Genomes of more than 500 organisms ranging from microbes to human have been sequenced and the genomic data has been archived in various databases. In the post-genomic era, the challenge lies in making sense out of the vast amount of raw sequence data. Finding genes, locating biologically significant patterns, identifying regulatory sequences and establishing links to phenotypic characteristics are the objectives to be achieved. Furthermore, comparative analyses of genomic data would be essential for understanding the processes of life and evolution. Such analyses would also lead to significant applications such as identification of drug targets through comparison of genomes of host and pathogens. Bioinformatics offers a large number of tools for accomplishing these tasks. Several algorithms have already been developed for gene prediction, gene order determination and complete genome alignments.

Genomics has triggered the development of several other "omics" such as transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics. Comparative Genomics has already emerged as a well-developed branch of Bioinformatics. Data obtained from gene and protein expression profile experiments are equally demanding and call for innovative approaches for archival and analysis. Development of methods for analysis of expression profiles is the focus of the contemporary research in Bioinformatics. These developments are paralleled by excitements in Structural and Functional Genomics, which attempt to assign functions to gene products through experimental and computational determination of their structures.

To gain an insight into these cutting edge areas of Bioinformatics, a four-day workshop is being organized by the Bioinformatics Centre, University of Pune. Academicians, industry professionals and aspiring research students involved in various aspects of basic and applied Life Sciences research would benefit from this brainstorming event.

The topics would include but are not limited to:

• Introduction to genomic databases
• Data mining tools and techniques
• Gene prediction algorithms
• Methods for complete genome alignment
• Comparative Genomics
• Structural and functional Genomics
• Application to drug and vaccine development

Eminent academicians and scientists would facilitate the learning experience.

Last Date for Application: 17^th December 2002
Intimation of Selection: 19^th December 2002

Selection will be based on one-page write-up describing how this workshop will be beneficial to you in your work/research. Experience in using computers & Internet is desirable.

• Academic Institute: Rs. 2000/-
• Industry: Rs. 5000/-

(Inclusive of course material and lunch during workshop)

Participants will have to make their own arrangements for stay during the workshop. Guesthouse accommodation would be provided only in special cases.

Web site: http://bioinfo.ernet.in/workshop/ On-line registration form is available. Online or email registration is encouraged.

workshop@bioinfo.ernet.in

BIOINFORMATICS CENTRE
UNIVERSITY OF PUNE
PUNE 411 007

DEPARTMENT OF BIOTECHNOLOGY
MINISTRY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA