Friday, July 21^st 2023, Universitas Gadjah Mada held a Workshop on SDGs for Internal Capacity Development: UGM Towards a Sustainable Campus at the Lotus Ballroom, Artotel Suites Bianti, Yogyakarta. The event was attended by representatives from various UGM working units including from Faculty of Biology represented by Mukhlis Jamal Musa Holle, S.Sc., M.Env.Sc., D.Phil. The event began with remarks by the Vice Chancellor for Education and Teaching Universitas Gadjah Mada, Prof. Dr. Wening Udasmoro, S.S., M. Hum., DEA. Prof. Wening explained the importance of the contribution of universities and their academic community in realizing the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) which have been promoted by the United Nations since 2015. Anticipation needs to be done to ensure that life in the future will avoid crises including the food crisis, extreme climate change and so on. UGM in the management of the SDGs is also got 2^nd ranked in Indonesia and will continue to be developed. Prof. Wening also explained the importance of active data collection and publication to media so that activities carried out at UGM can be exposed to the wider community.

Further remarks were given by the Head of Quality and Reputation Assurance of Universitas Gadjah Mada, Dr. L. Hartanto Nugroho. He explained that contributions for SDGs can be made in small ways and small changes can have a big impact. A simple example in terms of segregating waste in a university environment, it must be carried out systematically and massively and involve all components and the academic community at the university.

The workshop continued with a general presentation by Prof. Dr. Puji Astuti, S.Si., M.Sc., Apt. and Ir. Sentagi Sesotya Utami, St., M.Sc., Ph.D. They explained that the most important aspects of the 17 SDGs are the environment and human sustainability. University ranking in terms of SDGs is not the main thing to achieve, but the ranking is a form of measurement for achievements or activities that have been carried out. UGM also supports sustainability in university governance from the aspects of ecosystems and the environment as well as human sustainability. This can be seen in the policies and regulations issued by UGM. The principles of sustainability or campus sustainability applied at UGM include energy conservation, waste management, water conservation, and eco-friendly transportation. In addition, the achievements of the activities carried out need to be balanced with massive publications so that they can be heard outside the university.

The workshop continued with Forum Group Discussions (FGDs) where participants were divided into 4 categories: Medicines, Agro and Life Science, Social Science, and Art and Humanities. Discussions focused on implementing the SDGs in their respective work units, SWOT analysis, plans for follow-up activities and plans for publication of SDGs achievements. In the discussion, representatives of the Faculty of Biology who included in Agro and Life Science category explained what activities had taken place at the Faculty of Biology and presentation ideas regarding the implementation of SDG No. 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG No. 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). Some of the components of the discussion include how programs play a role in overcoming food insecurity for the academic community and the general public, interventions for dealing with food insecurity, publication of sustainability reports, waste management, to how each work unit can represent research or activities carried out at the work unit level as part of the SDGs.

The workshop ended with closing and a reminder of how important everyone’s role is in realizing the SDGs, especially at the university level. It is hoped that this activity can be a trigger for the implementation of the SDGs and better publications at Universitas Gadjah Mada.

On 12-15 July 2022, Lecturer at the Faculty of Biology UGM Akbar Reza, M.Sc and Puji Lestari, S. Hut, M.Sc lecturers at the Department of Biology and Veterinary Technology at the UGM Vocational School carried out research and community service activities in Kotabaru, South Kalimantan, particularly Hilir Muara Village and Gedambaan Village. The activity which is a cross-sectoral collaboration between the Social Development Studies Center (SODEC) UGM, Faculty of Biology UGM, PT. Mubadala Energy, Kotabaru Polytechnic and the local government have been implementing this since 2020. Activities in Hilir Muara Village focus on empowering coastal communities with main assistance to Pokdarlis (Environmental Awareness Group), UMKM (Hilir Muara Cinta Bumi), and Waste Bank. Some of the programs initiated include greenhouses establishment for plants with economic value and native of Kalimantan, optimizing composters, including initiating collaboration with BUMDES and assisting BPOM’s licensing process for UMKM. These programs were initiated out of concern for the sustainability of coastal ecosystems which actually provide high ecosystem services, especially in the face of the climate crisis. Furthermore, the waste problem is also a problem for coastal areas which, apart from reducing aesthetics, also has the potential to cause long-term health problems.

