The Faculty of Biology UGM is actively enhancing its capabilities to become a center for Tropical Biodiversity and Biomedical education and research. This entails a need for bolstering human resource capacities and infrastructure to support this vision. In this batch, Indra Lesmana, M.Sc., a lecturer from the Faculty of Biology UGM, had the opportunity, sponsored by the Satriabudi Dharma Setia Foundation (YSDS), to attend a training program on biomedical and omics at the China National GeneBank (CNGB) located in Shenzhen, China. The training took place from July 31 to August 9, 2023.

Participants in this training program comprised teaching staff, doctors, professionals, researchers, practitioners, and technicians from universities, vertically-aligned Ministry of Health hospitals, and clinical laboratories. Among the participants were representatives from institutions such as Universitas Gadjah Mada, Bogor Agricultural University, University of Indonesia, RSCM, RSPON, Harapan Kita Heart Hospital, Harapan Kita General Hospital, Dharmais Cancer Hospital, Sulianti Saroso Infectious Diseases Hospital, Persahabatan General Hospital, Dr. Sardjito General Hospital, Dr. Ngoerah General Hospital, and the GSI Laboratory.

The training program encompassed lectures, laboratory practices, and field visits, including an introduction to CNGB, the history and development of the Beijing Genome Institute, clinical testing services for thalassemia, cancer risk, NIPT, WES, and WGS. Additionally, the training covered the NGS platform material from BGI, specifically MGI. Laboratory practices focused on DNA extraction using magnetic beads and DNBSeq library preparation. As part of the field visit, the participants toured BGI Bioverse to observe the research outcomes of perennial rice, a crop capable of sustained growth and multiple harvests across seasons without replanting.

As a result of this training, fresh insights into sequencing technology developments were gained, which can enhance the curriculum content. Moreover, laboratory technical skills were augmented, adding new research and testing methods. This is expected to fortify the excellence of education, research, and community engagement at the Faculty of Biology, UGM.

The Entomology Study Group (KSE) of the Faculty of Biology at UGM once again organized an event called “Upgrading Skill,” which focused on the theme “Sanger & NCS for Research in Entomology.” The event took place on Saturday, July 15, 2023, providing a platform for discussions on molecular analysis and the latest research trends in the field of entomology. The main objective of the Upgrading Skill was to educate all members of the ESG, especially regarding the application of technology in entomological research. The event was conducted online via Zoom, and the participants were active members of the KSE.

The event, which was scheduled from 08:00 to 11:30 AM WIB, was led by Delia Sawanda Syarifatullah (KSE XXIV), with Atikah Fitria Muharromah, S.Si., M.Eng., an alumnus of ESG XIV who is currently pursuing a Ph.D. at the Faculty of Biology, UGM, serving as the main speaker. The activities commenced at 09:00 AM WIB with an opening speech by the KSE Advisor, Drs. Hari Purwanto, M.P., PhD. This was followed by Atikah Fitria Muharromah’s presentation on “Sanger & NCS for Research in Entomology.” The presentation covered the basic concept of DNA as the genetic instruction in cell life and DNA sequencing. DNA sequencing, a laboratory method for determining the order of nucleotides, has evolved over three generations. Furthermore, a comparison between the Sanger Technique and NGS Technique, along with their applications, was also presented.

The Upgrading Skill event concluded with a discussion session, and the activities wrapped up with a documentation session for all participants and the speaker at 11:00 AM WIB.

The Panasonic Scholarship Indonesia was first launched in 1998 by Panasonic Corporation Japan to celebrate its 80th anniversary. The scholarship is offered through PT. Panasonic Manufacturing Indonesia in the form of Postgraduate Scholarships at the best universities in Japan for outstanding graduates with a Bachelor’s degree (S1) from various universities in Indonesia. Since 2014, Panasonic has changed the scholarship policy to provide Education Cost Aid and monthly Stipends for Bachelor’s (S1) and Master’s (S2) students, and in 2019, it was extended to include Diploma (D3/D4) students. The selection process for the Panasonic Scholarship begins with candidate selection through their respective universities /faculties /programs, followed by Panasonic’s own selection. The determination of scholarship recipients takes into various factors such as the completeness of administrative documents, students’ GPA, language proficiency, family’s economic condition, involvement in organizations, “Future Plan” essay, and readiness to become a Panasonic Scholarship recipient.

Panasonic has designated 22 students as recipients of the Panasonic Scholarship 2023, comprising 12 students from the Bachelor’s program (S1), 4 from the Master’s program (S2), and 6 from the Diploma program (D3/D4). Adhisa Fathirisari Putri (Bachelor) and Aji Sukma Iqbal Najibulloh (Master) are students in Faculty Biology UGM, respectively, who have been selected as recipients of the Panasonic Scholarship 2023. Adhisa’s essay titled “To Understand Oneself, To Be A Leader of Our Own Self” explores the connection between neuroscience and human capability in understanding oneself, becoming a self-leader, and enhancing the quality of life. Aji’s essay, “Researcher is A Leader for Their Research Object,” explains the steps to comprehend one’s identity and leadership style, manage study plans, and explore taxonomic research opportunities for Indonesia’s progress.

