The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, once again conducted the Animal Microtechnique Training Using the Paraffin Method specifically designed for students, held on October 14–16, 2025, at the Animal Developmental Structure Laboratory (SPH). This training marked Batch II of 2025 and was attended by 14 participants, consisting of seven undergraduate students from the Faculty of Biology UGM, five undergraduate applied students from the D4 Medical Laboratory Technology Program, Universitas ‘Aisyiyah (Unisa) Yogyakarta, and two doctoral students from the Faculty of Biology UGM. The training aimed to provide both theoretical understanding and practical skills in preparing animal histological specimens using the paraffin embedding method, which serves as a crucial foundation in anatomical, physiological, biomedical, and biotechnological studies. This activity aligns with SDG 4: Quality Education, by enhancing the quality of competency-based laboratory training and learning.
The training began with an opening remark by Dr. Ardaning Nuriliani, S.Si., M.Kes., Head of the Animal Developmental Structure Laboratory, who emphasized the importance of regenerating scientists in the field of animal microtechnique and histology. She pointed out that interest in fundamental sciences concerning the microscopic structure of animals and humans has been declining, even though this field plays a vital role in supporting the advancement of other disciplines such as biomedicine, forensics, biodiversity, agriculture, and animal husbandry. Therefore, the SPH Laboratory remains committed to increasing both the quantity and quality of experts in this discipline through structured training and research programs. This effort supports SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, particularly in strengthening research and technological capacity for biological sciences advancement.
The second opening address was delivered by Prof. Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, S.Si., M.Sc., Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Faculty of Biology UGM, who officially inaugurated the event. In his remarks, Prof. Bambang highlighted the importance of such training in equipping students to understand how academics and researchers validate their scientific work. According to him, microtechnique skills are essential for ensuring the accuracy, reproducibility, and reliability of scientific data, which are critical for the development of applied biological sciences. This initiative also contributes to SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, as it helps prepare competent professionals and researchers in biological and health laboratories who are ready to compete in both academic and industrial sectors.
Over the course of three days, participants received a combination of theoretical sessions and intensive hands-on practice covering various steps, including euthanasia, necropsy, tissue fixation, dehydration, paraffin infiltration, microtome sectioning, staining, and microscopic analysis of the prepared specimens. Participants were also encouraged to discuss common challenges encountered during histological specimen preparation and collaboratively seek solutions with the instructors. The training featured speakers from the SPH Laboratory, including Prof. Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, S.Si., M.Sc.; Susilo Hadi, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D.; Dr. med. vet. drh. Hendry Saragih, M.P.; Zuliyati Rohmah, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D.Eng.; Dr. Ardaning Nuriliani, S.Si., M.Kes.; Dr. Luthfi Nurhidayat, S.Si., M.Sc.; and Nur Indah Septriani, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., as well as laboratory technicians Sefi Nur Anggaeni, S.Si. and Suwardi A., with Siti Aeniah, S.Pd. (Master’s student) serving as assistant instructor. The event was held in an interactive and enthusiastic atmosphere, strengthening collaboration across educational levels and contributing to SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, through synergy among lecturers, students, and laboratory staff in advancing scientific capacity. The skills gained from this training are expected to be applied by participants in their future academic and professional careers, serving as a valuable foundation for the advancement of biological and health research.
Contributors: Ardaning Nuriliani and Sefi Nur Anggaeni
