On January 30, the defense of the dissertation work on the topic of “Assessment of genetic diversity and biochemical indicators of lentil (Lens culinaris Medik) and bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) specimens” submitted by Shamsiyya Elkhan Mammadova, an employee of the Institute of Genetic Resources of the Republic of Azerbaijan, was held at the ED 1.25 Dissertation Council operating under the Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnologies of the MSE AR. The dissertation was carried out at the Institute of Genetic Resources and Molecular Biology and Biotechnologies of the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The scientific supervisors of the dissertation are the deceased Associate Professor, Doctor of Biological Sciences Haji Shikhlinski, and Associate Professor, Doctor of Philosophy in Biology Ulduz Gurbanova.

Shamsiyya Mammadova extensively commented on the main provisions of the dissertation. The plaintiff noted that for the first time, the biodiversity of the lentil and bean collection stored in the National Genebank was comprehensively assessed using morphological indicators, biochemical, and molecular analyses, and phenotypically and genotypically distinct samples were identified. Using modern statistical methods, a core collection of 46 lentil and 15 bean samples was created, which differed in terms of biomorphological characteristics, productivity indicators, and genetic profile.

After listening to the speeches of the official opponents, a broad exchange of views was held regarding the dissertation work, and suggestions and recommendations were made. The applicant answered the council members' questions and responded to the recommendations and comments of the opponents. The council members expressed their opinions on the dissertation. After listening to the candidate's closing remarks, a vote was held. Based on the results of the vote, a decision was made to file a petition with the Higher Attestation Commission under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan regarding the awarding of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Biology to Shamsiyya Mammadova.