Kozybayev University launches the National Assets Genomics Project of Kazakhstan with world experts
Kozybayev University launches the National Assets Genomics Initiative. Kozybayev University announces the launch of a large-scale project "National Assets Genomics", aimed at studying and preserving unique species of Kazakhstan using modern genomic technologies.
This project is an important step in implementing the instructions of the Head of State to transform universities into advanced research centers.
The project is being implemented in partnership with Professor Rod Wing, a leading world expert in the field of genomics (Director of Arizona Genomics Institute; Professor and Eugene Butler Endowed Chair, AAAS Fellow, CSSA Fellow; Full Professor, KAUST, Saudi Arabia). As part of the initiative, it is planned to sequence the DNA of Kazakhstan's national assets, starting with the Caspian seal, a rare and vulnerable species living in the region.
The initiator and coordinator of the program is Dr. Saule Musurova, a specialist in plant genomics. Also participating in the project is Dr. Vlada Kharchenko, a physicist specializing in structural biology (Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, USA).
Dr. Kharchenko has unique expertise in biotechnology and will join the project not only in laboratory research, but also in educational activities: he will conduct lectures and seminars for students to help form a new generation of Kazakhstani scientists in the field of genetics and biotechnology.
The goals of the "Genomics of National Assets" project are:
✅ To complete the sequencing of the genomes of rare species, which will allow studying their genetic diversity and developing conservation strategies.
✅ To create a genetic information database that will be used for long-term biodiversity conservation programs.
✅ Use of modern technologies – use of the capacity of the Arizona Genomics Institute (AGI) and local platforms for DNA extraction and analysis.
✅ Development of educational initiatives – introduction of international experience into the learning process through lectures and practical classes with leading world scientists.
📌 Main objects of research:
🌷 Greig's tulip – determination of the sequence of a unique plant of Kazakhstan to protect its gene pool.
🦭 Caspian seal – study of the impact of climate change on the genomic stability of the species.
Kazakhstan is home to unique species of flora and fauna, such as the snow leopard, Greig's tulip and the Caspian seal. These species represent ecological, cultural and scientific value.

Source : https://www.gov.kz/memleket/entities/sci/press/news/details/934823