Sixteen students majoring in Biotechnology and two students majoring in Biology Teaching at the Department of Life Sciences of Khazar University participated in an internship program organized at the Institute of Genetic Resources of the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan from May 15 to June 15, 2026.

The students were divided into groups, with each group engaged in laboratory sessions at the institute's Department of Cytogenetics for a period of one month. The primary objectives of the internship were to enable students to apply their theoretical knowledge in a laboratory setting, to familiarize them with modern cytogenetic and plant biology methods, and to enhance their research skills.

In the first phase of the program, students familiarized themselves with the history, areas of activity, laboratories, and scientific infrastructure of the Institute of Genetic Resources. They were provided with detailed information on the principles of collection, registration, processing, and long-term storage of plant genetic resources.

During the practical sessions, students collected leaf samples from various cereal crops and studied their anatomical characteristics. Preparations were made from the upper and lower epidermis of the leaves using the epidermal impression method with nail polish. The resulting preparations were examined under a light microscope, and numerous microphotographs were taken.

Based on the collected microscopic images, the number of stomata on the upper and lower surfaces of the same leaf, as well as across different cereal species, were compared using statistical methods, and the results were analyzed.

This internship program provided students with the opportunity to develop skills in working with laboratory equipment, preparing specimens, conducting microscopic observations, collecting scientific data, and applying statistical analysis methods. At the same time, they gained close familiarity with the process of planning and conducting research work, acquiring practical experience essential for their future professional activities.