As many as twenty students of the seventh-grade of Thursina International Islamic Boarding School (IIBS) participated in a bioinformatics learning workshop at the Graha Sainta Laboratory, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), Brawijaya University (UB). This community service event of Biology Department of Brawijaya University featured Professor Fatchiyah, M.Kes., Ph.D., the Head of SMONAGENES (Smart Molecule of Natural Genetics) Study Center, as the key speaker.
Ustadzah Ratu Fatimah Thursina IIBS said, the presenter described an in-depth explanation of the fundamentals of bioinformatics and phylogenetic construction, and how bioinformatics has become a major discipline in today's biological research. Bioinformatics holds great potential for the future, including drug development, genetic disease detection, biodiversity conservation, and precision agriculture. "Early introduction to the field will be a valuable asset for the younger generation in facing the challenges and opportunities of the biotechnology-based industrial revolution," said Ustadzah Rafa, as she is familiarly called.
 The event was designed not only as a learning session, but also to foster an atmosphere of scientific research within the schools, particularly in strengthening research-based curriculum. Students and teachers, as participants, gained initial insight about the importance of bioinformatics as a modern, data-driven biological analysis tool.Â
The students intensively engaged in demonstrations on the use of bioinformatics software on computers, conducted DNA sequence analysis, and constructed phylogenetic trees based on real case studies from their surroundings. It concluded with a presentation of analysis results, showcasing critical thinking as well as scientific communication skills, and understanding of the relationship between biological data and digital technology.
Ustadzah Rafa added, the agenda is a tangible synergy between higher education and secondary schools. It is one way to build literate youth in science and technology to encourage contextual, research-based learning in elementary and secondary education settings. Hopefully, the knowledge and frame of mind derived from the workshop prepare them well to deal with the recent challenges and opportunities. (sls/lil)
