Two-Day Hands-on Workshop on Basics of Bioinformatics and Molecular Docking (BBDC-2024)

The Department of Biotechnology at Khaja Bandanawaz University, Kalaburagi, organized a two-day workshop titled "Basics of Bioinformatics and Molecular Docking" from 13th to 14th November 2024. This workshop provided a platform for students and faculty to enhance their knowledge and skills in bioinformatics and molecular docking, which are pivotal tools in modern biotechnological research.

Objective of the Workshop

The primary objective of the workshop was to introduce participants to foundational concepts in bioinformatics and computational docking techniques. These methods are extensively used in drug discovery, structural biology, and understanding molecular interactions. The workshop aimed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application by offering hands-on experience.

Resource Person

The resource person for the workshop was Dr. Joy Hoskeri, Assistant Professor at the Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Karnataka State Akkamahadevi Women's University, Vijayapura. Dr. Hoskeri, an expert in the field of computational biology, brought extensive academic and practical insights, ensuring the sessions were both informative and engaging.

Overview of Sessions

Day 1: Basics of  BioinformaticsThe first day began with an introductory session on bioinformatics, covering:

• The importance of bioinformatics in modern biology.

• Tools and databases used for sequence analysis, genome annotation, and protein structure prediction.

• Demonstration of widely-used bioinformatics platforms such as NCBI, BLAST, and UniProt.

Participants were guided through basic sequence alignment tasks and the interpretation of results, helping them understand the critical role of bioinformatics in analyzing biological data.

Day 2: Molecular Docking Technique

The second day focused on molecular docking, a technique used to predict the interaction between a ligand and a protein. Key highlights included:

• Overview of molecular docking and its applications in drug design.

• Steps involved in the docking process: preparation of ligands and proteins, docking simulation, and analysis of results.

• Hands-on session using docking software tools like AutoDock.

Dr. Hoskeri demonstrated the practical applications of molecular docking in identifying potential drug candidates and understanding binding affinities. The session concluded with case studies to illustrate the relevance of docking in real-world research scenarios.

Participant Engagement

The workshop saw enthusiastic participation from undergraduate and postgraduate students, research scholars, and faculty members of various colleges and universities. Interactive discussions, practical exercises, and live demonstrations provided a comprehensive learning experience.

Total number of registrations- 220

Colleges participated: 07

Gulbarga University, SB University, VG Women’s College Kalaburagi, Govt Autonomous College, LVD College, Raichur, Bi Bi Raza College for women, Karnatak College, Bidar

Conclusion

The two-day workshop was a significant success, with participants gaining a deeper understanding of bioinformatics and molecular docking techniques. Dr. Hoskeri’s expertise and interactive approach were instrumental in making the sessions engaging and impactful.

Acknowledgments

The Department of Biotechnology at Khaja Bandanawaz University expressed gratitude to Dr. Joy Hoskeri for his valuable contribution and to the university administration for supporting the event. The workshop concluded with a vote of thanks, and participants were awarded certificates for their active involvement.

This initiative reflects the university's commitment to fostering knowledge and skill development in cutting-edge areas of biotechnology, ensuring students are well-equipped for future challenges in the field.

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