A total of four students from the UGM Faculty of Biology had the opportunity to be accepted into the Indonesian International Student Mobility (IISMA) program in 2024. They are Abigail Yemima (Class of 2021) who was accepted at the University of Glasgow, Felix Luman Shanahan (IUP Class of 2022) who will study at the University of Groningen, Maxmillian Melvin (IUP Class of 2022) at the University of Pennsylvania, and Tan Rendy (Class of 2022) who will be having the opportunity to study at the University of British Columbia.

Abigail Yemima expressed her gratitude for being accepted into the IISMA program. At first she didn’t feel confident and wasn’t sure she would be accepted. But her efforts paid off. “I felt that this was a kickstart into a brand new chapter of my life and opened the door to many new opportunities,” said Abigail. She is very grateful and excited to have been accepted at the University of Glasgow and will make the most of it. The University of Glasgow itself is a top university offering a variety of courses, ranging from STEM to Arts and Humanities, which supports interdisciplinarity for exchange students alike. Being a member of the Russell Group, the University of Glasgow also focuses on research allowing me to connect with researchers and educators with similar interests. “I have high hopes that the supplementary courses I take and my effort to expand my network will lay the groundwork for a post-graduate degree or my career in the future”, she hopes.

Meanwhile, Tan Rendy stated that months of preparation had finally paid off when he received the announcement. Being an IISMA awardee, it definitely still feels surreal as well as exciting. “My huge gratitude to myself and those who have supported me to reach this point. One down, more to go!”, he said. For him University of British Columbia is special. Actually, it was not even on his list. But once he got to its page and did more research, he just knew what he was looking for. University of British Columbia is the one.

Maxmillian Melvin also expressed his joy and honor at being selected as one of the IISMA participants. Max, his nickname, is excited to meet and collaborate with other colleagues and experience new things abroad. “I chose University of Pennsylvania because of its renowned reputation in research which offers a ton of opportunities and resources. Furthermore, University of Pennsylvania has a diverse community that fosters innovation and interdisciplinary learning,” he said firmly.

Furthermore, Felix Luman Shanahan firmly stated that the University of Groningen was his choice. “I opted for the University of Groningen as my choice for IISMA because of its renowned reputation in economics and business studies. I have a goal to establish a sustainable biology-based business in the future, and I believe that the knowledge and skills I acquire at the University of Groningen will assist me in achieving this goal”, said Felix. According to him, apart from excellent economics and business programs, the University of Groningen has a large international student community which offers excellent opportunities to expand your network and connect with people from all over the world. “I am extremely grateful and thrilled to become an IISMA awardee, and I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported me on this journey— my friends, lecturers, and my family”, he concluded.

Congratulations to the students receiving the Indonesian International Student Mobility (IISMA) program in 2024! Hopefully this program will further increase student experience and knowledge specifically and can support the achievement of point 4 of the SDGs related to Quality Education.

Yogyakarta, March 1 2024 – Today, the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) warmly welcomed a benchmarking study visit from the School of Life Sciences and Technology (SITH) Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) which took place from 13.00 to 16.00 WIB in the KPTU courtroom Faculty of Biology UGM.

This event is part of an effort to deepen understanding of the Master’s and Doctoral program curriculum at the Faculty of Biology UGM. In his speech, the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., expressed his sincere appreciation for the visit of the team from ITB. He also expressed the hope that cooperation between the two institutions would become closer, especially in efforts to improve the quality of education holistically.

Also attending this event was the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, M.Sc. as Deputy Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Dr. Slamet Widiyanto, M.Sc. as Deputy Dean for Asset Finance and Human Resources, Abdul Razaq Chasani, Ph.D. as Head of the Department, Dr.rer.nat Andhika Puspito N, M.Sc. as Head of the Masters Study Program, Prof. Dr. Endah Retnanigrum, M.Eng. as Head of the Doctoral Study Program at the Faculty of Biology UGM and Emi Dwi Suyanti, M.Sc. as Coordinator Academic and Student Affairs.

Meanwhile, the team from ITB who took part in this visit consisted of Dr. Isty Adhitya Purwasena, M.Si., Dr. Iriawati, Sartika Indah Amalia Sudiarto, Ph.D., and Dr. Fenryco Pratama, M.Sc.

This meeting is not only a means to exchange information and experiences, but is also a concrete step in supporting the achievement of SDGs point 4, it’s an efforts to realize quality education in Indonesia.

