Yogyakarta, October 18, 2025 — The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), welcomed a visit from Prof. Chiharu Nakashima, Ph.D., a distinguished scholar in plant pathology and fungal taxonomy from the Laboratory of Plant Pathology, Graduate School of Bioresources, Mie University, Japan.
The visit took place in a warm and informal atmosphere amid the series of events at The 9th International Conference on Biological Sciences (ICBS) 2025, organized by the Faculty of Biology UGM. Prof. Nakashima’s visit aimed to gain deeper insight into the academic environment of Universitas Gadjah Mada, particularly the Faculty of Biology, which is well known for its strong commitment to advancing tropical biodiversity and biotechnology research.
During the visit, Prof. Nakashima was received by the Dean of the Faculty of Biology, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., the Head of the Faculty Administration Office, Amin Susiantmojo, S.Pt., M.Sc., as well as several doctoral students. The meeting featured an engaging discussion on recent developments in plant pathology research, especially related to systematics, molecular phylogeny, and diagnostics of plant pathogenic fungi.
In addition to sharing his research experiences, Prof. Nakashima explored potential collaborations between the Faculty of Biology UGM and Mie University, such as joint supervision for doctoral students and student exchange programs. Both parties agreed that international collaboration plays a crucial role in strengthening research and education in biology, particularly in addressing global challenges in plant health and environmental sustainability.
Prof. Nakashima also visited the Next Generation Sequencing – Integrated Genome Factory (IGF) of the Faculty of Biology UGM, accompanied by Dr. Wiko Arif Wibowo, S.Si. The facility is equipped with Oxford Nanopore Technology and PacBio platforms, supporting advanced genomic research within the Faculty. The visit continued to the Biodiversity Research and Development Station in Sawitsari, where Prof. Nakashima observed field research activities and the rich biological collections that represent one of the Faculty’s key strengths.
This visit also aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4 (Quality Education) through educational collaboration and international academic exchange, and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through strengthened international cooperation between the Faculty of Biology UGM and Mie University. In the future, this collaboration is expected to also contribute to Goal 1 (No Poverty) through biodiversity-based research that supports community welfare, and Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) by advancing plant pathology research to enhance sustainable food security.
Prof. Nakashima’s visit marks an important milestone in strengthening academic relations between the Faculty of Biology UGM and Mie University, while expanding international networks that foster research and education in tropical biology.