biotechnology of Polymer Food Biofibre”, and “Development and Implementation of Selection and Technological Methods for Increasing the Meat Productivity of Domestic Mutton Sheep”. “Members of the Faculty of Agricultural Technology make a significant contribution to the development of agriculture in the region,” said Toktar Bekseitov.

Scientists from S. Toraighyrov PSU and Nazarbayev University perform a joint research project entitled “The Study of Expression of Candidate Genes of Protein and Lipid Metabolism in Dairy Cattle” under the state program for research funding in 2015-2017. One of the participants of the conference, Doctor of Medical Sciences Ainur Akilzhanova, is a co-executor of this project. She is Director of the Department of Genomic and Personalized Medicine at the Center for Life Sciences of Nazarbayev University.

Such joint activities can be carried out owing to the memorandum on cooperation in the field of research, education and innovation between Nazarbayev University and S. Toraighyrov Pavlodar State University signed at Eurasian Forum of Higher Education Leaders on June 10, 2014. This memorandum makes it possible for PSU to learn and use the experience accumulated by Nazarbayev University in the field of education, science and international cooperation, and integrate scientific, intellectual and logistic potentials of the two universities.

Dinara Begimbetova, Candidate of Biological Sciences, Senior Research Fellow of the Department of Bioengineering and Artificial Organs at Nazarbayev University, made a report on the prospects for the use of biologically active compounds of natural origin in medicine. Kuralay Isayeva, Candidate of Engineering Sciences, Head of the Department of Biotechnology at S. Toraighyrov PSU, told about the role and importance of functional foods in gerontology. The Leading Researcher of the Department of Genomic and Personalized Medicine at Nazarbayev University, Candidate of Biological Sciences Saule Rakhimova presented her study of PCR diagnostics in veterinary medicine. Finally, Karina Omarova, Candidate of Engineering Sciences, Associate Professor of the Department of Biotechnology of S. Toraighyrov PSU, made a report on bioconversion of plant raw materials.

Owing to this conference, the scientists discussed common ground in research conducted by both universities and outlined areas for further activities.

Photo by Rufina Torpischeva