Assoc. Professor, PhD Maxim Y. Sutula, Leading researcher at the Plant Genetic Engineering Laboratory, National Center for Biotechnology, Astana, Kazakhstan (2023–present). EDUCATION: master's in biotechnology, Seifullin Kazakh Agrotechnical University, Astana, Kazakhstan (2008–2010); PhD in biology, Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Astana, Kazakhstan (2013–2018). EXPERIENCE (15 years): Chief Researcher of National Science Shared Laboratory, Amanzholov University, Oskemen, Kazakhstan (2021–2023); Head of National Science Shared Laboratory, Amanzholov University, Oskemen, Kazakhstan (2019–2021); Head of Plant Biology and Biotechnology Laboratory, Amanzholov University, Oskemen, Kazakhstan (2019–2019); Researcher, Laboratory of Plant Biotechnology, Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Astana, Kazakhstan (2013–2018); Junior Researcher, Laboratory of Biotechnology, Seifullin Kazakh Agrotechnical University, Astana, Kazakhstan (2004–2013). INTERESTS: molecular and biochemical mechanisms of interaction between plants and viruses; plant signaling in biotic and abiotic stress; RNA-interference; plant biotechnology and biochemistry; agricultural biotechnology; molecular phytopathology; microbiology and virology; immunology; diagnostics of infectious diseases; virus detection and biosecurity; genetic engineering; genome editing by CRISPR/Cas; DNA sequencing; DNA barcoding; PCR; ELISA; chromatography of proteins and nucleic acids; phylogenetic analysis; Bayesian inference.