Master’s students Fariza Ikramkulova and Simbat Japarqali from Al-Farabi Kazakh National University in Kazakhstan completed a two-week scientific internship at the Institute of Molecular Biology of the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan from October 5 to 18, 2026.

A student specializing in virology Fariza Ikramkulova became familiar with modern virological and molecular biological research methods during the internship. She enhanced her knowledge and practical skills in the preparation and processing of biological samples, nucleic acid extraction and quality assessment, PCR and RT-PCR analysis, electrophoretic analysis, as well as the investigation of experimental results using molecular genetic and bioinformatics methods.

A student specializing in biotechnology Simbat Japarqali gained knowledge of modern microbiological and biotechnological research methods. During internship she became familiar with microbial cultivation, the preparation of culture media, the investigation of the effects of biosurfactants on microbial activity and carbonate precipitation, the monitoring of experimental parameters, as well as the microscopic, analytical, and statistical analysis of research results.

The main objective of the scientific internship was to extend the students’ knowledge in their respective fields of specialization, enhance their skills in operating modern laboratory equipment, and provide them with research experience relevant to the topics of their master’s theses.

The master’s students from Kazakhstan also got acquainted with the Institute of Molecular Biology’s research facilities, laboratories, and ongoing scientific research activities.