Tokyo, 11-14 October 2023. Dr. Niken Satuti Nur Handayani, M.Sc., a lecturer from the Faculty of Biology at UGM, attended the Symposium of Human Genetics Asia 2023 in Tokyo, Japan. The symposium took place at the Toshi Center Hotel, Zenkoku Toshi Kaikan, and Sabo Kaikan. In addition to the Presidential Lecture delivered by Prof. Kenjiro Kosaki from the Center for Medical Genetics at Keio University School of Medicine, Japan, there were five plenary lectures, one of which was presented by Prof. Dr. Svante Pääbo, a Nobel Prize Laureate from the Max-Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany, and currently serving as an Adjunct Professor at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, Japan. He delivered a lecture titled “About Neandertals, Denisovans, and Modern Humans.”
This event provided scientists with the opportunity to exchange the latest information in the field of human genetics, through presentations, posters, or interactive discussions in 16 parallel symposium sessions, and to stay updated on the recent advancements in the discipline. Furthermore, scientists at the event could receive valuable feedback on their research from peers and experts in the same field, which aids in the development and enhancement of research methodologies.
During the symposium, Dr. Niken also had the chance to engage in a brief discussion about thalassemia research at the Faculty of Biology UGM with Prof. Zilfalil bin Alwi, MBBS, M.Sc., M.Med., Ph.D., FAMM., from Universiti Sains Malaysia. He holds the titles of UNESCO Chair on Human Genetics of Thalassemia, member of the WHO Technical Advisory Group on Genomics, and Senior Consultant of Pediatrician & Clinical Genetics.
This symposium also provided insights into current trends in research within the field of human genetics, namely genomics, genetic variations, and precision medicine, as well as a deeper understanding of more complex topics.