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Workshop
DNA barcoding for forensic scientists at the National Forensics Institute (NFI)

From April 17 - 21, 2023, a DNA barcoding workshop was held under the direction of Ms. Carolina Chimeno - expert of the Zoological State Collection of Munich - and Dr. E.Khishigdelger for the experts of the Genetic and Ecological Laboratory of the National Forensic Institute and for research staff of the Mongolian State University, the Pedagogical University and the University of Internal Affairs.

Participants were instructed in both theoretical knowledge in the classroom and practical skills in the laboratory on creating DNA databases for animals and plants using barcoding techniques. Throughout the five-day intensive course, attendees learned how to search and download data from international open-source databases. They also acquired knowledge about all the necessary steps for uploading new data in compliance with international standards, including sample collection, storage, and analysis, as well as identification of genetic sequences for entry into the database.

 

To effectively combat poaching and illegal collection of rare plants - which are the most common environmental crimes committed in Mongolia - the creation of a DNA database of rare animals and plants is essential. To this end, the relevant experts in Mongolia should be trained accordingly. The Hanns Seidel Foundation Mongolia, in cooperation with the NFI, successfully organized the above-mentioned educational event.

 

The workshop was the first educational event on DNA barcoding led by international experts. Further educational measures are planned both in Mongolia and in Germany. As part of the foundation's legal project, three forensic experts will travel to Bavaria from 23 April to 1 May 2023 to take part in a training course on crime scene investigation at the Bavarian Police Training Center.

 

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