In 2020, the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), commemorates its 65th Anniversary. The theme for this year anniversary is: “Biology, Working and Serving the Nation”. The opening ceremony was held on Thursday, 6 August 2020, at 09.30-10.00 WIB at the Tropical Biology Auditorium via online. It was attended by the Dean of Faculty of Biology, along with the deputy deans, chairpersons, secretaries of the senate, and department officials. Dr. Slamet Widiyanto, M.Sc. as the chairman of the event, mentioned that the anniversary were held online to support the government efforts in reducing the spread of Covid-19.
The opening ceremony was followed by the 5th Biotalk event. The speakers for the talk were: Rina Sri Kasiamdari, S.Si., Ph.D. (Alumni 1987; Lecturer and Researcher of Mycology, Faculty of Biology UGM), Prof. Drs. I Made Sudiana, M.Sc. Ph.D. (Alumni 1982; Researcher at the Research Center for Biology, LIPI), Dra. Agnes Heratri, M.P. (Alumni 1982, Owner of CV Pradipta Paramita) and moderated by Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App. Sc.
Rina Sri Kasiamdari, S.Si., Ph.D. as the first speaker, discussed about: Microbial Biodiversity in Indonesia and its Applications. Although the microbial diversity in Indonesia is very high, very little has been identified. The identification of microbial species in Indonesia is lower compared to the identification of new species of animals and plants. Therefore, there is a huge opportunity to continue exploring and identifying new species of microbes. The second speaker, Prof. Drs. I Made Sudiana, M.Sc. Ph.D. presented about: “Microbial Ecology of Tropical Ecosystem Conservation Strategy and Its Sustainable Utilization”. The last speaker, Dra. Agnes Heratri, M.P. presented about: “Biofuel Development in Indonesia: Research Opportunities and Challenges. As the CEO of CV Pradipta Paramita, she explained that her company is serving as an example of business utilizing microbes to develop food additives, probiotics, and natural medicines. The company, located in Solo, is engaged in the biotechnology industry and develops probiotics/synbiotics for animal feed.