From September 15 to 27, 2025, third-year doctoral student of the 8D05101 – “Biology” educational program of Astana Medical University, Mereke Ashikbayeva, completed a scientific internship at Ca’ Foscari University (Venice, Italy).

The internship took place at the Department of Environmental Sciences, Informatics and Statistics (DAIS) under the supervision of Associate Professor Renata Soukand – a recognized expert in ethnobiology and biocultural diversity, and the author of more than 40 scientific publications in international journals.

Within the program, the doctoral student became acquainted with modern international approaches to mycofloristic and ethnomycological analysis of medicinal mushrooms, and studied methods for collecting, identifying, and processing biological material. Special attention was given to mastering statistical and bioinformatic methods, as well as developing academic writing skills and preparing articles for publication in international scientific journals.

The acquired knowledge will serve as an important foundation for the dissertation research dedicated to the study of Kazakhstan’s mycoflora. The internship not only broadened scientific horizons and practical competencies but also contributed to strengthening academic ties with foreign researchers, which represents a significant contribution to the development of the scientific potential of Astana Medical University.