Organized by: School of Pharmacy, The Assam Kaziranga University
In Association with: Internal Quality Assurance Cell, The Assam Kaziranga University and Altem Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
Date: 8th April, 2024 @09:30 am
Venue: SET Seminar Hall & Centre for Excellence in Data Science & Simulation lab

Introduction:

The one-day hands-on workshop on "Computer-aided Drug Design with BIOVIA Discovery Studio" held at The Assam Kaziranga University aimed to equip participants with practical skills and insights into utilizing computational tools for drug discovery processes. Organized by the School of Pharmacy in collaboration with the Internal Quality Assurance Cell and Altem Technologies Pvt. Ltd., the event garnered enthusiastic participation from students, faculty, and professionals in the field of pharmacy education and research.

Inaugural Session:

The inaugural session commenced at 9:30 am in the SET Seminar Hall with an opening address by Mrs. Madhuchandra Lahan, setting the tone for the day's proceedings. The ceremony began with the lighting of the lamp by esteemed dignitaries, symbolizing the commencement of the workshop.

Dr. H Ravi Shankar Kamath, Registrar of The Assam Kaziranga University, delivered the inaugural address at 9:45 am, emphasizing the importance of integrating computational tools into drug discovery processes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Dr. Sailendra Kumar Mahanta, Director of IQAC, extended a warm welcome to all participants, stressing the significance of computational drug design and the role of BIOVIA Discovery Studio in advancing research and innovation in the field.

The highlight of the event was the keynote address by Dr. Dhivya Shanmugarajan, Sr. Application Scientist at Alkem Technologies Pvt. Ltd., who shared valuable insights into molecular modeling, virtual screening, and rational drug design utilizing computational tools such as BIOVIA Discovery Studio.

The resource persons, Dr. Dhivya Shanmugarajan and Mr. Sanyog Chandra, Business Development Manager at Altem Technologies Pvt. Ltd., were felicitated with fulam gamusa and mementos as tokens of appreciation for their contributions to the workshop.

The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Anil Kumar Adimulapu, Professor at the School of Pharmacy, expressing gratitude to all participants, dignitaries, and organizers for their efforts in making the workshop a success.

Workshop Sessions:

Following the inaugural session, the practical workshop on "BIOVIA Discovery Studio" commenced at the Centre for Excellence in Data Science & Simulation lab. Led by Dr. Dhivya Shanmugarajan and assisted by Mr. Sanyog Chandra, the workshop provided participants with hands-on experience in utilizing the software for molecular modeling and virtual screening.

From 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, participants actively engaged in practical exercises, applying the concepts learned during the sessions. Under the guidance of the instructors, attendees explored the functionalities of BIOVIA Discovery Studio, conducted virtual screening experiments, and analyzed molecular interactions to identify potential drug candidates.

Participant Engagement:

The workshop saw participation from a total of 40 students and 15 faculty members, indicating widespread interest and enthusiasm for the subject matter. Participants actively interacted with instructors, asking questions and seeking clarification on various aspects of computational drug design.

The event served as a platform for fostering collaboration and sharing of knowledge among participants from diverse backgrounds. Networking opportunities provided attendees with valuable insights and perspectives, enriching their learning experience.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the one-day hands-on workshop on "Computer-aided Drug Design with BIOVIA Discovery Studio" was a resounding success, thanks to the enthusiastic participation of attendees and the expertise of the instructors. The event facilitated the acquisition of practical skills and insights into utilizing computational tools for drug discovery processes, empowering participants to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of research in their respective domains.

Moving forward, it is hoped that the knowledge and skills gained during the workshop will inspire further exploration and innovation in the field of computational drug design, driving progress towards the development of novel therapeutics and addressing unmet medical needs.

Acknowledgments:

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the organizers, sponsors, resource persons, and participants for their invaluable contributions to the success of the workshop. Special thanks to the School of Pharmacy, The Assam Kaziranga University, the Internal Quality Assurance Cell, The Assam Kaziranga University, and Altem Technologies Pvt. Ltd. for their support and collaboration in making this event possible.