Activities continued in Gedambaan Village which focused on studying coastal biodiversity. On this occasion, Akbar Reza, M.Sc with an expertise on ecology and conservation, and Puji Lestari, S.Hut, M.Sc with an expertise on Forestry were responsible for justifying techniques and locations for planting mangroves, determining permanent plots (PUP), and monitoring methods as an initiation for long-term monitoring. In its implementation, this activity was intensely assisted by Fitra Nofra, S.Si and Gema Starliantri, S.Hut as the Biodiversity Officer of PT. Mubadala Energy, in collaboration with the Kotabaru Polytechnic and the Gedambaan Village Government as the main actors. On the same occasion, planning was also carried out for a program for planting typical Kalimantan plants in collaboration with the Pulau Laut Sebuku  in the Environmental Services Block in the Bukit Mamake area. Furthermore, in the long term these programs are expected to have economic value that can support the lives of local communities.

In general, these research activities and empowerment programs simultaneously support national programs such as PROKLIM Village, climate change adaptation, and local community-based blue carbon ecosystem preservation. It is hoped that the programs implemented will actually be able to help coastal communities as vulnerable to climate change. In addition, the programs are expected to be able to bring about change, both from an environmental and economic perspective

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC) through UNODC’s Global Program on Crimes that Affect the Environment in collaboration with TRACE Wildlife Forensics Network will conduct an analysis for Wildlife Forensics where the team invites Laos, Indonesia and Malaysia to assess forensic capacity in the area. The results will be used to support the improvement of Wildlife forensic capabilities and the improvement of these wildlife forensic services. On Monday, 17 July 2023, at the KPTU Meeting Room of Faculty of Biology UGM, UNODC and TRACE representatives visited Faculty of Biology UGM to discuss condition and potential for Wildlife Forensics in Indonesia. The meeting was attended by Vice Dean of Faculty of Biology UGM for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Alumni Affairs, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., Head of Office of International Affairs, Faculty of Biology UGM, Dr.rer.nat. Abdul Rahman Siregar, S.Si., M.Biotech, and Lecturer from the Animal Systematics Laboratory, Donan Satria Yudha, S.Si., M.Sc., and Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono, S.Si., Kelly Morgan as TRACE Manager for Southeast Asia Program, Amanda Lightson as UNODC Technical Officer in Sabah, Malaysia, and Dwi W. Adhiasto, Consultant for Wildlife Conservation and Criminal Justice.

The meeting began with an opening and a brief introduction to the Faculty of Biology by the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Alumni Affairs. The introduction is about history, facilities, and focus of education at Faculty of Biology UGM.

The meeting was then followed by a presentation by Donan Satria Yudha, S.Si., M.Sc. which explains Wildlife Forensics, especially Anatomy and Forensic Morphology. The Faculty of Biology has an Animal Systematics Laboratory and a Biology Museum which has collections of vertebrate fauna skeletons that can be used to support forensic anatomy and morphology. Not only skeletons, but also taxidermy collections of various vertebrate fauna species. He also explained activities related to Wildlife Forensics that have been carried out including Capacity Building such as Integrated Training on Handling Wildlife Circulation in the Maluku Islands, Training and Technical Guidance for Collection and Preservation of Anatomical and Morphological Samples for Research. The Capacity Building involved various parties from the Regional Police and Local Resorts. District Court and the Attorney General’s Office, to institutions that support conservation. He has also been involved and collaborated with the Police several times regarding the identification of protected wild animals including Jakarta National Police’s Criminal Investigation Unit, Central Java Regional Police’s Criminal Investigation Directorate and the Bantul District Prosecutor’s Office, to become an expert witness in trials at the Bantul District Court regarding wildlife trade.

Next, Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono explained Wildlife Forensics especially for Wildlife DNA Forensics. Capacity Building related to collection techniques and preservation of confiscated samples for DNA analysis which was attended by forest rangers, NGOs and various related institutions. The training was conducted so that staff in the field have the ability to handle confiscated samples in the field before they are sent to the laboratory. This aims to minimize contamination and degradation of DNA material. Dr. Sendi also explained that many confiscated components had been identified based on their Forensics DNA. He worked closely with the Police to identify samples in the form of animal bones, tails, fingers and nails. Dr. Sendi also explained the problems of field staff who had difficulty identifying species which could lead to misidentification, so a guide was made to minimize the misidentification errors. Another problem is the limited tools such as PCR in the Animal Systematics laboratory for identification of DNA samples so that the investigation and identification process cannot be carried out quickly. This tool is an important part because forensic needs are very immediate, confidential, and minimal contamination, and there is no standard animal identification protocol.

