Biotecnika Cancer Genomics Workshop Conducted Successfully
Bengaluru, Karnataka – BioTecNika is pleased to announce the successful completion of its “Career-Focused 2-Day Cancer Genomics Workshop: Unlock Opportunities in Genomic Research & Precision Medicine,” held on February 8th and 9th, 2025. The workshop provided attendees with valuable insights into the genetic basis of cancer and the latest advancements in genomic research and precision medicine.
The online event saw enthusiastic participation from students, researchers, and professionals eager to enhance their understanding of this rapidly evolving field. Participants gained in-depth knowledge of cancer biology and genomics, developed practical skills in cancer genomics data analysis, and explored the principles and applications of precision medicine and personalized cancer therapies. The workshop also provided valuable career development guidance.
Key Takeaways for Attendees:
- Comprehensive Understanding of Cancer Genomics: Participants gained a deep understanding of the genetic basis of cancer, including key mutations, pathways, and mechanisms driving cancer development and progression.
- Practical Skills in Data Analysis: The workshop provided hands-on training in analyzing cancer genomics data, including using bioinformatics tools and resources to interpret complex datasets.
- Insights into Precision Medicine: Participants learned about the principles of precision medicine and how genomic information is used to personalize cancer therapies, improving treatment outcomes.
- Career Development in Cancer Genomics: The workshop offered career guidance, highlighting opportunities in research, diagnostics, drug development, and other related fields.
- Networking Opportunities: Attendees had the chance to interact with leading experts in cancer genomics and connect with peers, fostering valuable professional relationships.
- Certificate of Participation: All attendees received a certificate of participation, recognizing their completion of the workshop and enhancing their professional credentials.
- Up-to-Date Knowledge: The workshop covered the latest advancements and emerging trends in cancer genomics, ensuring participants were equipped with the most current information.
Workshop Session Highlights:
Day 1: 8th February 2025: Genomic Techniques in Cancer Research
- Mrs. Tithi
Session I: Building the Foundations of Cancer Genomics
Mrs. Tithi introduced the fundamentals of cancer biology and genomics. The session covered the hallmarks of cancer, types of mutations, the role of miRNA, and key cancer treatment advancements. Animated videos helped explain cancer progression and genetic mutations.
- Dr. Savera Aggarwal
Session II: Genomic Techniques in Cancer Research
Dr. Aggarwal explored the various techniques shaping cancer research. Her session covered Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS), RNA-Seq, Whole Exome Sequencing, CRISPR/Cas9, liquid biopsies and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), epigenomics techniques like ChIP-Seq and ATAC-Seq, and microarray technologies for gene expression profiling. The working principles of several of these techniques were demonstrated through animations and videos.
- Mrs. Elamathi
Session III: Cancer Genomics Data Analysis Pipeline
Mrs. Elamathi walked through the data analysis pipeline, from sequencing to clinical interpretation. She also demonstrated using cancer research tools and databases like COSMIC, dbSNP, and GEO for gene analysis, and gave hands-on guidance for using these resources.
Day 2: 9th February 2025: Career Development in Cancer Genomics
- Mrs. Divya
Session I: Precision Medicine in Oncology
Mrs. Divya focused on genomics-driven precision medicine in oncology, explaining FDA-approved targeted therapies such as immune checkpoint inhibitors and small molecule therapies. The session included an animation on CAR-T-Cell therapy and cancer immunotherapy.
- Dr. Suman Sengupta:
Session II: Career Development in Cancer Genomics
Dr. Sengupta provided valuable insights into career development within cancer genomics. He discussed essential skills for success, various career paths in academia, industry (including roles like genomics analyst, clinical genomicist, and drug development scientist), and clinical settings. He also covered international and national institutes, identifying internships, scholarships, research, and funding opportunities, as well as the importance of networking and collaborations. Dr. Sengupta shared his own experiences in the field.
Session III: Interactive Quiz/Activity & Q&A
The workshop concluded with an engaging and interactive session, where all faculty members participated. Attendees were invited to challenge their knowledge with fun activities, including the “Spot-the-Cancer-Genes Challenge,” where they identified cancer-related genes, and a cancer genomics-themed crossword puzzle. The session fostered a dynamic exchange, with participants actively engaging in open discussions and a Q&A session, encouraging a deeper understanding of the topics covered.
Expert Speakers:
- Dr. Savera Aggarwal: Expert in genomic techniques and cancer research.
Dr. Savera Aggarwal holds a PhD in Biomedical Science from the Institute of Liver and Biliary Science in Delhi. Over the years, she has received significant recognition for her work. She was honored with the prestigious DST-Women Scientist A fellowship for three years, which allowed her to delve deeper into her research from 2018 to 2021.
Additionally, she had the privilege of being selected as a Young Investigator Awardee , where she presented her findings at the international APASL conference in Osaka, Japan, in 2021. Her commitment to advancing knowledge in biomedical science is reflected in her publications, with several articles featured in esteemed peer-reviewed journals, resulting in an h-index of 7. Recently, she has embarked on a new chapter in her career journey as an Postdoctoral fellow at IIT-Hyderabad , where she continued to pursue her passion for research and contribute to the scientific community.
Currently , she is pursuing her Postdoctoral Research in UTHealth in Texas, USA . Her field of interest is fatty liver induced Liver Cancer and to develop diagnostic marker for early detection of Liver cancer.
- Dr. Suman Sengupta: Scientist at immunitoAI Private Limited, CCAMP, NCBS-TIFR Campus
Dr. Suman Sengupta holds a PhD in Cancer Biology and Immunology from the University of Kalyani and the University of Calcutta. With a strong academic foundation, Dr. Sengupta has accumulated three years of postdoctoral experience at CSIR-IGIB, Delhi, and one year at InStem (Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine) in Bangalore.
Dr. Sengupta’s professional journey includes a role as a Research Scientist at Pandorum Technologies, Bangalore, for 3 years and 6 months. During this time, Dr. Sengupta focused on the development of 3D cell culture models for drug screening platforms, as well as the generation of MSC-derived therapeutics aimed at treating corneal wound healing.
Currently, Dr. Sengupta is working as a scientist at ImmunitoAI Private Limited, where they have spent three years developing AI-based platforms for antibody sequence design and identifying therapeutic targets for cancer and other diseases.
BioTecNika’s Commitment:
Biotecnika is a premier biotech education and career guidance platform that provides training, job updates, and industry insights. Through collaborations with leading companies and experts, Biotecnika aims to bridge the skill gap in the biotech industry.
BioTecNika remains committed to providing high-quality educational resources and training opportunities in cutting-edge areas of life sciences. We are dedicated to empowering individuals with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the rapidly evolving world of biotechnology.
