SHRI SHIVAJI SCIENCE COLLEGE, AMRAVATI

DBT STAR COLLEGE PROJECT ACTIVITY

ACTIVITY REPORT

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One-Day Hands on workshop on In-silico Techniques for Molecular Phylogenetic Analysis


Activity Dates: 29/03/2025

Type of Activity: Faculty Development Program

Organizing Department: Department of Botany & Bioinformatics

Program Coordinators: Prof. S. G. Ingle & Dr. A. N. Darsimbe

Head of the Department: Dr. D. D. Khedkar

External Collaborator (if any): NO

Objectives:

No of Beneficieries: 53

Classes Involved: MSc. Bioinformatics Ist & IInd year students

Venue of the Activity: Sir C. V. Raman Auditorium (Inaugural Function) and Technical Session at P.G. Dept. Bioinformatics Lab.

Activity Report:

The training session was held on 29th March 2025 under the faculty development program through the DBT-Star College project and PM-UShA (PM-Undergraduate Science Education Scheme) to enhance participants' knowledge and skills through a combination of theoretical discussions and practical demonstrations. The session was designed to encourage active participation, fostering a dynamic learning environment.

The event commenced with the registration of participants, during which each attendee received a specially prepared kit containing a technical manual and other relevant materials to support the hands-on training. Following the registration, participants were warmly welcomed with refreshments and tea, fostering a collegial and enthusiastic atmosphere. The formal proceedings began promptly at 11:00 AM with a warm Welcome Address delivered by Dr. D. D. Khedkar, Head of the Department of Botany. In his address, Dr. Khedkar extended heartfelt greetings to all the participants and emphasized the significance of lifelong learning and the vital role of professional development in advancing scientific research and academic excellence.

The Special Guest for the occasion, Dr. N. M. Atre, Research Scientist (Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata) was honoured and warmly welcomed. Dr. Atre inaugurated the workshop and gave valuable insights and inspirational words, setting a motivating tone for the session. The Presidential Address was delivered by Dr. S. P. Ingole, IQAC Coordinator and Head of the Department of Environmental Science. In his remarks, Dr. Ingole underlined the importance of such capacity-building programs in strengthening both academic foundations and research competencies. He also spoke about the interdisciplinary relevance of computational tools and their applications in modern biological sciences.

The inaugural session concluded on a gracious note with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Dr. G. B. Hedawoo, Coordinator of the P.G. Department of Bioinformatics. In his address, Dr. Hedawoo expressed heartfelt appreciation to all the dignitaries, guests, resource persons, participants, and members of the organizing committee for their valuable contributions and collective efforts that ensured the smooth and successful commencement of the event. He acknowledged the support and encouragement provided by the institution and emphasized the collaborative spirit that brought the workshop to life.

Following the inaugural proceedings, the Technical Session was held in the esteemed Sir C. V. Raman Auditorium. This session was led by Dr. N. M. Atre, who took the participants through an engaging and informative presentation. His session covered core aspects of computational phylogenetics, sharing practical insights and real-world applications that captivated the audience and added immense value to their understanding of the subject. After the enriching technical session, participants were given a well-deserved break to enjoy lunch, providing an opportunity for informal discussions, networking, and reflection on the morning's learnings before proceeding with the next segment of the workshop.

The session was structured into two main parts:

Theoretical Concepts:
This segment provided participants with a solid foundation in the subject matter, covering key theoretical aspects essential for understanding the topic comprehensively.
Phylogenetic analysis is a powerful technique used to study the evolutionary relationships among various biological species or organisms based on genetic, morphological, or molecular data. This analysis helps in constructing phylogenetic trees (also called evolutionary trees), which visually represent these relationships, showcasing how species have evolved from common ancestors over time.

Practical Demonstrations:
53 Participants engaged in hands-on exercises, which allowed them to apply the theoretical knowledge practically.
•The interactive format ensured that participants could directly apply the concepts, enhancing their learning experience.
•The technical session was held in the P.G. Department of Bioinformatics Lab, providing a well-equipped environment for practical exercises and in-depth demonstrations.

A comprehensive hands-on training workshop was meticulously conducted by Prof. Shyam Ingle for a group of enthusiastic teachers and researchers. The primary objective of this workshop was to provide participants with a deep, practical understanding of computational techniques used in the field of phylogenetics. Throughout the duration of the training, participants engaged in extensive hands-on sessions that introduced them to advanced features of the MEGA (Molecular Evolutionary Genetics Analysis) software. They received in-depth guidance on essential topics such as multiple sequence alignment, phylogenetic tree construction, and interpretation, as well as the experimental and research-based applications of these methods. Special emphasis was placed on demonstrating how in-silico tools and techniques can be effectively applied to diverse areas of research including biotechnology, medical sciences, agricultural innovation, and environmental studies. The expert technical support provided during the workshop not only improved the participants' computational skills but also offered valuable insights and direction for their ongoing and future independent research projects. Upon successful completion of the workshop and submission of the feedback form, participants were awarded certificates as a formal recognition of their active involvement and achievement.

The training session proved to be a resounding success, marked by enthusiastic participation, intellectually stimulating discussions, and meaningful learning outcomes. The event witnessed the valuable contributions of distinguished speakers who shared their expertise and insights, significantly enriching the overall experience. Equally commendable was the active involvement of participants representing a diverse range of esteemed institutions, including Sant Gadge Baba Amravati University, Government Vidarbha Institute of Science and Humanities (GVISH), Vidya Bharti Mahavidyalaya, Brijlal Biyani Science College, and Shri Shivaji College of Agriculture Biotechnology, all located in Amravati. Their collective engagement and collaborative spirit played a vital role in enhancing the depth and impact of the training, making it a memorable and fruitful academic event. This training not only served as a platform for knowledge dissemination but also fostered interdisciplinary collaboration and academic networking among faculty and research scholars. Participants expressed high levels of satisfaction with the quality of instruction and hands-on experience provided during the workshop. The success of the session reflects the growing interest in computational biology and the increasing demand for skill-based learning in the evolving field of bioinformatics. The event concluded with a sense of academic fulfillment, laying the groundwork for future workshops and collaborative research initiatives.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the Faculties of Botany and the Bioinformatics Department Dr. Rekha Maggirwar, Dr. Swati Pundkar, Dr. Avinash Darsimbe, Dr. Prashant Deshmukh, Dr. Ankit Kale, Prof. Shivani Giri, Prof. Archita Pundkar, Prof. Anushka Deshmukh, Miss Kalpana Yadav, MSc Bioinformatics students and participants for their valuable contributions. Your dedication and enthusiasm played a pivotal role in the success of this event.

Outcomes:

Photos:

Phylogenetic analysis Hands-on training at Bioinformatics Department
Phylogenetic analysis Hands-on training at Bioinformatics Department
IQAC Coordinator Dr. S.P. Ingole Mam and Dr. N.M. Atre Sir welcome by MSc Bioinformatics Students
IQAC Coordinator Dr. S.P. Ingole Mam and Dr. N.M. Atre Sir welcome by MSc Bioinformatics Students
Inaugural Ceremony
Inaugural Ceremony
Workshop Highlights
Workshop Highlights
Group photo with Dr. N.M. Atre and Beneficiaries
Group photo with Dr. N.M. Atre and Beneficiaries
News Update in Lokmat Amravati
News Update in Lokmat Amravati

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