Pioneering Structural Biology Expert, Dame Janet Thornton, Inspires Students at Special Lecture in Bangalore
Bangalore, February XX, 2025 – Under the SFPI Fellowship, an initiative by the Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiatives (SFPI), the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in collaboration with the Indian Academy of Sciences, hosted a special talk by Dame Janet Thornton, Director Emeritus at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory’s European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI). The event brought together around 100 undergraduate and master’s students from fields such as biology, biotechnology, and biochemistry from across Bangalore, offering them an opportunity to delve into the evolution and future of structural biology.
The SFPI Fellowship, established in collaboration with Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), is a national initiative aimed at promoting scientific research and international collaborations. Founded by Mr. SD Shibulal, an alumnus of TIFR, and Mrs. Kumari Shibulal, the programme supports visits of TIFR students to leading international research labs and visits of eminent researchers from around the world to India for scientific exchanges.
Since its inception, the fellowship has benefitted over 38 students and has hosted 34 distinguished researchers from diverse scientific fields. The long-term vision of the programme is to sustain scientific collaborations, encourage young researchers, and strengthen India’s presence in global scientific research.
Speaking on the occasion of hosting Dame Janet Thornton, SD Shibulal, Co-Founder, SFPI, said “The SFPI Fellowship was founded with the belief that access to global scientific knowledge and collaborations can transform the future of research in India. By bringing distinguished scientists like Prof. Thornton to India, we aim to provide students with firsthand exposure to pioneering ideas and innovations. It is our hope that such initiatives will inspire young minds to pursue careers in science and technology, ultimately contributing to the advancement of knowledge and progress in our country.”
Insights from the Talk
The talk, titled Fifty Years of Bioinformatics and Protein Structures, chronicled the revolution in protein research over the last five decades and its implications for understanding diseases, ageing, and therapeutic advancements. Highlighting the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in bioinformatics, Prof. Thornton discussed the role of cutting-edge computational tools in protein structure prediction, enzyme catalysis, and disease mutation analysis.
Speaking on the impact of AI and bioinformatics, Prof. Thornton noted, “Biology remains in a discovery phase, and despite the vast amount of data we have, there are many fundamental aspects of life we have yet to understand. However, the next fifty years will see the emergence of robust mathematical models to predict biological processes, leading to breakthroughs in diagnosis, treatment, and even therapy.”
The event aimed to inspire young minds by showcasing the impact of bioinformatics in life sciences. Students were particularly engaged in discussions about the role of computational tools, protein evolution, and the application of AI in biomedical research.
Quotes from Attendees and Experts
Professor Debasis Das, TIFR, Mumbai shared his thoughts on the lecture, stating,
“Prof. Thornton’s talk was highly illuminating, engaging not only for the diverse scientific
community at TIFR but also for a broader audience from neighbouring academic institutions. Her insights into structural bioinformatics underscored the impact of this research on human health and well-being.”
Senior Professor Sowdhamini of NCBS echoed the sentiment, saying, “Prof. Thornton is one of the world’s leading researchers in structural bioinformatics. She has made fundamental and influential contributions to the field since the 1970s. As biology transitions into a data-driven science powered by AI, it is invaluable to hear from a scientist who has grown with the field over decades.”
Students attending the talk expressed excitement about the lecture’s depth and its ability to bridge the gap between fundamental research and real-world applications. One student remarked, “It was incredible to learn how computational tools are shaping the future of medicine and how AI is being used to predict and analyse protein structures.”
For more details on the talk and the SFPI Fellowship, visit Event Page. You can also reach out to
Ms Roselin Kiro
+91 96431 58253