In order to promote local creative products through the development of KABUT KEBONALAS Manisrenggo Klaten Tourism Village, the MBKM Team Built a Village for the Faculty of Biology UGM which was coordinated by Sukirno, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D together with four MBKM students from the Faculty of Biology UGM ( Darren Nicholas Rahmanto, Fadilah Rahma Julianty, Joananda Taufik Ardana, and Tamara Sugihara carried out integrated community service together with Muhammad Naufal Dzakwan Luzen and teams from several clusters through the UGM PPM KKN program. This activity began with initial coordination with the Kebonalas Village Government and POKDARWIS Management KABUT KEBONALAS. This activity aims to integrate the MBKM Building Villages service program which has been started in 2022 so that it touches more on MSMEs and local culture and arts, fosters networking opportunities, and contributes to the economic growth of the community. Kabut Kebonalas Tourism Village together with the MBKM Team, Faculty of Biology Gadjah Mada University. This survey was also carried out to gather ideas for activities in various agricultural and health techniques that are innovative and environmentally friendly.

The Kabut Kebonalas tourism awareness group team consists of Mr. Supriyanto, S.Pd. (Village Head), Mr. Robani, S.P. (Chairman of BPD), Mr. Suwadi, S.Pd. (Sekdes), Mr. Sunardi, Mr. Riyanto Wahyudi and others have been approved by the Department of Culture, Youth, Sports and Tourism of Klaten Regency through Decree Number 2 of 2023, accompanied by a lecturer from the UGM Faculty of Biology (Mr. Sukirno, S.Si., M. Sc., Ph.D.) and fruit plant cultivation practitioner, UGM Faculty of Biology (Mr. Yusuf Sulaeman, S.IP). This activity was also supported by MBKM Building Village students, namely Darren Nicholas Rahmanto, Fadilah Rahma Julianty, Joananda Taufik Ardana, and Tamara Sugihara. This activity supports the SDG’S, especially to eradicate poverty (SDG1), create inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable communities (SDG 11) and to combat climate change (SDG 13).

A survey was also carried out in Sapen Manisrenggo Village, Klaten, to explore local potential which would be used as a flagship in community empowerment based on local wisdom and potential, such as agriculture, plantations and environmental conservation, including developing the potential for cultivating mangosteen and durian fruit.

#SDG 1: Poverty; #SDG 11 Inclusive communities; # SDG 13: Climate change; #UGM Biology

KABUT KEBONALAS Manisrenggo Klaten Tourism Village, which was built starting in 2021 and began planting fruit plants together with the MBKM Team Building a Village, Faculty of Biology UGM, which was coordinated by Sukirno, S.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D. Since 2022, has entered the first harvest period. In November 2023, the first longan harvest was carried out together with MBKM students from the UGM Faculty of Biology together with elements of village society such as all POKDARWIS members, village government officials and PKK groups. On February 28 2024 KABUT KEBONALAS together with the MBKM team held harvest activities and socialization of tourist destination rides to all MUSPIKA Manisrenggo District. In this activity the village government invited Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Sc. as Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Head of Manisrenggo Subdistrict Mr. Slamet, S.H., M.Si., DANRAMIL Manisrenggo Mr. Captain Inf. Sukarman, KAPOLSEK Manisrenggo AKP Fajar Damhudi, S.H., all members of POKDARWIS and elements of PEMDES Kebonalas, as well as the staff of teachers and the Manisrenggo Community Health Center. Thank God, longan, honey star fruit, avocado and crystal guava have entered their first harvest. This activity was also attended by the Coordinator of the PPM KKN team – Muhammad Naufal Dzakwan Luzen and teams from several clusters through the UGM PPM KKN program and the MBKM team Darren Nicholas Rahmanto, Fadilah Rahma Julianty, Joananda Taufik Ardana, and Tamara Sugihara.

This activity opened with a performance of the Gatotkaca Dance by Dik Dhimas and then continued with training for POKDARWIS KABUT KEBONALAS which was attended by resource persons from FK POKDARWIS KLATEN. This activity aims to strengthen POKDARWIS management and explore the village’s potential to be more integrated in MSME tourism villages, local culture and arts, grow networking opportunities, and contribute to the community’s economic growth. Kabut Kebonalas Tourism Village together with the MBKM Team, Faculty of Biology, Gadjah Mada University.

