Workshop on Digital Biology: Bioinformatics in the Genomic Era

Date:25th-26th September 2025

Event Venue/ Time: 1st Floor, Room No. 215 - Computer Lab, 9.30 Am

Organizing Unit/Agency: Department of Life Sciences & Allied Health Sciences, UIS- SBBSU

Number of Participants: 34

Activity Report

Highlights of the Event

The 2-Days Hands-on Workshop on “Digital Biology: Bioinformatics in the Genomic Era” was organized to offer postgraduate and research scholars practical exposure to modern bioinformatics tools and applications. The workshop focused on strengthening computational and analytical skills essential for genomic, proteomic, and evolutionary biology studies, enabling participants to integrate digital biology techniques into their ongoing research, dissertations, and diagnostic workflows.

Day 1

The workshop was conducted on 25th–26th September 2025 by the Department of Life Sciences & Allied Health Sciences, UIS–SBBSU, under the aegis of IQAC and IIC. It aimed to bridge theoretical knowledge with hands-on skills in bioinformatics, emphasizing genomic data analysis and interpretation.
Registration remained open until 23rd September 2025, and selection was done on a first-cum-first-serve basis. A total of 34 M.Sc. and Ph.D. scholars participated in the workshop.
The Inaugural Session was led by Dr. Aksh Sharma and Ms. Sonia, who highlighted the rising significance of bioinformatics in interdisciplinary life science research.
An expert lecture was delivered by Dr. Ankita Gurao, Scientist (DST WoS-A), ICAR-NBAGR, Karnal, on “Practical Applications of Bioinformatics”. Participants learned about real-world applications of computational biology in genetics, breeding, and agricultural sciences.
Participants later attended hands-on training sessions including:
- Database browsing, data retrieval, and data mining — conducted by Dr. Shweta Singh and Dr. Ravinder Singh.
- DNA/Protein sequence alignment techniques — guided by Dr. Ravinder Singh.

Day 2

Day II began with an interactive session on “Fundamentals of Phylogenetics and Applications in Evolutionary Studies” by Dr. Aksh Sharma and Dr. Ravinder Singh. Participants explored techniques for constructing and interpreting phylogenetic trees and understanding evolutionary relationships.
Hands-on activities enabled students to practically analyze evolutionary data and apply phylogenetic tools in computational biology.
The event concluded with a Valedictory Function and Certificate Distribution Ceremony, coordinated by the certificate committee. Students expressed their experiences and learnings, and faculty members acknowledged the participants' enthusiasm and active involvement.

The 2-Days Hands-on Workshop successfully bridged the gap between theoretical understanding and practical application in the field of digital biology. Participants gained valuable experience in using bioinformatics tools for research and diagnostics, enhancing their technical confidence and analytical abilities. The workshop concluded with appreciation from both faculty and students, marking it as a highly impactful academic initiative by the Department of Life Sciences & Allied Health Sciences (under the aegis of IQAC and IIC), UIS–SBBSU.

Photographs from the inaugural session, expert lectures, hands-on training modules, and valedictory ceremony are attached below.