After the discussion and presentation, representatives from TRACE and UNODC visited the Animal Systematics Laboratory at the Faculty of Biology to see the skeletal coccyx and taxidermy of the vertebrate fauna there.

This meeting is an opportunity for good cooperation between Faculty of Biology and UNODC and related institutions that focus on wildlife conservation and forensics. It is hoped that this meeting will be useful for the development of Wildlife Forensics in Indonesia.

On Friday, 14 July 2023 at 13.00-15.00, Faculty of Biology UGM received a visit from the Country Director of Conservation International Timor-Leste (CI-TL), Manuel Mendes. His daughter, Sonya Clara Alstonia Winokan Mendes, is an IUP Biology UGM student Class 2022. Manuel Mendes himself is also an alumnus of Faculty of Forestry UGM. The visit was accompanied by Dr. Dwiko Budi Permadi, S.Hut., M.Sc. (Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Faculty of Forestry UGM), who was a classmate of Sonya’s father during his undergraduate studies at Faculty of Forestry UGM in 1995. The visit, which took place in KPTU Meeting Room of Faculty of Biology UGM, was also attended by the Dean of the UGM Faculty of Biology, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Faculty of Biology UGM, Dr. Bambang Retno Aji, M.Sc., and Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Alumni Affairs, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc.

The meeting discussed opportunities for cooperation related to the promotion of the International Undergraduate Program (IUP) of Faculty of Biology UGM and visit plan of delegations from the Faculty of Biology and the Faculty of Forestry UGM to Timor Leste. Apart from that, opportunities for collaboration in research on crocodile conservation and watershed restoration in Timor Leste were also discussed, which are related to watersheds in the Timor NTT region.

It is hoped that the visit will become a forum for cooperation and good relations between Faculty of Biology and Conservation International Timor-Leste, as well as building good relations between the students’ and parents’ sides of the Faculty of Biology UGM.

[Yogyakarta, Indonesia, July 18, 2023] — The Faculty of Biology at Gadjah Mada University (UGM) proudly announced the successful virtual opening of the 6th International Summer Course in Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development, held on Monday, July 17, 2023. The esteemed event was inaugurated by Vice Dean Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. and Chairwoman Dr. Nur Indah Septriani, M.Sc., showcasing the commitment and dedication of UGM towards advancing knowledge in the field of biodiversity and sustainability.

The virtual opening ceremony commenced with an engaging introduction and pre-departure presentation delivered by Mukhlish Jamal M. H., D.Phil., who provided valuable insights and prepared the participants for the enriching journey that lay ahead. This event set the stage for the 72 participants hailing from seven different universities: UGM, UTHM, NTU, UTAR, Kasertsart University, UPLB, and Chiba University. Their diverse backgrounds and shared passion for tropical biodiversity and sustainable development promise an intellectually stimulating and collaborative experience.

During the opening, Vice Dean Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., expressed his enthusiasm and shared his vision for the summer course. “We are delighted to inaugurate the 6th International Summer Course in Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development, which represents our ongoing commitment to fostering global collaborations in research and education. This course provides an exceptional platform for participants to exchange knowledge, build networks, and explore innovative solutions for pressing environmental challenges. We hope this course will inspire and empower the participants to become future leaders in the field.”

The participants themselves have exhibited tremendous enthusiasm and eagerness to embark on this transformative journey. They recognize the significance of the summer course in broadening their understanding of tropical biodiversity and sustainable development, and are eager to apply the knowledge gained to effect positive change in their respective communities.

“The opportunity to participate in this summer course is truly invaluable,” said one of the enthusiastic participants. “We are grateful to the Faculty of Biology at Gadjah Mada University for organizing this event and bringing together experts and peers from different universities. We look forward to engaging in insightful discussions, collaborating on research projects, and forging lifelong connections with like-minded individuals.”

The 6th International Summer Course in Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development promises to be a resounding success, with participants ready to explore the fascinating world of tropical biodiversity, exchange ideas, and contribute to sustainable development. As the summer course unfolds, it will undoubtedly foster a spirit of camaraderie, innovation, and a renewed dedication to preserving our planet’s precious ecosystems.

