The first module of the training program, “Advanced Plant Breeding Technologies” has just completed its ‘Beginners’ level at the Skoltech-based Scientific Training Center of Plant Biotechnology .
Fifteen professionals from Russian breeding companies attended the program from January 18 to 28.
Skoltech has been providing advanced training in plant breeding and biotechnology since 2020. Its Plant Biotechnology Research and Education Center offers comprehensive training courses, seminars, and laboratory workshops for plant breeders. Based at Skoltech, the Center is run by three organizations: Skoltech, the Institute of Cytology and Genetics of RAS (Novosibirsk), and Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy.
Nowadays, “plant breeding” has evolved from mere “application of genetic principles and methods for the breeding of varieties and hybrids” into a broader notion encompassing a diversity of areas, such as data analysis, molecular biology, and genomics for quantitative trait and population management.
“Advanced Plant Breeding Technologies” is a three-level program designed for professionals from both public and private breeding and crossbreeding entities.
The attendees gain new knowledge about state-of-the-art technologies that help improve their breeding programs. Particular emphasis is placed on the design of experiments and the statistical methods of data processing. The first module focuses on the basics of genetics, molecular biology, statistics, and experimental design, the second teaches students to handle breeding data by applying data processing algorithms and association genetics, and the third features an introduction to genomic selection.
The first pilot class was selected by organizers on a closed-selection basis, with a total of 15 candidates gaining admission. Within the first program level, the attendees were introduced to the theory of modern breeding and tried their hand at data handling and using genetic markers in the lab environment to study genetic diversity, identify plant varieties, and create plant genetic passports.
The course faculty included international professors, Professor Laurent Gentzbittel, Head of the Skoltech Digital Agriculture Laboratory, and Cecile Ben, currently a Principal Research Scientist at the Lab and formerly a Associate Professor within the École Nationale Supérieure Agronomique de Toulouse (ENSAT), as well as Russian faculty, Elena Potokina, a Professor at the St. Petersburg Forestry Institute, and Socrat Monakhos, Head of the Department of Botany and Garden Plant Selection and Seed Breeding at Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy.
The practical sessions were steered by researchers from the Skoltech Digital Agriculture Laboratory, Stepan Boldyrev and Elena Martynova.
The next selection for the “Advanced Plant Breeding Technologies” program is scheduled for March 29. Admission to this program and the Center’s other offerings will be open to everyone.
“The Russian plant breeding is going through a technological transformation phase, with molecular and genomic breeding and biotechnology making their way into breeding programs. This means that industry professionals should constantly improve their skills and competencies. Our educational programs aim to provide experts with new knowledge in the fastest and most comfortable manner, and without much distraction from their jobs. The modular format of our advanced training programs and short-term practical courses will be convenient for those who have to work and study simultaneously,” Nadezhda Dolmatova, the Center’s Manager, explains.
“I am thankful for the opportunity to attend this educational module. Gaining new knowledge and being able to use it in your daily work means a lot. It was a kind of a “brain-raking” experience that helped organize the knowledge we already had and learn something new,” Albert Shchegolkov, a breeder at the “Soyevy Complex” company, says.
Contact information:
Skoltech Communications
+7 (495) 280 14 81
