Karachi, 16 April 2026.
Bahria University Health Sciences Campus Karachi (BUHSCK), under the umbrella of the Centre of Research Excellence in Biological Sciences (CORE-BS), successfully organized a One-Day Hands-On Training Workshop titled “Mastering Molecular Docking: From Theory to Applications” on 16 April 2026. The workshop aimed to build capacity in computational drug design and equip participants with practical skills in molecular docking techniques, an essential tool in modern biotechnology and pharmaceutical research.
The training workshop attracted participants from more than 11 diverse academic and research institutions and universities including Dow University, Hamdard University, Baqai University, Salim Habib University, Nazeer Hussain University, Ziauddin University, NED University, Sir Syed University, Jinnah University for Women, Dr. A.Q. Khan Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (KIBGE), University of Karachi, reflecting the increasing demand for computational biology and bioinformatics expertise in Pakistan. The event served as a platform for knowledge exchange and skill development in emerging areas of biological sciences.
The workshop commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by opening remarks from Prof. Dr. Mehreen Lateef, Director CORE-BS. In her address, she highlighted the growing importance of computational approaches in drug discovery, emphasizing that molecular docking plays a pivotal role in understanding protein–ligand interactions and accelerating therapeutic development. She reiterated the vision of CORE-BS to promote interdisciplinary research and develop skilled human resources in cutting-edge scientific domains.
The technical sessions covered both theoretical concepts and hands-on applications. Participants were introduced to computational drug design principles, protein and ligand databases, and step-by-step receptor and ligand preparation techniques. Practical sessions focused on binding site identification, performing molecular docking, and visualization of molecular interactions, enabling participants to gain real-time experience with essential bioinformatics tools.
The workshop was led by Prof. Dr. Mehreen Lateef and Dr. Bilal Saleh (Manager CORE-BS), while the training sessions were conducted by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Kamran Azim (Department of Biochemistry, University of Karachi, Ex Dean , MAJU) and Dr. Mehwish Hamid (Assistant Professor, BUHSCK) and Dr. Sana Aurangzaib, IPFP Fellow. The trainers provided in-depth guidance, ensuring participants developed both conceptual understanding and practical competence.
Participants highly appreciated the quality of training and hands-on exposure, noting that the workshop significantly enhanced their understanding of computational techniques used in drug discovery and molecular biology research. Many expressed confidence in applying molecular docking approaches in their future academic and research projects.
At the concluding session, Prof. Dr. Shazia Shakoor, Dean Health Sciences BUHSCK, highlighted that computational approaches such as molecular docking are becoming indispensable in modern research, particularly in drug discovery, structural biology, and precision medicine. She emphasized that hands-on training in such advanced tools is essential for developing industry-ready graduates and competent researchers. Certificates were distributed among the participants, while shields of appreciation were presented to the trainers and organizing team in recognition of their valuable contributions to the successful conduct of the workshop.
In his concluding remarks, Vice Admiral (Retd.) Ather Mukhtar HI (M), Director General BUHSCK, appreciated the active participation of attendees and the efforts of CORE-BS in organizing a highly relevant training program. He emphasized that CORE-BS is envisioned as a national platform for advanced research and collaboration, encouraging participants to utilize its facilities for future scientific endeavours. He further reaffirmed that BUHSCK will continue to organize such capacity-building initiatives to strengthen expertise in emerging fields like bioinformatics and computational biology. The workshop concluded with a renewed commitment to promoting interdisciplinary research, skill development, and strengthening Pakistan’s capacity in computational and molecular sciences.
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