The Kabut Kebonalas tourism awareness group team consists of Mr. Supriyanto, S.Pd. (Village Head), Mr. Robani, S.P. (Chairman of BPD), Mr. Suwadi, S.Pd. (Sekdes), Mr. Sunardi, Mr. Riyanto Wahyudi and others have been approved by the Department of Culture, Youth, Sports and Tourism of Klaten Regency through Decree Number 2 of 2023, accompanied by a lecturer from the UGM Faculty of Biology (Mr. Sukirno, S.Si., M. Sc., Ph.D.) and fruit plant cultivation practitioner, UGM Faculty of Biology (Mr. Yusuf Sulaeman, S.IP).

This activity supports the SDG’S, especially to eradicate poverty (SDG1), create inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable communities (SDG 11) and to combat climate change (SDG 13).

#SDG 1: Poverty; #SDG 11 Inclusive communities; # SDG 13: Climate change; #UGM Biology

In an effort to introduce the biological world and the International Undergraduate Program of the Faculty of Biology UGM and its career prospects, campus visits and introductions were carried out at two international high schools in Denpasar, Bali, namely Gandhi Memorial Intercontinental School and Santosa Intercultural School on February 12 2024. On the agenda, the Faculty UGM Biology was represented by Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. as Deputy Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation and Alumni and Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, M.Sc. as Deputy Dean for Academic and Student Affairs.

Gandhi Memorial Intercontinental School (GMIS), formerly Gandhi Memorial International School, is a private international school with campuses in Jakarta, Bali, and Semarang. GMIS Bali is located in Renon, Denpasar and was founded in 2007. GMIS Bali has almost 500 students from more than 30 countries. The teaching staff at the school are mostly Indian and Indonesian.

Santosa Intercultural School was founded in 1997 and is an independent, non-profit institution serving students from age 2 to grade 12. It consists of Doremi Preschool and Doremi Excellence School (DES). DES offers the Cambridge International Curriculum to its students. DES is fully accredited by the Indonesian Ministry of Education. Classes are held in English, but foreign students have mandatory Indonesian language classes. They follow the Cambridge curriculum and receive a certificate after grades 10 and 12.

After the zresentation session, it was followed by a discussion about the fields taught during lectures and career prospects for alumni of the UGM Faculty of Biology. Apart from that, the opportunity to take a double degree program (Double Degree) and the Fastrack Program was a part of what attracts many students’ interest. The International Undergraduate Program at the UGM Faculty of Biology, which is internationally accredited by ASIIN, has collaborated for a double degree program with the Australian National University (Australia), Leeds University (United Kingdom), and Western Sydney University (Australia). Meanwhile, the Double Degree Program collaboration process for undergraduate programs with James Cook University (Australia and Singapore) is in the process of being agreed. Apart from the double degree program, there is also a student exchange program with Universiti Tun Hussein Onn (Malaysia), Yamagata University (Japan), Chiba University (Japan), Groningen University (Netherland), and James Cook University (Australia and Singapore ). Another international program that students can take part in is the International Summer Course on Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development. Every year around 80-90 students from more than 10 universities from 8 countries participate. On a regular basis, the Faculty of Biology UGM also hosts guest lectures from professors from overseas partner universities as well as the International Conference on Biological Sciences every 2 years.

This collaboration is an activity of the Faculty of Biology UGM in recruiting prospective local and international students for the International Undergraduate Program and expanding international networks to improve the quality of research and academics at the global level.

Timor Leste, January 31, 2024 –  Delegation from the Faculty of Biology Universitas Gadjah Mada, comprising of Prof. Dr. Suwarno Hadisusanto, S.U., the Chairman of the Faculty Senate, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., the Dean, and Abdul Razaq Chasani, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D., the Head of the Tropical Biology Department, visited Pusat Budaya Indonesia (PBI) in Dili, Timor Leste.

Established in 2019, Pusat Budaya Indonesia (PBI) symbolizes the collaboration between the Indonesian and Timor Leste governments. PBI serves not only as a hub for Indonesian cultural activities in Timor Leste but also as a diplomatic center facilitating cultural and educational exchanges between the two nations.

Discussions between the UGM Faculty of Biology delegation and representatives from PBI resulted in a strong commitment to support the dissemination of information about the Faculty of Biology UGM to the Timor Leste community through various media channels. This effort will be supported by Kedutaan Besar Republik Indonesia (KBRI) and PBI to ensure accurate and widespread information.