The scholarship awarding ceremony for the awardees was held in person at PT. Panasonic Manufacturing Indonesia on Thursday, July 27, 2023. In his address, Mr. Tomonobu Otsu, the President Director of PT. Panasonic Manufacturing Indonesia, expressed that the 22 selected students are talented individuals who are expected to contribute to society at large. Aji was chosen to deliver a gratitude speech, highlighting that wise students not only enhance their knowledge and skills but also develop attitudes and leadership qualities to understand their own capacities.

On Thursday , July 27, 2023– A collaboration to combat illegal wildlife trade was carried out by lecture from the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), successfully identifying the geographic origin of smuggled orangutans using DNA forensics. This achievement resulted from a partnership between the Faculty of Biology at UGM and the Conservation Agency of East Java Province. It began when the East Java BKSDA sought the assistance of Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono from the Animal Systematics Laboratory, Faculty of Biology UGM, to identify the subspecies and geographic origin of a smuggled orangutan on July 14, 2023.

Orangutans, being one of the endangered great apes, are targeted by illegal hunting, posing a significant threat to their survival as a species.The rescued orangutan, still a baby, posed challenges to determine its origin. To provide accurate information about the origin of the smuggled orangutan, Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono, a lecturer at the Systematics Laboratory of the Faculty of Biology UGM, conducted a forensic DNA analysis to resolve this issue. Dr. Sendi was also assisted with genetic facilities by Dra. Tuty Arisuryanti, M.Sc., Ph.D., from the Genetics and Breeding Laboratory.. By combining the DNA sample of the orangutan with an extensive genetic database of orangutans, Dr. Sendi accurately identified the geographic origin of the specimen. The results showed that the orangutan belonged to the Pongo pygmaeus wurmbii subspecies, naturally distributed in the southwest and central regions of Kalimantan.

Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono stated, “We appreciate the contributions of many parties in protecting the existence of orangutans and other wild animals. These results are expected to assist law enforcement and authorities in facilitating the process of releasing orangutans back to their habitat and tracking broader illegal wildlife trade routes, enabling more effective prevention measures.” This outcome emphasizes the importance of cooperation between academics, the government, and conservation institutions to safeguard biodiversity and mitigate illegal hunting that damages ecosystems. With the identification of the geographic origin of the smuggled orangutan, it is hoped that law enforcement will be more effective, leading to stricter punishment for wildlife traffickers.

On Monday 7 August 2023, a group of waste management tour participants coordinated by SONJO, a humanitarian movement focused on aiding communities visited The Faculty Of Biology UGM. The group, consisting of 25 participants, arrived at the Faculty of Biology UGM around 9:30 AM and was promptly received by the Dean and the faculty members. This visit to the Faculty of Biology at UGM was part of a series of visits that had previously taken place at the Faculty of Dentistry at UGM.

During his welcoming speech, the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Prof. Dr. Budi S. Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., expressed gratitude for the participants’ visit. “The issue of waste actually originates from humans themselves, so it’s up to humans to solve it,” Prof. Budi stated. Furthermore, Prof. Budi elaborated that the Faculty of Biology UGM engages in daily waste management across a substantial area, including organic waste from the Biology Forest. Over time, the Faculty of Biology has made discoveries in waste management, such as expediting compost production.Following this, a video demonstrating the waste management procedures carried out at the Faculty of Biology at UGM was played.

At the conclusion of the event, participants were taken to the field to witness the waste management processes firsthand, which included:

1. Composting and maggot cultivation
2. Production of POC/Biofertilizer and ECO enzymes
3. Vermicomposting process

The waste management tour participants are scheduled to continue their visit for a period of 3 days until Wednesday (8/9/23), with participants from hospitals and religious boarding schools.

Yogyakarta, the Faculty of Biology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) proudly announces the successful implementation of the Level 2 Tissue Culture Competency Test. The event was attended by 12 participants from Universitas Negeri Jakarta (UNJ), Universitas Airlangga (Unair), Atma Jaya University, Andalas University, and UGM itself. This examination was a result of collaboration between the Faculty of Biology at UGM and the National Agricultural Professional Certification Institute (LSP) involving three competent assessors: Ari Setiowati, MP., Woro Anindito, Ph.D., and Aries Bagus Sasongko, M.Biotech.

