Jalandhar October 13 (Jaswinder Singh Azad)- 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.
More than 140 participants attended the workshop series
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.