GYA member Paulina Carmora-Mora (University of California-Davis, USA) and alumna Dilfuza Egamberdieva (National University of Uzbekistan) hosted the 1st Central Asia Genomics Symposium in December 2021. The symposium is intended to be a hub for genomics-related research in Central Asia, where participants can learn, network and engage to empower new research using genomic tools in the region.
Paulina used this opportunity to hold a special “GYA presents” session, where she gave a brief presentation about the GYA to encourage Central Asian researchers to consider applying for GYA membership. Additionally, 4 GYA members were invited speakers at the session: Justine Germo (Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, Cameroon), Felix Moronta (International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Italy), Yensi Flores (University College Cork, Ireland) and Shymaa Enany (Suez Canal University, Egypt). The December symposium is part of a larger science diplomacy project funded by the US Department of State, that Paulina and Dilfuza applied for.
Paulina added: “I met Dilfuza in Halle, Germany during the 2019 Annual General Meeting. Being a GYA member let me to meet such a wonderful colleague from a country I hadn’t t had any contact with before. I think this is a nice example of how GYA members can expand our network and create new opportunities even beyond the auspices of the GYA.”
The Central Asia Genomics Symposium was part of a Central Asia University Partnership Program project for the partnership between the University of California-Davis, and the National University of Uzbekistan. The award was granted by the American Councils for International Education, with support from the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Embassy in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.