2025.12.01
An employee of the Institute of Zoology attended an international training course held in China
Elyana Tahirova, the Head of the International Relations Department of the Institute of Zoology, senior researcher, PhD in Biology, Associate Professor, participated from 16–29 November 2025 in the “2025 International Training Class on Aquatic Identification and eDNA Data Analysis,” organized by the Institute of Hydrobiology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (Wuhan, China). The training was funded by the Chinese Academy of Sciences under the Belt and Road and other Science & Technology Training Programs for developing countries. The program was organized by Professor Yingchun Gong.
At the training, international experts specializing in aquatic organism research, species identification, molecular ecology, and modern environmental DNA (eDNA) technologies took part. The program included lectures, laboratory sessions, and field studies.
The main aims of the training were to deepen theoretical knowledge about classification and ecological roles of aquatic species, to apply environmental DNA (eDNA) approaches in biodiversity monitoring, and to develop practical skills in sample collection, species identification, and molecular analyses.
Within the program, Chinese and Russian scientists delivered detailed presentations on zooplankton taxonomy, cyanobacteria and their ecological risks, ecology and conservation of freshwater macrophytes and macrozoobenthos.
An important component of the training was the eDNA workflow — participants received presentations and conducted practical sessions on sample processing, filtration, DNA extraction, PCR, sequencing, and bioinformatic analysis. At the same time, participants were informed about the special significance of the “Protist 10,000 Genomes Project (P10K)” for global protist genome research.
During the laboratory sessions, participants practiced microscopic examination of microorganisms, zooplankton, phytoplankton, and macro-benthic invertebrates; species identification based on taxonomic characters; and performed eDNA filtration and extraction procedures.
In the field studies in internal water bodies of Wuhan city, samples were collected: plankton nets for plankton, dredging for macrozoobenthos, and water samples for eDNA analysis. These activities allowed deeper learning of proper sampling methods and quality-control principles essential for ecological monitoring.
In addition to Chinese researchers, participants from Russia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and other countries attended the training — which created opportunity for expansion of future collaboration and initiation of joint projects.
During the training, E. Tahirova delivered a presentation about the work, principles and scientific directions of the laboratory she belongs to, and about her own research results.
