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The Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), successfully organized the BIOCOMP Bootcamp: Integration of Computational Tools in Antibacterial and Anticancer Agent Development<\/strong> from 23\u201324 September 2025<\/strong> at PBL1 Room, Level 3, Building T02, Faculty of Science, UTM<\/strong>. Under the leadership of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Alina Wagiran<\/strong> as Advisor and Ts. Dr. Syazwani Itri Amran<\/strong> as Program Director, the two-day intensive workshop provided an immersive learning platform for postgraduate students from the Departments of Biosciences and Chemistry. Participants explored the fundamentals of computational chemistry and bioinformatics with practical exposure to target identification, virtual screening, molecular docking, and pharmacokinetic (ADMET) analyses<\/strong>\u2014key tools in modern drug discovery.<\/p>\n The bootcamp served as a strategic platform to bridge traditional biological sciences with digital and computational technologies. Through guided training sessions, participants gained essential skills to simulate molecular interactions and evaluate potential antibacterial and anticancer compounds before laboratory testing. This integration of in silico<\/em> approaches not only enhances research efficiency but also reduces experimental costs and time in early-stage compound screening.<\/p>\n The program reflects UTM\u2019s commitment to equipping researchers with data-driven problem-solving skills and fostering a new generation of scientists capable of using computational intelligence to accelerate biomedical innovation. Such initiatives also align with the Faculty of Science\u2019s strategic direction<\/strong> to cultivate multidisciplinary expertise and encourage translational research with industrial and clinical relevance.<\/p>\n The BIOCOMP Bootcamp<\/strong> has strengthened the participants\u2019 ability to integrate computational modeling into their postgraduate research projects, enabling them to design experiments more strategically and interpret molecular data more effectively. This has significant implications for ongoing studies related to natural product-based drug discovery<\/strong>, nanomaterial-biomolecule interaction<\/strong>, and toxicology assessment<\/strong> within the faculty.<\/p>\n In the broader context, this workshop contributes to the development of a computational research culture<\/strong> within UTM\u2019s Faculty of Science\u2014supporting the university\u2019s vision of becoming a hub for integrated bioscience and digital innovation<\/strong>. The Faculty of Science continues to champion initiatives that enhance scientific capability, innovation, and digital readiness in the era of bioinformatics and computational biology.<\/p>\n
The program was held in collaboration with the UVIS Committee of the Department of Biosciences<\/strong> as part of the department\u2019s initiative to promote digital competency and computational literacy among life science researchers.<\/p>\nBridging Biology and Digital Science<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Impact on Research and Innovation<\/strong><\/h3>\n
The success of this program also sets a strong foundation for future offerings, including potential regional or online bootcamps<\/strong> that can attract participants from other institutions and industries.<\/p>\n