Under
the insightful guidance and unwavering support of Principal Dr. (Mrs.) Ekta
Khosla, The PG Department of Bioinformatics, in collaboration with the
Department of Biotechnology of Hans Raj Mahila Maha Vidyalaya, Jalandhar,
organized a two-day international workshop series in association with the
European Molecular Biology Laboratory–European Bioinformatics Institute
(EMBL-EBI), Hinxton. Ms. Louisse Paola Mirabueno, Ensembl Outreach Officer at
EMBL-EBI, was accorded a warm and melodious welcome by the organizing team.
During the inaugural session, Principal Dr. (Mrs.) Ekta Khosla welcomed the
resource person, participants and members of the organizing team. Principal Dr.
Khosla appreciated Dr. Harpreet Singh, Head of the PG Department of
Bioinformatics, for conceptualizing and organizing this distinctive initiative
in Punjab, particularly during HMV’s centennial year celebrations. Dr. Harpreet
Singh provided an overview of the workshop series and highlighted the
department’s various skill-development initiatives in the rapidly advancing
field of Bioinformatics. Dr. Ramnita Saini Sharda, Dean of Research,
highlighted the institution’s accomplishments and reiterated its commitment to
promoting quality women’s education in emerging disciplines such as
Bioinformatics and Biotechnology. The first day of the workshop was centered on
the Ensembl Data Platform, familiarizing participants with fundamental
bioinformatics concepts and biological data resources available through
Ensembl. The sessions incorporated comprehensive hands-on training through
specially designed learning modules. The second day further featured the
Ensembl Train-the-Trainer Workshop, specifically tailored for faculty members
and researchers. It aimed to strengthen their teaching and training
competencies through structured exercises and established pedagogical
methodologies. More than 140 participants attended the workshop series.
Conducted by Ms. Mirabueno in an engaging and interactive manner, the sessions
featured problem-solving activities, lively question-and-answer rounds and
rewards for outstanding participants, making the learning experience both
informative and enjoyable. HMV expressed its sincere gratitude to the EMBL-EBI
training team for its valuable collaboration and support. Special appreciation
was extended to Jorge, with whom the initiative was initially conceptualized
during InCoB 2025 in Kolkata; Ms. Aleena Mustaq, Head of Training; and Ms.
Louisse Paola Mirabueno for her valuable contribution to making the event a
memorable milestone for the institution. The workshop is expected to enhance
participants’ subject knowledge, practical expertise and training capabilities
while encouraging further advancements in Bioinformatics education and
research. Dr. Jitendra Kumar, Organizing Secretary and Head of the Department
of Biotechnology, expressed gratitude to the DAV College Managing Committee,
New Delhi, the Local Committee and Principal Dr. (Mrs.) Ekta Khosla for their
constant encouragement and support. Mrs. Purnima, Co-convener of the workshop,
delivered the vote of thanks and acknowledged the contributions of the organizing
team, including Dr. Mamta, Vice Principal; Dr. Seema Marwaha, Dean Academics;
Mrs. Deekshikha, Faculty Head of Sciences and Head of the PG Department of
Chemistry; Dr. Saloni Sharma, Head of the PG Department of Physics; Mr. Sumit
Sharma; Dr. Ramandeep Kaur; Dr. Rama Sharma; Dr. Rakhi Mehta; Mrs. Navneeta;
Ms. Harpreet Kaur; and Dr. Shuchi Sharma. Mrs. purnima also appreciated Mrs.
Alka for palatable hospitality, Dr. Ritu Bhardwaj for coordinating the Folk
Orchestra, Mr. Tarun Mahajan, Mr. Arvind and Mr. Kewal for technical
assistance, and Mr. Tirath for his support. The successful organization of the
workshop reflected HMV’s commitment to international academic collaboration,
practical learning and excellence in emerging scientific disciplines.
