JNU, New Delhi
Data-Driven Biology: Pioneering Research, Education, and Collaborations in Computational Genomics and
Bioinformatics
At its core, the center focuses on research and teaching in cutting-edge areas such as computational genomics, Bioinformatics, drug discovery, database management, systems biology, high-performance computing, and artificial intelligence. It harmonizes a range of disciplines bridging basic science to translation, encompassing Mathematics for Biotechnology and experimental data generation.
The center aims to excel in developing a robust Bioinformatics infrastructure, catering to researchers within the school while extending software, and data archiving solutions to the public and fellow researchers. One of the center's core objectives is to develop high-quality tools and genomics, Bioinformatics, and drug methodologies to enhance analysis accuracy and broaden the spectrum of analysis options. In tandem with this research focus, it provides a platform for generating and integrating genomics data, aiming to translate findings into impactful practices, with the ultimate goal of health and agricultural advancements. It continues to conduct educational and training programs, including workshops, crash courses, and online certifications in Bioinformatics and data science. The center strives to pioneer data-driven automated diagnostics, focusing on specialized areas like wireless endoscopy, ECG for arrhythmia, and biomedical image analysis. Additionally, it delves into developing novel techniques and applications for performing molecular simulations, leveraging artificial intelligence and deep learning.
The center’s noteworthy achievements include the high-depth whole genome resequencing of 18 chickpea genotypes including both desi and kabuli types, drafting sequence and annotation of the Oryza Coarctata genome, development of a novel tool, PLncPRO, for the prediction of lncRNAs in plants using transcriptome data and innovative DynaSeq which is a conformational ensemble dictionary for all 5-mer DNA sequences. The center’s GitHub repository can be accessed at https://github.com/sciwhylab/.
The center collaborates with SNIoE, MSSRF, IIT Roorkee, ICAR-NIPB, and NIPGR as part of a national networking project. The primary focus is on advancing knowledge-based crop improvement to tackle abiotic stress tolerance. The project involves multi-omics data analyses to dissect the regulatory modules involved in abiotic stress responses toward engineering abiotic stress tolerance in crop plants. The center is also dedicated to diversity and has trained students from various academic and social backgrounds, with a high representation of women among both faculty and students. Its graduates hold esteemed positions in leading Bioinformatics institutes globally, contributing their expertise to scientific endeavors.