ICGEB SMART Fellow Damián Freilij has completed his fellowship at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT), Mexico.
He received advanced training in genomic technologies to support the conservation and improvement of maize genetic resources.
During his three-month fellowship, Freilij gained hands-on experience in the complete DArT-seq genotyping workflow, from genomic library preparation and Illumina sequencing to bioinformatic analysis. As part of the project, he successfully genotyped 81 Argentine maize landrace populations and integrated the resulting data into a genomic resource comprising more than 1,500 Argentine maize landrace populations.
The expanded dataset provides an important resource for the conservation and sustainable use of maize germplasm, complementing extensive agronomic and phenotypic information already available for these collections. Genomic analyses confirmed that the historical core collection effectively preserves the genetic diversity of Argentine maize and offers a valuable foundation for genome-wide association studies (GWAS), marker-assisted breeding and future conservation strategies.
Beyond laboratory training, the fellowship provided exposure to CIMMYT’s internationally recognised approaches to germplasm conservation, seed multiplication and large-scale genomic data management. Freilij noted that the experience strengthened his expertise in high-throughput genotyping and bioinformatics, equipping him with practical tools that can be adapted to support crop improvement and germplasm conservation programmes in Argentina through national and international collaborations.
In his evaluation, host supervisor Dr César Daniel Petroli commended Freilij’s scientific performance, highlighting his diligence, critical thinking and ability to generate and interpret genomic data. He also praised Freilij’s collaborative approach, concluding that he possesses the qualities to become “an elite scientist.”
The ICGEB SMART Fellowship Programme supports short-term research visits that enable early-career scientists to acquire advanced skills and establish international collaborations, strengthening research capacity and promoting scientific excellence across ICGEB Member States.