The Level 2 Tissue Culture Competency Test took place on Saturday, August 5th, 2023, in the Upper Meeting Room of the Faculty of Biology at Universitas Gadjah Mada. Examination participants displayed exceptional skills in various aspects of tissue culture, including the latest laboratory techniques and methodologies. The test aimed to evaluate practical abilities, theoretical knowledge, and problem-solving skills of participants, which are crucial for advancing the field of biology. The event was inaugurated by Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., Deputy Dean of Research, Community Service, Collaboration, and Alumni (P2MKSA) at the Faculty of Biology UGM, who delivered an inspiring opening speech. Dr. Suyono emphasized the importance of inter-institutional collaboration and highlighted the pivotal role of tissue culture in the development of biological sciences. Furthermore, the Faculty of Biology now offers Professional Certification for Biological Curators as a professional stage between Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.

Remarkably, participants of the Level 2 Tissue Culture Competency Test will receive a national competency certificate from Badan Nasional sertifikasi Profesi (BNSP). BNSP is an independent institution established as mandated by Article 18 paragraph (5) of Law Number 13 of 2004, with the task of conducting work competency certification and granting licenses to professional certification institutions (LSPs) that meet the prescribed requirements for conducting work competency certification. Currently, in accordance with the law, university graduates must possess both a diploma and a competency certificate. The presence of this certificate will enhance graduates’ competitiveness and provide added value when applying for jobs, as stated by Drs. Surini, M.Si., Director of the Agricultural LSP.

Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., Vice Dean of P2MKSA, stated, “The Level 2 Tissue Culture Competency Test is a testament to the commitment of the Faculty of Biology UGM in producing quality and competent graduates. We take pride in being a part of the effort to elevate the standards of professionalism in the realm of biology through collaboration with the National Agricultural LSP.”

The Faculty of Biology UGM hopes that the success of this event will have a positive impact on the participants and contribute to the improvement of the college’s Key Performance Indicators (IKUs) as well as the enhancement of biological science competency for certificate holders.

Yogyakarta, 25 August 2023 – The Organic Waste Management Training was again held by the Faculty of Biology. On this occasion, 50 participants consisted of groups from the Market Sector Department, Trade and Industry Agency (Disperindag), Special Region of Yogyakarta (DIY) as well as the Faculty of Pharmacy and Academic Hospital of Universitas Gadjah Mada. Disperindag’s participation in this training is related to waste management in 29 markets in DIY after the temporary closure of the Piyungan Final Disposal Site (TPA) months ago. At least 9 tons of waste are generated every day from the entire market which has not been managed properly.

“There needs to be an effort downstream with education and upstream by sorting and selecting the waste that is disposed of,” said the Dean of the Faculty of Biology, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., in his speech to the training participants, Friday (25/8). Prof. Budi also said that if people at the household level were disciplined in sorting waste based on its category (organic-inorganic) it would be enough to reduce waste problems.

The Faculty of Biology has held Organic Waste Management Training activities which are attended by at least 25 Hospitals, 17 Islamic Boarding Schools, and 30 Waste Management Communities in DIY. On this occasion, as many as 40 participants from the Trade and Industry Agency, especially the Market Sector Department, attended training in the framework of solving waste problems in DIY markets, especially market organic waste in the form of fruit and vegetable waste. The training took place guided by Soenarwan Hery Poerwanto, S.Si., M.Kes. and Suharjita.

Susilo, Operational Service Manager for the DIY Disperindag People’s Market who also attended the training said that there were at least 29 markets involved and planned to work with the Faculty of Biology in waste management. He stated that the waste collected in each market usually does not only come from traders but also from the surrounding community with the largest amount of waste found in Giwangan Market and Beringharjo Market. Efforts that can be made by the Market Management since the closing of the TPA include limiting the amount of waste that the community disposes of at the market. Susilo also revealed the lack of public education regarding waste sorting and processing.

Faculty of Biology is committed to solving organic waste problems in DIY. In managing waste from DIY markets, Faculty of Biology can collect at least 3 tons of waste every day from these markets and process it. With the waste management technology applied at the Faculty of Biology including vermicomposting and Black Soldier Fly, Eco Enzyme, Bioferlilizer, Eco Lindi and others, the waste degradation process can last at least one week.

The commitment of the Faculty of Biology in waste management which also targets the people and communities in DIY emphasizes their commitment as an environmentally friendly campus and supporting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Support for the SDGs includes increasing a healthier life (SDGs 3), having an impact on the availability of clean water in the environment (SDGs 6), and contributing to tackling climate change due to the impact of greenhouse gas emissions from organic waste piles (SDGs 13).

