Yogyakarta, July 22, 2023 – On Saturday, July 22, 2023, the Faculty of Biology at Gadjah Mada University (UGM) successfully held the 7th National Seminar on Tropical Biology (SNBT) with the theme “Open Science and AI Technology in Tropical Biodiversity Exploration.” The event took place at the Tropical Biology Auditorium, Faculty of Biology, UGM, and was attended by 172 participants from various backgrounds and institutions.
In the opening remarks, Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono, S.Si., M.Si., as the Chairperson of the 7th SNBT Committee, reported that the event successfully attracted participants from 75 different institutions, including universities, industries, private sectors, and government agencies. The participants came from diverse backgrounds, ranging from students, lecturers, researchers, conservation practitioners, to experts in the field of tropical biology. Such extensive attendance reflects the high interest and concern for tropical biodiversity issues.
The event was also enriched by the presence of three keynote speakers. Prof. Dr. Ir. H. Hadi Sukadi Alikodra, M.S. from IPB University, Dr. Muhammad Yopan from Amazon Web Services, and Dra. Tuty Arisuryanti, M.Sc., Ph.D. from the Faculty of Biology, UGM, shared their insights and knowledge on the importance of implementing Open Science and AI Technology in tropical biodiversity exploration.
The event commenced with a speech by Dr. Ririn Tri Nurhayati, S.IP., M.Si., M.A., as the Caretaker of the Subdirectorate of Research Programs, Directorate of Research, UGM. “The theme of this seminar aligns with the research priorities at UGM, which aim to develop technology that supports the knowledge in conserving biodiversity. With the existence of this forum, it is hoped to provide a platform for researchers and stakeholders to discuss and formulate relevant policies for biodiversity in Indonesia,” expressed Dr. Ririn.
The next address was given by Prof. Dr. Satyawan Pudyatmoko, S.Hut., M.Sc., the Director General of KSDAE-Ministry of Environment and Forestry, who appreciated the efforts of the Faculty of Biology, UGM, in organizing this seminar. This was followed by a speech by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., the Dean of the Faculty of Biology, UGM, who passionately expressed his hope that the seminar would broaden perspectives and enhance collaboration to collectively preserve biodiversity in Indonesia.
The plenary session became the main highlight of the event, guided by Ganies Riza Aristya, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., with Prof. Dr. Ir. H. Hadi Sukadi Alikodra, M.S., a Professor of Natural Resource Conservation and Wildlife Management from the Faculty of Forestry and Environment at IPB University, delivering an inspirational talk on “The Future of Humanity and Biodiversity.” Following that, Dra. Tuty Arisuryanti, M.Sc., Ph.D., the Head of the Genetics and Breeding Laboratory at the Faculty of Biology, UGM, discussed the importance of “Open Science for Accelerating Tropical Biodiversity Discovery.” Lastly, Dr. Muhammad Yopan, the Government Account Lead at Amazon Web Services, presented the potential of utilizing AI and Cloud Computing for “Biodiversity Exploration.”
Parallel sessions provided a platform for presenters to discuss topics related to Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Tropical Biodiversity Exploration, Bioprospecting, Biomedicine, Tropical Biofunctionalities, Genetics and Molecular Biology, as well as Biosystematics and Evolution, which were engagingly discussed by experts and researchers in their respective fields.
The event concluded with excitement through the distribution of door prizes for the best questions and awards for the “Best Presenter” in the parallel sessions. The 7th National Seminar on Tropical Biology has successfully fostered a collaborative atmosphere and served as an important momentum for tropical biology to preserve and explore biodiversity.
Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., expressed gratitude to all parties who contributed to the success of this event. It is hoped that the success of the 7th SNBT will encourage even more collaborative efforts to protect tropical biodiversity and implement advanced technologies in biodiversity exploration. May this seminar serve as a driving force for a deeper understanding and awareness of the importance of preserving Indonesia’s natural wealth for a sustainable future.