"Department of Zoology, JU Hosts Successful Capacity Building Workshop on Hands-on Training in Advanced Bioinformatic Techniques in Molecular Biology"

The Department of Zoology at the University of Jammu organized a one-week Capacity Building Workshop on Hands-on Training in Advanced Bioinformatic Techniques in Molecular Biology, sponsored by the Higher Education Commission (HEC), University of Jammu. The workshop aimed to strengthen research capacities and foster interdisciplinary collaboration among participants. Esteemed experts from various areas of bioinformatics guided participants in modern molecular biology research. The inauguration ceremony featured a keynote address by Dr Amit Nargotra, Division Head of Discovery Informatics at IIIM, Jammu who emphasized the pivotal role of bioinformatics in expediting drug discovery processes. Participants received valuable hands-on experience in DNA sequencing analysis during an online session led by Dr. Santasree Banerjee from the Department of Genetics, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, China. The workshop progressed with various sessions crucial to contemporary molecular biology research. Dr Ashok Kumar, from the Center for System Biology & Bioinformatics at Panjab University, Chandigarh, explained the intricacies of molecular modelling and molecular docking. Dr. Anupam Nath Jha, Assistant Professor from the Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Tezpur University, guided participants through the complexities of protein-protein interactions using network analysis tools such as STRING & KEGG databases and Cytoscape software.

One highlight of the workshop was a session facilitated by Dr. Harpreet Singh, Head of the PG Department of Bioinformatics at Hans Raj Mahila Maha Vidyalaya, Jalandhar, where participants delved into the fundamentals of bioinformatics and engaged in practical exercises using BLAST and Galaxy software. Dr Swarkar Sharma, Director of the Centre for Molecular Biology at the Central University of Jammu, delivered an illuminating session on genome browsers.

The workshop's final day featured online sessions led by Dr. Prashanth N Suravajhala, Principal Scientist of Systems Genomics at Amrita School of Biotechnology, Amrita University. Dr. Suravajhala gave attendees valuable insights into pathway analysis, highlighting the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in tackling complex biological questions.

The valedictory function, graced by Chief Guest Prof. KK Sharma, Former Vice Chancellor of Himalayan University, Itanagar, and Guest of Honor Prof. Naresh Padha, Former Dean of Academic Affairs at the University of Jammu, marked the culmination of a week of rigorous learning and scholarly exchange.

Dr. Rakesh Panjaliya, the organising secretary of the workshop, elucidated that the event saw enthusiastic participation from various institutions, including faculty members and research scholars from various academic and research institutions within and beyond the Jammu & Kashmir UT. Prof. Seema Langer, HOD Zoology and Dean, Life Sciences University of Jammu, was the coordinator of the workshop, whose leadership, unwavering support, and guidance contributed to its success. Dr Parvinder Kumar was the Convener of the workshop, whose meticulous planning and execution ensured the seamless conduct of the event. The program's culmination was marked by a vote of thanks extended by the Co-Convener of the workshop, Dr Chinmoyee Maharan, acknowledging the collective efforts that contributed to the workshop's success. Dr. Sarbjeet Kour carried out the proceedings of the event. The organizing committee comprising faculty members including Dr. Arti Sharma, Dr. Ripu Daman Parihar, Dr. Pankaj Chhiber, and Dr. Raman Jasrotia, alongside the dedicated non-teaching faculty of the department, played a pivotal role in orchestrating this intellectually enriching event.