Yogyakarta, November 13, 2024 – The Faculty of Biology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) proudly presents Research Day 2024, an event aimed at disseminating research and community service outcomes while showcasing the latest advancements in biology to the public. With the theme From Molecule to Biosphere, the event highlighted the vital role of biological sciences in human life, encompassing studies from the molecular scale to ecosystem dynamics.
The first day of Research Day 2024 began with the opening ceremony. Dr. Ririn Tri Nurhayati, S.IP., M.Si., M.A., Head of the Research Program Sub-Directorate at UGM’s Directorate of Research, attended the event and praised Research Day 2024 as an effective platform for technology transfer to society, supported by mini workshops featuring advanced scientific instruments. The event was officially opened by the Dean of the Faculty of Biology, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., who expressed his hopes that Research Day 2024 would deepen scientific knowledge, strengthen interdisciplinary collaborations, and introduce biological innovations to academics and practitioners alike. As part of the Faculty’s Dies Natalis (anniversary) celebrations, Research Day 2024 was supported by partners including CV Dynata Image Creative, IGF Faculty of Biology, PT Ditek Jaya, PT Indolab Utama, PT Nutrilab Pratama, PT Wadya Prima Mulia, and Elo Karsa Utama.
On the first day, the theme of Molecular Biology took center stage in two focused workshop sessions. The first session introduced participants to the Promega Maxwell Automated DNA/RNA Extraction system and DNA quality control using the Agilent TapeStation. These tools are critical for ensuring the accuracy of molecular-level research.
The second session delved into Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) Sequencing and Metabarcoding Data Analysis, exploring cutting-edge methods for sequencing and metabarcoding to analyze microbiome compositions and identify organisms at the molecular level.
Mastery of molecular biology technologies is essential for addressing challenges in health, environmental science, and agriculture. These techniques enable researchers to identify pathogenic microorganisms rapidly, gain insights into the genetics of specific species, and precisely map ecosystems. Such applications support solutions across scales, from cellular processes to ecosystem dynamics.
Participants had the opportunity to engage directly with experts and practitioners from UGM’s partners. Additionally, several leading laboratories within the Faculty of Biology, such as the Microbiology Laboratory and the Genetics and Breeding Laboratory, provided hands-on experiences, enriching the practical knowledge of attendees.
With its overarching theme From Molecule to Biosphere, the first day of Research Day 2024 underscored the critical role of biology in building a comprehensive understanding of life—from cellular metabolism to ecosystem interactions. The Faculty of Biology at UGM hopes this event will continue to drive scientific progress and promote technological applications across various sectors of life.
[Written by the Research Day Committee]