Yogyakarta, July 11, 2023 – The Faculty of Biology at Gadjah Mada University (UGM) received a cooperative visit from members of the Indonesian Army (TNI AD) on Tuesday, July 11, 2023. The visit was conducted to discuss coordination and synchronization in strengthening Science and Technology for Indonesia’s defense. The TNI AD delegation, consisting of high-ranking officers and officials, including 1. Expert Staff (Dislitbangad) Parawita Agus Setyaningtyas; Colonel Inf, 2. Head of Laboratory (Dislitbangad) Saptarendra Prasada; Colonel Arh, 3. Army Engineer Center (Pusziad) Aji Setyawan, S.H., M.I.P; Mayor Czi, 4. (Pusterad) Restu Petrus Simbolon; Lieutenant Colonel, 5. Cavalry Center (Pusskerkav) Colonel Edward Sitorus, was welcomed by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, and Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration, and Alumni.

The visit commenced at 4:00 PM local time in the Meeting Room of the KPTU Faculty of Biology UGM. After the welcoming session, the TNI AD delegation was taken on a tour of the laboratories and introduced to the outstanding research products at the Faculty of Biology UGM. The first destination was the Genetics and Breeding Laboratory, where Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono presented the laboratory’s flagship products, including Hikapel melons, Lurik peanuts, Gama Ayam, and Gama Ayam eggs.

Next, the visit continued to the Biotechnology Laboratory, where Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., presented microalgae products that can be used as supplements, biofuel, and body care. These products demonstrate potential for development in enhancing sustainability, energy efficiency, and supporting the defense sector.

The delegation then proceeded to the Biochemistry Laboratory, where they were welcomed by Dr. Yekti Asih Purwestri, S.Si., M.Si. In this laboratory, Dr. Yekti explained about pigmented rice products that have the potential to become functional food products rich in minerals and anthocyanins. The development of these products can support efforts to improve nutrition and health.

The next visit took place at the Entomology Laboratory, where the delegation was received by Drs. Hari Purwanto, M.P., Ph.D. Dr. Hari explained the potential of products derived from the cultivation of stingless bees, such as honey and propolis. These products have high economic value and can support national food security.

The final visit was conducted at the pond for the cultivation of wader pari fish, accompanied by Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, M.Sc. Here, the delegation witnessed the development of technology for wader pari fish cultivation and the outstanding products that have been produced. The development of the fisheries sector holds great potential in enhancing food security and contributing to the defense sector of the country.

The TNI AD delegation showed great enthusiasm during this visit. They expressed hopes for the realization of cooperation between TNI AD and the Faculty of Biology UGM, aiming to enhance the standards of nutrition and food security technology for the defense of Indonesia. Through this collaboration, a strong synergy is expected to be achieved between higher education institutions and defense agencies in fulfilling the country’s strategic objectives.

On Monday, 10 July 2023, Faculty of Biology UGM participated in online discussions on a collaboration plan with Singapore Management University (SMU) together with the UGM Faculty of Economics and Business. The discussion was attended by Dean of Faculty of Biology, Prof. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation and Alumni, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., Gumilang Arya Sadewo, S.E., M.A., Ph.D. and colleagues from Faculty of Economics and Business UGM. From Singapore Management University was attended by Lip Pin Yeo as Associate Director, School of Computing and Information Systems, Postgraduate Professional Program, SMU, and Joshua SIM as Senior Manager of the Lee Kong Chian School of Business, SMU, as well as colleagues from other high schools.

Discussion began with a presentation by Lip Pin Yeo regarding the profile of School of Computing and Information System (SCIS), SMU, especially Master of IT in Business (MITB) program. Programs managed by SCIS focus on Financial Services Technology, Operations Processes and Services (TOPS) and Business, Consumer and Social Analytics. Lip Pin Yeo explained about MITB program curriculum, class structure and credits taken and how SCIC provides opportunities for its students with internships, projects, and student exchanges. Lip Pin Yeo also explained the conditions for admitting students to SMU, especially SCIS and what scholarships can be obtained for both domestic students (Singapore) and students from ASEAN countries. SCIS also opens cooperation with foreign university partners through various model schemes including Direct Admission 4+1, 3+1 Fast Track Program, Concurrent Masters Program, Sequential Masters Program, and Overseas Exchange Program.