PBI also offers an international certified internship program for students of the Faculty of Biology UGM. The Program will include one month of preparation, one month of independent study and teaching assistance at PBI, and one month of reporting at one of the five state-owned enterprises or BUMN in Timor Leste, such as Mandiri, BRI, Waskita Karya, Pertamina, and Telkomsel.

The delegation from the Faculty of Biology UGM also explored the possibility of collaboration in the Community Service Program (Kuliah Kerja Nyata – KKN) at the Indonesia-Timor Leste border, specifically in Timor Tengah Utara, Nusa Tenggara Timur Province. Moreover, there is an opportunity for professionals in Timor Leste to pursue further studies at the Faculty of Biology UGM with scholarships provided by the faculty.

This visit also fostering our connections with the Family of Alumni of the Biologi Faculty UGM or Keluarga Alumni Biologi UGM (Kabiogama) and the UGM Alumni Family or Keluarga Alumni Universitas Gadjah Mada (Kagama) residing in Timor Leste.

This visit aims not only to exchange information but also to strengthen the ties between the Faculty of Biology UGM and institutions in Timor Leste (SDG 17) and create new opportunities for collaborative academic development (SDG 4).

Juma Iking and Hyunji Shin are two foreign students who got the opportunity to take part in a one-semester student exchange program at the UGM Faculty of Biology in the Even Semester 2022/2023. Juma Iking is a student in the Bachelor of Biology program from Radboud University, the Netherlands and Hyun Ji Shin from Jeonbuk National University, South Korea. At the UGM Faculty of Biology, Juma took courses in Paleontology, Mammalogy, Entomology, Mycology, Plant Biosystematics and Biogeography. Meanwhile, Hyunji took courses in Cyto Genetics, Biotechnology, Evolution, Cell and Molecular Biology, and Plant Development Structure.

“Living in Yogakarta, Indonesia, and studying Biology at UGM was a very interesting experience. This was my first time visiting Indonesia, but everyone, from students to staff and professors, was very kind and caring. “I was also involved in volunteer activities at Somoitan Elementary School every weekend, which was the most memorable experience,” said Hyunji.

Both Hyunji Shin and Juma Iking stated that they had gained extraordinary and memorable experiences, especially during their exchange at the Faculty of Biology UGM. They have also visited various places in Indonesia and enjoyed the natural beauty and its culture. It is hoped that this activity can encourage the achievement of sustainable development goals (SDG’s 7) regarding quality education.

In the Odd Semester of the 2023/2024 Academic Year, the Faculty of Biology UGM accepted one exchange student through the Student Exchange Program in Biological Sciences. It is hoped that this activity can encourage the achievement of sustainable development goals (SDG’s 7) regarding quality education. The student comes from Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Netherlands named Noémie Minghetti. Noémie is from Grenoble, France, a city nestled among the French Alps, but she has also lived for several years in America.

Noémie chose to study in the Netherlands because she preferred studying in English, something that is not always offered in France. She is interested in conducting research so studying in English makes this more accessible. In the Netherlands she study a Bachelor in Biomedical Science at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. This is similar to biology but the study is more focused on human biology and health. Noémie plans to finish her studies this year and then plan on pursuing a master’s in biomedical research in Belgium. She is interested in microbiology and would like to study antibiotic alternatives in the future.

This is what made her interested and decided to take all the microbiology courses offered by the Faculty of Biology UGM. Apart from that she heard that Yogyakarta is the center of Indonesian Culture, with many temples and beautiful nature very close by to visit. This is in line with her interests in dance and traveling. During the exchange she has traveled to many places such as Sumatra to see orangutans and Ijen Crater to see the blue flames.

Noémie also shared that she had an extraordinary experience in Indonesia. She had the opportunity to travel and meet many people. She enjoyed the small class sizes so she could meet the Professors because at her home University there were more students in one class. She said, when she goes home, she will miss the food and nature of Indonesia but also the friendly people.

The Faculty of Biology UGM plays an active role in realizing sustainable development goals (SDG’s). To support and realize SDG’s 7 concerning about quality education, and SDG’s 17 to strengthen global cooperation, the Faculty of Biology UGM delegations consisting of Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. (Dean), Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. (Vice Dean for Research, Service, Collaboration and Alumni), and Sukirno, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D. (Chair of the Undergraduate Study Program) made a collaborative visit to Ankara University Türkiye in order to develop cooperation and collaboration in the fields of academics and research, training, publications, student mobility and community service. This activity is the initiation of the first formal collaboration between the Faculty of Biology UGM and university in Türkiye.

