The Department of Biotechnology, Hindusthan College of Arts & Science (HICAS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Biocogniz, a leading R&D organization and successfully organised an International Seminar titled “Pivotal Impact on NGS and AI/ML in Drug Discovery” recently.

This event, specifically designed for undergraduate and postgraduate students of Biotechnology, highlighted the transformative role of Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) and Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) in drug discovery.

The seminar featured insightful keynote addresses by Dr. Anoosha Paruchuri, Senior Research Scientist at Ohio State University and Co-Founder of Biocogniz, and Dr. Sivakumar Dakshinamurthy, CEO of Biocogniz.

Both experts emphasized the importance of collaboration between academia and industry, showcasing how joint research initiatives and resource sharing can lead to significant advancements in drug discovery. Their presentations underscored the potential of integrating NGS and AI/ML technologies to accelerate drug development and improve therapeutic outcomes.

The event was inaugurated by T. R. K. Saruasuwathi, Managing Trustee, and Dr. K. Priya, Executive Trustee and Secretary of the Hindusthan Educational and Charitable Trust, whose presence highlighted the support and commitment of the trust to the advancement of biotechnology education and research.

Dr. A. Ponnusamy, Principal of Hindusthan College of Arts & Science, delivered the Presidential address, stressing the importance of such seminars in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical applications in the field.

The seminar provided a platform for knowledge exchange, skill enhancement, and networking among global experts and students. It also raised awareness of cutting-edge technologies in drug discovery, inspiring future research and innovation. The outcomes of the seminar include potential high-impact publications and new funding opportunities, positioning participants to drive further innovation in the biotechnology sector.

The Head of the Department, faculty members and students actively engaged in the seminar, reflecting the event’s success in fostering an environment of learning and collaboration.