The Biology Study Program at UIN Sunan Kalijaga welcomed Prof. Dr. Axel Kilian from SES Germany for a guest lecture on bioinformatics on 19 November 2025. The event drew students and lecturers interested in this advancing field. During his lecture, Prof. Kilian introduced fundamental bioinformatics algorithms crucial for sequence analysis. He explained the Needleman–Wunsch algorithm, widely used for global sequence alignment, and the Smith–Waterman algorithm, the standard for local sequence alignment. Using clear examples and practical illustrations, he showed how these tools help researchers compare DNA and protein sequences, identify similarities, and infer evolutionary relationships. His explanation highlighted how algorithmic thinking is essential for understanding large-scale biological data and supporting modern genomic research.

Dr. Anisa Nazera Fauzia, M.Biotech., Ph.D., and Anti Damayanti, M.Biotech., both lecturers of the Biology Study Program specializing in bioinformatics, moderated the session. Their guidance encouraged dynamic interaction between the speaker and participants. The discussion enhanced the learning experience and showed the interdisciplinary nature of bioinformatics. To conclude the lecture, Prof. Axel offered an insightful analogy about the relationship between biologists and computational tools. “Using bioinformatics tools such as BLAST without understanding the underlying algorithm is like driving a car without knowing how its engine works. You may still reach your destination, but understanding the ‘engine’ behind it helps you choose the right tool and avoid misinterpreting the data,” he advised. His message emphasized the importance of not only using software but also understanding the logic that powers it.