This visit was held on 11 – 12 December 2023 at Ankara University. Ankara University was founded on 13 June 1946 and consists of 19 Faculties and 1 College. On December 12^th, 2023, the delegation was received by The Head of Department of Field Crops Prof. Dr. Hayrettin Kendir and Biotechnology Section Prof. Dr. Khalid Mahmood Khawar. This visiting session began with an introduction to the profile and facilities at the UGM Faculty of Biology and two public lectures entitled The Dynamics and Evolution of Melon-Infecting Virus in Indonesia Influenced by Climate Change, and Integration of Biorefinery Concept in Biofuel Production from Microalgae, each delivered individually. -each by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. and Dr. Eko Agus Suyono. This lecture was attended by lecturers, researchers and postgraduate students at the Faculty of Agriculture Ankara University.

After the lecture, the next visitation agenda was an orientation to research facilities and laboratories within the Field Crops Departments and the initiation of collaboration with the Biotechnology Institute of Ankara University. In this meeting, the delegation was received by Chief Technology Officer Dr. Esra Mine Unal and team. In this meeting, discussions were discussed about exploring research collaboration and student mobility/double degree programs, especially for postgraduate programs. The laboratories in this institute are ISO certified and are a national reference centre in Türkiye.

The visit then closed with a discussion of cooperation in the field of exchange for students, professors and researchers; research collaboration, joint lectures, collaborative conferences, seminars, symposia and joint degree programs between the Faculty of Biology UGM and the Faculty of Agriculture Ankara University. In this collaboration meeting, the MoU was signed by the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM and the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture Prof. Dr. Hasan Huseyin Atar. In the discussion on this collaboration, it was also stated that this MoU is as a starting point for collaboration between the Faculty of Biology UGM and Ankara University and will subsequently be expanded with collaboration with the Faculty of Science and Biotechnology of the Institute of Ankara University. The implementation of this collaboration is expected to begin in 2024.

The delegation from the Faculty of Biology UGM consisting of Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. (Dean), Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. (Vice Dean for Research, Service, Collaboration and Alumni), and Sukirno, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D. (Chair of the Undergraduate Study Program) made a collaborative visit to Cairo University in Egypt in order to build cooperation and collaboration in the fields of academics and research, training, publications, student mobility and community service. This activity is one of the programs to support and realize sustainable development goals (SDG’s 7) regarding quality education, and SDG’s 17 to strengthen global cooperation.

This visit was held for 3 days from 8 – 10 December 2023. After visiting several programs on 8 and 9 December 2023, on 10 December the delegation was received by The Dean of Faculty of Agriculture Prof. Dr. Sameh Abdelfattah, Vice Dean for Education and Student Affairs Prof. Dr. Fatima Samir, The Head of Department of Entomology and Pesticides Prof. Dr. Hamdy  Elshabrawy, Editor in Chief of Egyptian Journal of Agricultural Sciences Prof. Dr. Said Elsalamouny from the Department of Entomology, The Head of International Relations Office Associate Prof. Dr. Mostafa Helal and International Relations Office Prof. Dr. Mohamed Foad Elmanyalawy. In this meeting, collaboration programs for student mobility/student exchange, training and seminars/workshops, research and publication collaboration, initiation of double degrees for undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programs, as well as international summer courses and visiting professors as implementation of collaboration at the UGM Faculty of Biology were discussed with Cairo University.

After holding collaborative discussions, the delegation had the opportunity to deliver a public lecture at the Faculty of Agriculture. The lecture was held in the Library Main Hall Faculty of Agriculture and was attended by lecturers, staff and bachelor and postgraduate students. In this lecture, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono delivered a lecture on The Dynamics and Evolution of Melon-Infecting Virus in Indonesia Influenced by Climate Change, while Dr. Eko Agus Suyono delivered a lecture on Integration of Biorefinery Concept in Biofuel Production from Microalgae. In this public lecture, Sukirno, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D. conveying the topic Is Red Palm Weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Olivier presents in Indonesia?

The series of activities then continued with a visit to the Cairo University Research Park which has obtained certification for a seed testing centre, food safety (microbiology, soil science, aflatoxin lab) and GMO’s, a laboratory at the Faculty of Agriculture and a dairy and wheat product downstream unit. It is hoped that this collaboration can be implemented in 2024.