On Wednesday, July 31, 2024, the Faculty of Biology UGM opened the series of the PIONIR Metamorphoself 2024, an annual event organized by the Faculty of Biology to welcome young biologists, as an introduction to the faculty and prepare them for their academic journey at UGM. The PIONIR Metamorphoself 2024 carried the theme ‘’Bioadaptability: Realizing a Generation of Pioneer Innovators for the Nation’’. Through this theme, it hoped that young biologists can excel and create in various fields of study, adapting to the transition from school to university.
The first day of PIONIR Metamorphoself began with the opening ceremony at 7:30 AM. The ceremony was opened with a welcome speech from the General Coordinator of PIONIR Metamorphoself 2024, Muhammad Syahrul Firdaus, followed by a speech from the Cluster Coordinator, Tyas Ikhsan Hikmawan, S.Si, M.Si, Ph.D.. Next, there was a speech from the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc and officially opening the PIONIR Metamorphoself 2024, symbolized by the installation of a deer replica at Terra Nova. After the opening ceremony, young biologists attended several sessions.
The first session was a talk with the faculty leadership, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., the Dean of the Faculty of Biology, Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, M.Sc, Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Dr. Slamet Widiyanto, M.Sc., Vice Dean for Finance, Assets, and Human Resources, and Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Alumni Affairs. This session was moderated by Dr.rer.nat. Abdul Rahman Siregar, S.Si., M.Biotech, aimed to introduce young biologists to the organizational structure, facilities, and assets of the Faculty of Biology. The Vice Deans also explained academic and non-academic activities at the Faculty of Biology, collaborations with national and international institutions, and highlighted successful graduates in various fields.
Next was a session featuring Emi Dwi Suryanti, S.Si, M.Sc, Coordinator for Academic and Student Affairs, and Sukirno, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., Head of the Bachelor in Biology Study Program, provided an overview of administrative systems, lectures, permissions, length of study, and exam requirements. Tips for young biologists to adapt to the Faculty of Biology at UGM were also shared, followed by a Q&A session.
After these sessions, young biologists participated in a quiz based on the materials presented during the leadership and academic coordinator talks. The next session was an introduction to the faculty lecturers, guided by MCs Angga Firza Pratama and Birrul Qisty Mutmainnah Nazara. The faculty lecturers were introduced in sequence according to their laboratories. Following the faculty lecturers introductions, young biologists participated in a bonding session with their Academic Supervisors (DPA). They directed to their DPA’s location based on a faculty map, guided by instructors. During this session, they received information about plagiarism and shared experiences about university life with their DPAs.