UNIQUE WORLD-CLASS BIOINFORMATICS COURSES CONCLUDE IN KAZAKHSTAN

Kozybayev University organized unique courses in functional genomics and bioinformatics with a focus on third-generation sequencing technologies. These are the first courses of their kind in Kazakhstan. The project meets international standards, combining advanced practices, modern technologies, and participation of renowned global experts.

The program is designed for master’s students, PhD candidates, researchers, and professionals in the life sciences with an academic background in biology or related disciplines.

“To launch these courses, the university invested significant effort and resources. We purchased a server for data collection and will continue to strengthen the program to expand the possibilities for conducting such unique courses. This is just the beginning! It is also gratifying that participants include our colleagues from Northwest A&F University (China) and staff from the Institute of Plant Biology and Biotechnology (Almaty). I sincerely hope that the knowledge they gained will be a valuable investment in the future,” said Chairman of the Board–Rector Erbol Issakaev.

Over five days, participants worked with modern datasets and gained hands-on experience in computational analysis across various sequencing platforms.

“We learned modern methods for analyzing genetic information—structure, functions, and gene interactions—using computational technologies. We worked with DNA and RNA data, learning to use bioinformatics software for genome annotation, gene expression analysis, and identification of genetic markers.

This knowledge is directly applicable to my professional field—plant protection and quarantine. It allows us to identify genes responsible for plant resistance to diseases and stress, analyze genomes of pathogens affecting crops, and more,” said course participant Aynur Balakhmetova.

The program covered:

• Whole-genome sequencing and assembly methods, focusing on PacBio sequencing;

• Tools and strategies for experimental design and quality assessment;

• In silico analysis of genome characteristics and other modern approaches.

The program was led by Professor Andrea Zuccolo, a respected expert in genomics and bioinformatics with extensive international experience. His career includes positions at the University of Pisa (Italy), KAUST University (Saudi Arabia), and over six years at the University of Arizona (USA), where he led a bioinformatics analysis group at the Genomics Institute. In 2025, Professor Zuccolo joined the International Campus of Kozybayev University.

Other course speakers included leading genomics and bioinformatics researchers Mara Mikulan and Mirko Celi from KAUST, as well as Associate Director of the Arizona Genomics Institute, Dario Copetti.

A total of 10 participants completed the program and received certificates.