The Department of biotechnology and Microbiology conducts fundamental and applied research in the field of molecular biology, biochemistry, Virology, genetic engineering, Microbiology, plant physiology and many other areas of science.
Scientific schools operate on the basis of the Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology:
The scientific team of the head of the department, J.K. Masalimov, is engaged in fundamental research in the field of the influence of abiotic stress factors on plants (salinity, heavy metals, drought, low temperature).
The research team of Professor Z.A. Alikulov carries out research in the field of growing halophytic plants resistant to desert conditions. They conduct scientific research on the development of innovative biotechnology for the production of environmentally friendly aquaculture products, technology and production of domestic fish feed for the production of environmentally friendly fish products, the Aquaponics club operates, in which bachelor's, master's and doctoral students conduct scientific research and gain invaluable practical experience, undergo industrial and postgraduate practice in the Aquaponics laboratory.
The research directions developed by scientific schools and the department's teams are currently not only relevant, but also promising from the point of view of modern trends in the development of biotechnology.
The Rustem Omarov Scientific Laboratory hosts the "Plant Lab" student research club, led by PhD, Acting Associate Professor Nurgul Iksat. The club's research focuses on current trends in modern plant biotechnology and molecular virology. Club members study the molecular mechanisms of virus-plant interactions, modern approaches to genetic engineering, the potential applications of CRISPR/Cas systems, and RNA interference mechanisms. Through the club, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students are involved in research projects, mastering modern laboratory and molecular biology methods, analyzing scientific data and literature, contributing to the preparation of scientific publications, and presenting research results at conferences and competitions. Working in the club promotes the development of research competencies, the development of practical skills, and the acquisition of experience in independent scientific work.
The research areas developed by the scientific schools and teams of the department are currently not only relevant, but also promising from the point of view of modern directions of biotechnology development.
Scientific-reserch work reports of department 2018
Scientific-reserch work reports of department 2019
Scientific-reserch work reports of department 2020
Scientific-reserch work reports of department 2021
Scientific-reserch work reports of department 2022
Scientific-reserch work reports of department 2023
Students, master’s students, and young researchers actively participate in the research activities of the Department. Students take part in research competitions, conferences, and other scientific events at various levels.
Among the significant achievements of students and master’s students are 1st place in the “Best Student Research Paper - 2018" competition within the “Future Scientists” project of the First President’s Foundation, as well as a First Degree Diploma at the All-Russian Scientific and Practical Conference “Modern Approaches and Methods in Plant Protection - 2018." From 2019 to 2022, students and master’s students of the Department won prizes at conferences of various levels.
In 2023, 1st place in the intra-university competition for the Best Master’s Thesis was awarded to second-year master’s student Saktанов M.Zh. In the same year, the environmental project of Kazbek Dyussembayev, Senior Lecturer of the Department and PhD, received grant support. Within the framework of the project, a method for the rapid and targeted detection of fungal diseases of apple trees using the qPCR method was developed. In 2024, the Acting Associate Professor of the Department, PhD Iksат Nurgul, received grant support under the “Zhana Asu” program.
In 2026, students of the Department participated in the Republican Competition of Students’ Research Projects (SRP) and Master’s Students’ Research Projects (MSRP), receiving the following awards: 3rd place in SRP — 4th-year students of the Educational Program “Animal Biotechnology and Bioinformatics,” Kurmangaliyev Daulet and Belgibay Sauat; 2nd place in MSRP first-year master’s student of the Educational Program “Molecular Biotechnology and Biomedicine,” Artykbaeva Dana; 3rd place - first-year master’s student of the Educational Program “Molecular Biotechnology and Biomedicine,” Berikova Madina.
Within the framework of the “Zhas Galym” grant funding program of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan for 2023-2025, young lecturers of the Department received grants to implement the following projects:
AP19174389 “Modulation of the CRISPR/Cas13 Gene Editing System to Stimulate Antiviral Resistance in Plants.” Project leader - Iksat Nurgul.
AP19174970 “Assessment of the Consequences of the Combined Effects of Radioactive and Chemical Substances on the Immune and Genetic Systems of the Organism.” Project leader - Ilderbayeva Gulzhan.
“Study of Adaptive Mechanisms of Cereal Crops under Temperature Stress.” Project leader - Zhanassova Kuralay.
Within the framework of grant-funded projects for 2023 - 2025, research was carried out in the following areas:
AP19679597 “Study of the Multisystemic Protection of Plants under Combined Stress.” Project leader - Masalimov Zhaksylyk.
AP19680579 “Development of Technology and Production of Domestic Fish Feed for Obtaining Environmentally Friendly Fish Products.” Project leader - Alikulov Zerekbay.
AP19676731 “Study of the Role of Signaling Molecules for Developing New Strategies to Increase the Stress Resistance of Cereal Crops.” Project leader - Kurmanbayeva Assylay.
AP19679378 “Innovative Biological Research for Developing New Strategies to Increase Plant Productivity and Resistance to Salinity in Agriculture.” Project leader - Zhangazin Sayan.
Within the framework of grant-funded projects for 2024–2026, the Department is implementing the following research project:
AP22684942 “Multifunctional Application of Biochar for Wastewater Treatment and Soil Improvement.” Project leader - Yerkanat Kanafin.
AP22685648 "Development of innovative technology for express purification of soil from heavy metals". Project leader - Beisekova Moldir.
Within the framework of grant-funded projects for 2025–2027, the research project AP27508003 “Study of Innovative Approaches to Phytopathological Diagnostics Based on CRISPR/Cas13” is being implemented. Project leader - Iksat Nurgul .
Within the framework of grant funding projects for 2026-2028, scientific research AP32320469 "Study of ABA3-dependent redox regulation in Arabidopsis thaliana and Hordeum vulgare under the combined effects of drought, heat and ultraviolet stress" is being carried out, supervised by Asemgul Zhambulovna Bekturova.
In addition to funded projects, non-funded research is also carried out at the Department. Research in the field of food biotechnology is conducted by U.Z. Sagyndykov; research in the field of parasitology and fisheries development is conducted under the supervision of Candidate of Biological Sciences K.M. Aubakirova.
Conferences:
The International Scientific Forum “Omarov Readings” is held annually, bringing together students, master’s students, doctoral students, and young researchers.
Materials of the international scientific forum "Omarov readings-2023"
Materials of the international scientific forum "Omarov readings-2024"
Materials of the international scientific forum "Omarov readings-2025"
Materials of the international scientific forum "Omarov readings-2026"