Furthermore, presentation was made by Joshua SIM as Senior Manager of Lee Kong Chian School of Business, SMU regarding the programs offered, especially Masters of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Science in Finance (MF), Master of Science in Management (MiM) programs, and Master of Science in Entrepreneurship (MEI). Joshua also explained about the curriculum implemented at SMU, student admissions as well as scholarship opportunities for foreign students.

In the discussion, Faculty of Biology was represented by the Dean and Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Alumni had the opportunity to initiate collaboration with SMU. This is related to the future potential of biology field which requires biologists who have expertise in the fields of IT, Big Data and AI to support the management of Indonesia’s large biodiversity to the development of bioinformatics. Faculty of Biology also explained the possibility of collaboration for the double degree program, especially for the Jakarta campus master’s program and the fast tract program. SMU also agreed to discuss again in discussing more detailed collaboration and possible collaborations that would be carried out together. It is hoped that the initiation of this collaboration can be a good start to support the development of biology in the future.

On Monday, July 10, 2023, the Faculty of Biology at Gadjah Mada University (UGM) and Satriabudi Dharma Setia Foundation (YSDS) signed a Cooperation Agreement for Research Implementation at the KPTU Conference Room of the Faculty of Biology UGM. The event took place from 10:00 to 11:00 AM and was attended by several important figures, including Dr. Vincentius Simeon Weo Budhyanto as the Chairman of Satriabudi Dharma Setia Foundation, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. as the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, M.Sc. as the Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affair of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. as the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration, and Alumni of the Faculty of Biology UGM, as well as Dr. Niken Satuti Nur Handayani, M.Sc., Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono, S.Si., M.Si., and Indra Lesmana, S.Si., M.Sc., who are Faculty Members/Researchers.

During the event, three cooperation agreements for research implementation were signed. These cooperation agreements are the implementation of the Genomic Grant proposal titled “Acceleration of Genomic Technology and Knowledge and Health in Indonesia,” with the aim of facilitating genomic sequencing, biological data processing, and bioinformatic analysis for researchers in Indonesia. The funding for this program is provided by PaninGroup through the coordination of YSDS with the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment and the Ministry of Health.

Here are the details of the three signed cooperation agreements:

1. Acceleration of Genomic Technology and Knowledge and Health in Indonesia (Development of Molecular Diagnostic to Identify the Genes Underlying the Split Hand and Foot Malformation (SHFM) in Bone Through Whole Exome Sequencing)

This cooperation agreement is led by Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono, S.Si., M.Si. from the Animal Systematics Laboratory, Faculty of Biology UGM. The objective is to develop a molecular diagnostic method to identify the genes causing Split Hand and Foot Malformation (SHFM) in bones through whole exome sequencing techniques.

2. Acceleration of Genomic Technology and Knowledge and Health in Indonesia (Genetic Diversity Inventory of Indigenous Indonesians in the Population of Bilalang Village, North Sulawesi Province: Whole Exome Sequencing of Genes Associated with Red Hair)

This cooperation agreement is led by Dr. Niken Satuti Nur Handayani, M.Sc. from the Genetics and Breeding Laboratory, Faculty of Biology UGM. This research aims to inventory the genetic diversity of indigenous populations in Bilalang Village, North Sulawesi Province, using whole exome sequencing techniques on genes associated with red hair.

3. Acceleration of Genomic Technology and Knowledge and Health in Indonesia (Development of a Thalassemia Diagnostic Kit and Inventory of Thalassemia Mutant Variant Towards Indonesia Zero Thalassemia Major)

This cooperation agreement is also led by Dr. Niken Satuti Nur Handayani, M.Sc. from the Genetics and Breeding Laboratory, Faculty of Biology UGM. The research aims to develop a thalassemia diagnostic kit and inventory thalassemia mutant variants to achieve the “Indonesia Zero Thalassemia Major” target.

Dr. Vincentius Simeon Weo Budhyanto, as the Chairman of Satriabudi Dharma Setia Foundation, stated that this cooperation is an important step in the development of genomic knowledge and health in Indonesia. He hopes that through this cooperation, research in the field of genomics and health can advance further and make a significant contribution to the Indonesian society.

Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., warmly welcomes this cooperation and the ideas presented by Dr. Vincentius Simeon Weo Budhyanto. Prof. Budi hopes that this cooperation will be a tangible step in advancing genomic research technology and developing the usefulness of research results for the Indonesian society.

The signing event concluded with a tour of the laboratories at the Faculty of Biology UGM to introduce the research support facilities and develop plans for constructing a Biomedical Research Building at the Faculty of Biology UGM.

On Friday, July 7, 2023, the Biolecture Series #24 was held as part of the regular webinar activities organized by the Faculty of Biology, Gadjah Mada University (UGM). The event focused on the theme “Physiology, Cultivation Techniques, Pest and Disease Control of Potato Plants” and was attended by 52 enthusiastic participants with a keen interest in agricultural development.

The webinar featured three expert speakers in their respective fields. The first speaker was Prof. Dr. Kumala Dewi, M.Sc.St., from the Plant Physiology Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, UGM. She presented on the topic of “Physiology of Potato Plants (Solanum tuberosum L.)” with the aim of understanding the physiology of potato plants and the factors that influence their growth and development, such as potato seeds, temperature, light, soil type, humidity, and nutrition.

The second speaker, Miftahul Huda, S.P., from Nusantara Farming Indonesia, discussed “Potato Seedling: Potentials and Challenges.” In his presentation, Miftahul Huda explained the strategies and technological advancements in potato seedling cultivation, as well as the challenges faced in potato farming, including the issues of Plant Pests and Diseases (PPD) that pose a major challenge in potato cultivation.

The final session was presented by Iswadi Prasetyo from PT. Corteva Agriscience, who addressed “Control of Major Pests and Diseases in Potato Plants.” Iswadi Prasetyo discussed effective pesticide application techniques for controlling pests and diseases in potato plants, emphasizing the importance of proper pest and disease management practices to ensure optimal growth and harvest yields.

The webinar took place from 08:30 AM to 11:00 AM (WIB) and was moderated by Dr. Siti Nurbaiti, S.Si., a young lecturer at the Faculty of Biology, UGM. Following the presentations by the speakers, a discussion and question-and-answer session provided participants with the opportunity to interact directly with the speakers and gain a deeper understanding of the topics discussed.

The event was concluded by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., the Dean of the Faculty of Biology, UGM, who expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the speakers for their informative presentations and exceptional experiences, which contributed to the understanding of fundamental science and plant physiology in potato cultivation techniques and PPD control strategies.

“On this date, the Biolecture is celebrating its third anniversary. Hopefully, the Biolecture activities will continue to develop and serve as a source of knowledge and insights for all of us,” expressed Prof. Budi, expressing his hope for the ongoing success of the Biolecture activities.

The event is expected to provide significant benefits for the development of the agricultural sector, particularly in potato cultivation in Indonesia.

In an effort to strengthen the collaboration between Nottingham University UK and the Faculty of Biology UGM, a discussion was held on Wednesday 28 June 2023 at the UGM University Center as a follow-up to UGM’s visit to Nottingham University in early June 2023. In the discussion, Nottingham University was represented by Ms Shannon Baverstock, Global Engagement Manager (UoN ) and the Faculty of Biology UGM was represented by Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, Deputy Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation and Alumni.

The University of Nottingham was founded in 1798 to become a university college in 1881 which is divided into 10 faculties. The university has around 32,000 students with 4,000 international students from more than 100 countries. Her bioscience field is in the top 10 in the UK for research quality and is in 3rd in the UK for research strength according to an analysis by Times Higher Education. Thus the research conducted in the field of Bioscience is classified as ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’.

The results of the agreement made with the Faculty of Biology UGM include Nottingham University will send lecturers and students to the International Summer Course which is regularly held by the Faculty of Biology starting next year and this year will send Prof. Sir Martyn Poliakoff as one of the teachers in this International Summer Course. In return, students from the Faculty of Biology UGM will be given the opportunity to take part in a student exchange for 1 to 2 semesters at Bioscience Nottingham University with a tuition fee waiver. Nottingham University will also send visiting professors to the Faculty of Biology. The collaboration that will be developed is a 2+2 program for bachelor programs and 1+1 for master programs, especially for the Jakarta campus master program.

This collaboration is a concrete step by the Faculty of Biology UGM in implementing its commitment to building international networks that are useful in improving the quality of research and academics with its international partners.