The Laboratory of Cryobiology and the Biobank of Wild Animal Germplasm at the Institute of Zoology has officially joined ISBER — the International Society for Biological and Environmental Repositories!
What does this mean?
This is not just membership in an international organization — it’s an entry into the elite of global biobanking science. ISBER unites leading biobanks and cryorepositories from all continents, creating a global platform for sharing knowledge, standards, innovations, and best practices in the field of biological resource preservation.
And now Kazakhstan is part of this global community!
Why is this important for the country and for science?
▪️ The Institute of Zoology’s biobank is a unique center for Central Asia, preserving the germplasm of more than 30 rare and endangered species of Kazakhstan’s wildlife — fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals, including species listed in the Red Book.
▪️ Joining ISBER provides access to international protocols, quality systems, certification, collaboration, and training.
▪️ This opens new horizons for scientific expeditions, genetic monitoring, and global biodiversity projects.
We are preserving the gene pool!
Now, the contribution of Kazakhstani scientists to preserving the Earth’s biological heritage becomes an official part of the global ex situ in vitro biodiversity conservation strategy in accordance with international standards.
The laboratory will serve as a bridge between national conservation priorities and global initiatives — from the Convention on Biological Diversity to the Global Genome Biodiversity Network.
What’s next?
- Joint research with biobanks in Europe, Asia, and North America
- Exchange of materials and methodologies
- Training specialists in ISBER standards
- Participation in shaping biodiversity preservation policy
Congratulations to the team of the laboratory and the Institute of Zoology, and thanks to all the staff of our research institute for their help in collecting samples and their invaluable contribution to ex situ in vitro preservation of Kazakhstan’s wildlife biodiversity.
This is a breakthrough that proves: Kazakhstan is a land of advanced science, where life in all its diversity is valued and protected for future generations.
16.05.2025