On Monday, July 10, 2023, the Faculty of Biology at Gadjah Mada University (UGM) and Satriabudi Dharma Setia Foundation (YSDS) signed a Cooperation Agreement for Research Implementation at the KPTU Conference Room of the Faculty of Biology UGM. The event took place from 10:00 to 11:00 AM and was attended by several important figures, including Dr. Vincentius Simeon Weo Budhyanto as the Chairman of Satriabudi Dharma Setia Foundation, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. as the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, M.Sc. as the Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affair of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. as the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration, and Alumni of the Faculty of Biology UGM, as well as Dr. Niken Satuti Nur Handayani, M.Sc., Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono, S.Si., M.Si., and Indra Lesmana, S.Si., M.Sc., who are Faculty Members/Researchers.
During the event, three cooperation agreements for research implementation were signed. These cooperation agreements are the implementation of the Genomic Grant proposal titled “Acceleration of Genomic Technology and Knowledge and Health in Indonesia,” with the aim of facilitating genomic sequencing, biological data processing, and bioinformatic analysis for researchers in Indonesia. The funding for this program is provided by PaninGroup through the coordination of YSDS with the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment and the Ministry of Health.
Here are the details of the three signed cooperation agreements:
- Acceleration of Genomic Technology and Knowledge and Health in Indonesia (Development of Molecular Diagnostic to Identify the Genes Underlying the Split Hand and Foot Malformation (SHFM) in Bone Through Whole Exome Sequencing)
This cooperation agreement is led by Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono, S.Si., M.Si. from the Animal Systematics Laboratory, Faculty of Biology UGM. The objective is to develop a molecular diagnostic method to identify the genes causing Split Hand and Foot Malformation (SHFM) in bones through whole exome sequencing techniques.
- Acceleration of Genomic Technology and Knowledge and Health in Indonesia (Genetic Diversity Inventory of Indigenous Indonesians in the Population of Bilalang Village, North Sulawesi Province: Whole Exome Sequencing of Genes Associated with Red Hair)
This cooperation agreement is led by Dr. Niken Satuti Nur Handayani, M.Sc. from the Genetics and Breeding Laboratory, Faculty of Biology UGM. This research aims to inventory the genetic diversity of indigenous populations in Bilalang Village, North Sulawesi Province, using whole exome sequencing techniques on genes associated with red hair.
- Acceleration of Genomic Technology and Knowledge and Health in Indonesia (Development of a Thalassemia Diagnostic Kit and Inventory of Thalassemia Mutant Variant Towards Indonesia Zero Thalassemia Major)
This cooperation agreement is also led by Dr. Niken Satuti Nur Handayani, M.Sc. from the Genetics and Breeding Laboratory, Faculty of Biology UGM. The research aims to develop a thalassemia diagnostic kit and inventory thalassemia mutant variants to achieve the “Indonesia Zero Thalassemia Major” target.
Dr. Vincentius Simeon Weo Budhyanto, as the Chairman of Satriabudi Dharma Setia Foundation, stated that this cooperation is an important step in the development of genomic knowledge and health in Indonesia. He hopes that through this cooperation, research in the field of genomics and health can advance further and make a significant contribution to the Indonesian society.
Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., warmly welcomes this cooperation and the ideas presented by Dr. Vincentius Simeon Weo Budhyanto. Prof. Budi hopes that this cooperation will be a tangible step in advancing genomic research technology and developing the usefulness of research results for the Indonesian society.
The signing event concluded with a tour of the laboratories at the Faculty of Biology UGM to introduce the research support facilities and develop plans for constructing a Biomedical Research Building at the Faculty of Biology UGM.