The 2025 International Training Course on Aquatic Biological Identification and eDNA Data Analysis, held during November 16 to 29, 2025 at IHB, employed a dynamic, hands-on approach to learning. (Credit: IHB)

From November 16 to 29, 2025, the Institute of Hydrobiology (IHB) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences successfully organized the "2025 International Training Course on Aquatic Biological Identification and eDNA Data Analysis." 

A distinguished faculty of 20 experts delivered the training in English. The international lineup included Professor Alexey A. Kotov, Professor Anna Neretina, and Professor Petr Garibian from the Institute of Ecology and Evolution of the Russian Academy of Sciences, alongside senior researchers from IHB, the Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology of CAS, and the Ministry of Ecology and Environment. Their combined expertise provided a comprehensive curriculum spanning classical and cutting-edge methodologies. 

The course welcomed 20 participants from eight countries: Russia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Malaysia, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. At the opening ceremony, IHB director MIAO Wei and deputy director XU Jun extended a warm welcome, emphasizing the course's role in fostering international scientific collaboration and capacity building. 

The two-week program employed a dynamic, hands-on approach to learning. Through a combination of academic lectures, interactive classroom sessions, laboratory demonstrations, field excursions, and practical exercises, participants received systematic training in the traditional morphological identification of algae, zooplankton, and benthic macroinvertebrates; modern environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling, analysis, and bioinformatics techniques, the application of big data platforms and artificial intelligence in aquatic biological data analysis and freshwater ecosystem monitoring. 

Funded by the Bureau of International Cooperation of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and led by IHB Prof. GONG Yingchun, the training course achieved its goal of equipping a new generation of professionals with specialized skills in species identification and advanced eDNA data analysis. This initiative strengthens the intellectual foundation for water quality monitoring and ecological conservation in Belt and Road partner countries. 

IHB remains committed to deepening scientific exchange and cooperation with nations involved in the Belt and Road Initiative, jointly promoting innovation and sustainable development in the field of aquatic biology.

The 2025 International Training Course on Aquatic Biological Identification and eDNA Data Analysis, held during November 16 to 29, 2025 at IHB, employed a dynamic, hands-on approach to learning. (Credit: IHB)