The Merck Young Scientist Award (MYSA) 2023 has announced the top 12 semifinalists on October 25, 2023. The MYSA program aims to engage young scientists in discussions, idea sharing, scientific research development, and collaboration to create new breakthroughs, while also recognizing the dedication of scientists in developing sustainable solutions to meet the healthcare needs of Indonesia’s society. Additionally, MYSA seeks to inspire and encourage young scientists to innovate in life sciences and provide solutions to various health challenges. This program, in its fifth year running since 2018, collaborates with the Research Organization for Life Sciences and the Environment, the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), and Universitas Gadjah Mada, who act as the judging panel to provide optimal assessments of the participants.
The 12 semifinalists of the Merck Young Scientist Award (MYSA) 2023 come from various institutions including Institut Teknologi Sumatera, Sumbawa University of Technology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia International Institute for Life Sciences, Universitas Indonesia, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), IMERI FKUI, and PT Bio Farma. Participants were selected by a judging panel led by Prof. Dr. apt. Edy Meiyanto M.Si from the Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Gadjah Mada, including Iman Hidayat., Ph.D, Prof. Dr. Nurul Taufiqu Rochman., M.Eng., Ph.D from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Ilma Equilibrina., Ph.D from Merck, and Dr. Riza Arief Putranto., D.E.A from The Indonesian Society for Bioinformatics & Biodiversity.
Through rigorous evaluation, Sigit Dwi Maryanto., S.Si., M.Sc from the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada emerged as one of the top 12 semifinalists. His research focuses on the efficiency of nutrient absorption in palm oil. In general, Sigit Dwi Maryanto., S.Si., M.Sc explained that his research will yield short-term downstream products related to molecular markers for nutrient efficiency in palm oil, while the long-term target is nutrient-efficient palm oil progenies. This research significantly contributes to palm oil production.
The culminating event will take place on November 23, 2023, in Jakarta. During this final event, the 12 finalists will present their research, and the winners will be announced. Therefore, Sigit Dwi Maryanto., S.Si., M.Sc hopes to deliver the best performance during the presentation and bring home victory, thereby enhancing the reputation of the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada. (Vita Meylani, PhD Program Student, First Semester 2023, Faculty of Biology).
