A research team from the Department of Biology at the College of Science has achieved a notable scientific accomplishment by registering two algal species in the database of the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). This achievement forms part of the department’s academic research activities aimed at documenting biodiversity using advanced molecular techniques.

The research was supervised by Lecturer Dr. Hala Muzhir Yaqoub and carried out with the participation of research project students Mohammed Ramadan Abdullah, Mohammed Duraid Akram, Naba Raed Mohammed, and Hala Adnan Sadeq.

The registered species, Fischerella muscicola and Rhizoclonium riparium, were isolated from water streams in the Faida region and identified using molecular approaches based on the analysis and sequencing of the 16S rRNA and 18S rRNA genes.

The genetic sequences were officially deposited in the GenBank database under the following accession numbers:

1. PX777876.1 (Fischerella muscicola strain HNH)
2. PX765089.1 (Rhizoclonium riparium strain HMM)

This achievement supports academic scientific research requirements and contributes to the documentation and accessibility of molecular algal data for researchers worldwide. It also strengthens biological and environmental studies while enriching international scientific databases with verified and reliable information.

The Deanship of the College of Science and the Presidency of the Department of Biological Sciences commended the outstanding efforts of the research team, expressing their pride in this distinguished achievement, which reflects the competence and excellence of the department’s academic and research staff. The accomplishment further contributes valuable molecular data to the scientific community and supports a wide range of biological and environmental research fields.

This scientific achievement aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4 (Quality Education) through the promotion of scientific research and the development of students’ research capabilities; Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) through the application of advanced molecular technologies; Goal 15 (Life on Land) through biodiversity documentation; and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through contributing to global scientific databases and collaborative knowledge-sharing initiatives.

At the conclusion of this achievement, the College of Science extends its sincere congratulations and best wishes to the research team and its students, wishing them continued success, excellence, and further scientific accomplishments that strengthen the University’s research standing and academic reputation.

Media and Government Communication Division

Sunday, 15 February 2026