On Wednesday, September 6 2023, the Dean of the Faculty of Biology at UGM served as a guest speaker in the Guest Lecturer Program organized by the Biology Education Program, FKIK UIN North Sumatra Medan. The event took place from 09:00 to 11:00 AM at the SBSN Building, FKIK UIN North Sumatra Medan, Campus II Pancing, Jl. Williem Iskandar Psr. V Medan Estate. During the event, the Dean of the Faculty of Biology at UGM, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, S.Si., M.Agr.Sc., Ph.D., delivered a lecture on the topic of “Development and Role of Biology in Downstreaming and Preserving Biodiversity.” The event was attended by enthusiastic students and faculty members. The guest lecture was opened with a welcome address by Prof. Dr. Tien Rafida, M. Hum., the Dean of FKIK UIN SU Medan. Subsequently, the guest lecture session was moderated by Mrs. Ummi Nur Afinni D.J, M.Pd., Secretary of the Biology Education Program.
In his presentation, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, S.Si., M.Agr.Sc., provided an introduction to the field of biology and emphasized the importance of biodiversity. He explained the role of biodiversity in human life, including its significance as a source of food, medicine, habitat for various organisms, provider of ecosystem services, as well as its role in ecotourism and education. Prof. Budi also discussed the history and development of the field of biology from the past to the present and into the future. During this session, he also highlighted efforts to preserve biodiversity through downstreaming of his research results, such as the Hikapel Melon and Melon GMP Shampoo. Prof. Budi also shared his experiences regarding research collaborations with various companies such as PT Nudira Swadaya Indonesia, PT Gizi Indonesia, and Nahla in the development of research on Hikapel melon. These research findings have led to innovative products used in the cosmetic, perfume, and shampoo industries.In addition to discussing melons, Prof. Budi also explained the downstreaming of his research on Indonesian Local Chickens within the Gama Ayam Research Group. Gama Ayam has been developed and disseminated to the community in Beji Village, Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta, which is a village adopted by the Faculty of Biology UGM as a step towards improving the quality of local chicken meat. Furthermore, he also presented his research findings on bioacoustics in chickens. Following the presentation, a discussion session ensued. During this session, students and faculty actively participated in the discussion, making the guest lecture interactive and engaging. The event concluded with the presentation of tokens of appreciation to Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, S.Si., M.Agr.Sc. by Prof. Dr. Tien Rafida, M. Hum., the Dean of FKIK UIN SU Medan.
This activity is expected to enhance students’ understanding and enthusiasm in the field of biology and inspire them to contribute to the preservation of biodiversity. Additionally, the event is anticipated to foster research cooperation and collaboration between the Faculty of Biology at Gadjah Mada University (UGM) and the Faculty of Education and Teacher Training at UIN North Sumatra Medan, while also supporting sustainable development goals, particularly quality education (SDGs 4).