August 25, 2023 — In a significant step towards promoting international academic collaboration and enriching the educational experiences of its students, Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held an online socialization of the Double Degree program via a Zoom Meeting, featuring guest speaker Ms. Premila from the University of Leeds. The event was inaugurated by the opening remarks of Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M. app., Sc. Vice Dean for Research, Community Engagement, and Cooperation of the Faculty of Biology at UGM. Attended by 20 students, this session provided insights into the undergraduate program of study, offering two years of learning experience at UGM followed by two years abroad, resulting in the attainment of two degrees simultaneously.

Commencing the event, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App., Sc. delivered the Opening Address, emphasizing the importance of global collaboration in shaping graduates with broad knowledge and awareness of global challenges. He expressed UGM’s commitment to building partnerships with universities worldwide.

The enthusiastic presence of 20 students at this event showcased their interest in exploring educational opportunities beyond national boundaries. Their presence served as evidence of the growing curiosity among Faculty of Biology, UGM students to expand their educational journey through international engagement. This event will be followed by intensive guidance for students who will apply for the Double Degree program in collaboration with Leeds University.”

Yogakarta, 23 August 2023 – The Faculty of Biology received a visit from Dr. Josie South from University of Leeds, United Kingdom. The visit was welcomed at the KPTU Meeting Room of Faculty of Biology and was attended by Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. as Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration and Alumni Affairs, Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, M.Sc. as Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Tyas Ikhsan Hikmawan, M.Sc., Ph.D. and Nur Indah Septriani, M.Sc., Ph.D. from the Office of International Affairs, Faculty of Biology, Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono, M.Si. from the Animal Systematics Laboratory, Dra. Tuty Arisuryanti, M.Sc., Ph.D. from the Genetics and Breeding Laboratory, and Zuliyati Rohmah, M.Si., Ph.D. from the Animal Development Structure Laboratory, Faculty of Biology.

During the visit, Dr. Eko as Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration, and Alumni Affairs presented the profile of the Faculty of Biology, study programs, facilities, to the collaborations that have been forged by the Faculty of Biology both with domestic and foreign partners.

Dr. Josie South is an ecologist, especially aquatic ecology, invasion and fish conservation from the University of Leeds, United Kingdom. His research focuses on aquatic ecology and fisheries, invasive species, effects of climate change on fisheries and marine ecology, resource management, conservation, and food security. She expressed her interest in collaborating on research with researcher from Faculty of Biology, especially research related to aquatic ecology and fisheries in Indonesia.

The collaboration between the Faculty of Biology and the University of Leeds has been initiated in the scope of student exchange and double degrees. At this meeting, research collaboration was initiated, especially joint research and joint publications on the topic of aquatic ecology, especially fisheries through the Newtown Grant scheme. Newton Grant is a research funding scheme that collaborates between researchers from the United Kingdom and various countries, one of which is Indonesia. Previously, the Faculty of Biology had collaborated with other universities in the United Kingdom, namely the University of Warwick with the same research scheme.

The discussion is a step by the Faculty of Biology to improve the quality of education by collaborating with partners at the international level while building good relations, especially with the University of Leeds. This collaborative effort is the commitment of the Faculty of Biology UGM to support sustainable development and in line with the sustainable development goals (SDGs), namely good quality education (SDGs 4) and revitalization of global partnerships (SDGs 17).

Yogyakarta, August 24, 2023 – The Faculty of Biology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) was enlivened by the visit of 15 alumni from the Class of 1969. The purpose of this visit was to celebrate nostalgia and strengthen the bonds of camaraderie.

The warm welcome of these alumni was led by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., the Dean of the Faculty, Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, M.Sc., as the Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, and Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., as the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration, and Alumni, in the Biologi Tropika Auditorium of the Faculty of Biology UGM. This visit became an extraordinary moment to build networks among the alumni and the academic community of the Faculty of Biology.

Dean Budi Setiadi Daryono expressed, “We are honored and delighted to welcome back the alumni of the Class of 1969 to our campus. Their visit is a tangible testament to the enduring spirit of the Faculty of Biology UGM within our alumni.”

Furthermore, the Vice Deans provided explanations about academic developments, research, and new facilities at the Faculty to the alumni. The visit also included a campus tour, visiting Room IV, one of the classroom spaces that is still active and used to reminisce about the beautiful moments during their studies and share interesting stories. A highlight of the visit was the tour to Biomart, where the alumni could observe innovative products derived from waste processing at the Faculty of Biology UGM.

The Faculty of Biology UGM has produced various sustainable and environmentally-friendly products, such as compost fertilizer from leaf litter, probiotic fertilizers, and Liquid Organic Fertilizer (LOF). The enthusiasm of the alumni was evident as they witnessed the tangible contributions of the Faculty of Biology UGM in addressing environmental challenges, which have recently garnered attention in the city of Yogyakarta.

The visit of the alumni from the Class of 1969 to the Faculty of Biology UGM today serves as evidence that the academic spirit and camaraderie remain deeply ingrained in every facet of the development of the Faculty of Biology UGM.