On Tuesday, 11 April 2023, the Faculty of Biology UGM received a visit from Prof. Elizabeth van Volkenburgh, Professor of Plant Science at the Department of Biology, University of Washington (UW), USA. The visit was received at the KPTU Meeting Room on the 2nd floor by the Dean of the Faculty of Biology, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., Deputy Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation and Alumni, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., Deputy Dean for Asset Finance and HR, Dr. Slamet Widiyanto, S.Si., M.Sc., Deputy Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, S.Si., M.Sc. and Lecturer from the Plant Physiology Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, Prof. Dr. Kumala Dewi, M.Sc.St.
The visit began with an introduction to the Faculty of Biology and Gadjah Mada University in general by the UGM Faculty of Biology leadership. In the meeting, a collaboration plan was discussed between the University of Washington and the UGM Faculty of Biology such as student exchanges, summer courses, visiting professors and general lectures. At the meeting, Prof. Elizabeth really appreciated the “International Summer Course on Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development” which this year will be held in early August 2023. This activity is an annual activity of the UGM Faculty of Biology which offers exploration of biology learning related to biodiversity and tropical ecosystems for the survival of living things. “It is a very good opportunity for students to learn,” he said. Prof. Elizabeth also intends to offer this opportunity to students in her department who are interested in studying ecology, the “ring of fire” and various research related to biology in the tropics.
The visit ended with a tour of the UGM Faculty of Biology, especially in the area of the Plant Physiology Laboratory and the Plant Development Structure Laboratory. This visit is expected to increase cooperation between the Faculty of Biology UGM and the University of Washington, especially the Department of Biology.
