Event Details

DEPARTMENT OF MEDICAL BIOTECHNOLOGY

Sikkim Manipal University (SMU), 5th Mile, Tadong, Gangtok, Sikkim – 737102, India

REPORT ON SEMINAR ON THE ROLE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN DRUG DESIGNING

SEMINAR REPORT

The Department of Medical Biotechnology, Sikkim Manipal University, organized a seminar on the "Role of Artificial Intelligence in Drug Designing" on 26^th March 2026. The seminar was held at the Dr. Ramdas Pai Lecture Hall, Sikkim Manipal Institute of Medical Sciences (SMIMS), from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The event aimed to provide insights into the rapidly evolving applications of artificial intelligence in biomedical research, particularly in the areas of protein analysis and drug discovery.

The programme was presided over by Prof. (Dr.) Muralidhar V. Pai, Pro Vice Chancellor of Sikkim Manipal University. During the inaugural session, Dr. Arundhati Bag, Head of the Department of Medical Biotechnology, addressed the gathering and highlighted the growing importance of understanding artificial intelligence and its transformative role in the field of biological sciences. She emphasized the need for students and researchers to familiarize themselves with emerging computational approaches that are increasingly shaping modern healthcare and biotechnology.

The invited speaker, Prof. Dr. Adnan Sljoka from RIKEN, Japan, delivered an enlightening lecture titled "Predicting Protein Function by Artificial Intelligence and Biophysical Data." In his presentation, he elaborated on the integration of artificial intelligence with bioinformatics and biophysical methodologies to advance biological research and drug development.

Prof. Dr. Sljoka highlighted the application of artificial intelligence and bioinformatic tools in predicting protein-protein interactions, understanding protein structural dynamics, and accelerating the process of drug discovery. The lecture provided participants with valuable insights into how computational intelligence can support the identification of novel therapeutic targets and improve the efficiency of designing effective treatment strategies.

The seminar was graced by the presence of distinguished academicians and faculty members, including Prof. Dr. Amit Chakraborty, Head of the Department of Mathematics, Sikkim University, and Prof. (Dr.) Bidita Khandelwal, Head of the Department of Medicine, SMIMS, along with faculty members from various departments of SMIMS. Research scholars from different disciplines and students of Medical Biotechnology also attended the programme, contributing to a vibrant academic environment.

The lecture was followed by an interactive question-and-answer session, during which participants actively engaged with the speaker and sought clarification on various aspects of artificial intelligence, computational biology, and translational applications in healthcare research. The discussion fostered intellectual exchange and encouraged interdisciplinary thinking among attendees.

The seminar concluded with a formal vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Bikash Kumar Rajak, Faculty, Department of Medical Biotechnology, who expressed gratitude to the invited speaker, dignitaries, faculty members, students, and organizing team for their valuable contributions towards the successful conduct of the programme.

Overall, the seminar served as an enriching academic platform that broadened participants' understanding of the expanding role of artificial intelligence in life sciences and drug development. The event successfully highlighted the significance of integrating technological innovations with biological research to address contemporary healthcare challenges and advance scientific discovery.