Yogyakarta, October 9, 2023 – The Faculty of Biology welcomed a delegation from Leiden University, the Netherlands, to follow up on the collaboration between the Faculty of Science at Leiden University and three faculties at Universitas Gadjah Mada, namely the Faculty of Biology, the Faculty of Pharmacy, and the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing. The meeting was attended by representatives from Leiden University, Dr. Gert Jan van Helden, and Daniel Mandel. From the Faculty of Biology, there were Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., the Dean; Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, M.Sc., the Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs; Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., theVice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration and Alumni Affairs; Tyas Ikhsan Hikmawan, Ph.D., the Secretary of the Office of International Affairs; and Dr. Tri Rini Nuringtyas, M.Sc. From the Faculty of Pharmacy, there were Apt. Dr. rer. nat. Nanang Fahrudin, M.Si., the Vice Dean for Research, Community Engagement, Cooperation, and Alumni; Dr. Sylvia Utami Tanjung Pratiwi, S.Si., M.Si.; and drh. Retno Muwarti, MP., Ph.D. From the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, there were Prof. dr. Yodi Mahendradhata, M.Sc., Ph.D., FRSP., the Dean, and Dr. dr. Lina Choridah, Sp.Rad(K), the Vice Dean for Research and Development.
The discussion began with welcoming remarks from Universitas Gadjah Mada, representing the faculties of Biology, Pharmacy, and Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing. Leiden University, particularly the Faculty of Science, has maintained a long-standing and fruitful collaboration. This visit marks a continuation of their research collaboration under the scope of the Joint Research and Expertise Center, particularly in relation to zebrafish research. Dr. Gert expressed that UGM is one of the most active partners in collaborating with Leiden. Several collaborations have taken place, including mutual visiting professor programs, student mobility programs for master’s and doctoral studies, and joint degree programs, including the initiation of a joint research center, which was the main topic of discussion during this meeting on Monday (10/9). The visit continued with a tour of the MSIBC Building (Moeso Suryowinoto Indonesia Biodiversity Center) at the Faculty of Biology. This new building will house various research equipment as part of the collaboration with Leiden.
The hope is that through this collaboration, it will support the enhancement of education and research at UGM, especially in the Faculty of Biology, and provide students with international learning opportunities. This collaboration is part of the Faculty of Biology’s commitment to expanding connections and partnerships with various stakeholders to improve the quality of education, in line with their support for Sustainable Development Goals for education enhancement and extended cooperation (SDG 4 and 17).
