On Saturday-Sunday, February 17-18, 2024, the Grand Launching x Makrab (Malam Keakraban or Intimacy Night) of the GenomCity 2024 Cabinet Formasigen was held. The event was hosted at Sokkyo Homestay & Resto which is located on Jl Pamungkas No.19, Koplak, Umbulmartani, Kec. Ngemplak, Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta Special Region 55585. The activity targeted towards Formasigen students and was graced by lecturers from Genetics and Breeding Laboratory, including Dra. Tuty Arisuryanti, M.Sc., Ph.D. as Head of the Genetics and Breeding Laboratory as well as a supervisor focus on animal genetics, Dr. Niken Satuti Nur Handayani, M.Sc. a supervisor focus on human genetics, and Mrs. Ganies Riza Aristya, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D. as Formasigen supervisor focus on plant genetics. This activity was also attended by Lucia Arum Sekar Meysari also participated as a resource person, delivering a presentation during the Pre-Seminar to enhance the readiness of Formasigen students for future seminar presentations.

The event began on Saturday, February 17th, 2024 with a discussion between lecturers at the Genetics and Breeding Laboratory on the topic of  ranging from Formasigen’s history to its flagship programs.  Following this, Pre-Seminar presentation was conducted by Lucia who guided students through the preparation stages for seminar proposals. This included creating seminar proposals, preparing PowerPoint presentations, handling administrative tasks before and after registration for seminar presentations, managing proceedings during seminars, and conducting question-and-answer sessions. Additionally, a work meeting of the GenomCity 2024 Cabinet Formasigen was convened, featuring presentations by the Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, and Division Heads, outlining the upcoming year’s work program. The day concluded with an evening of camaraderie, featuring games and a barbecue. The activity resumed on Sunday, February 18th, 2024. The second day of activities was carrying out game sessions, communal dining, and preparations for departure. Through this event, the aim was to strengthen familial bonds and foster greater collaboration and communication among Formasigen members so as to enhance teamwork effectiveness towards achieving organisational objectives. [Author: Formasigen]

On Monday, January 29, 2024, from 13:00 to 14:00 WIB, the inauguration of the Study Group and Student Organization Board Members at the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, took place. The ceremony was conducted at the Tropical Biology Auditorium of the Faculty of Biology, UGM. The event was attended by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., the Dean of the Faculty of Biology, Vice Deans, Heads of Study Programs, Academic and Student Affairs Section Heads, Student Affairs Coordinators, Advisors and Board Members of Study Group and Student Organization.

The ceremony was facilitated by the MC, Birrul Qisty Mutmainnah Nazara, the Head of the Human Resources Development Department, and Alifa Tafrinjiyah, a junior staff member from the Social Community Department of BEM Biology. The event commenced with an opening statement by the MC, followed by the singing of the Indonesian National Anthem, the University of Gadjah Mada Hymn, and the Mars of Faculty of Biology. The next agenda was the reading of the Oath of Inauguration for Study Group and Student Organization Board Members led by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., and attended by all Study Group and Student Organization Representatives of the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada.

Subsequently, the Oath was signed by the Dean of the Faculty of Biology, UGM, and all Study Group and Student Organization representatives in turn, followed by a documentation session. This was followed by speach from Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., containing messages and expectations for all Study Group and Student Organization at the Faculty of Biology, UGM, in general, for the future. He also expressed appreciation for the dedication of the students and faculty advisors involved in the Study Group and Student Organization, acknowledging their efforts in enhancing the reputation of the faculty. He mentioned the philosophy of the banana tree in the concept of life, signifying that a banana tree does not die before producing shoots. This philosophy was related to the inauguration ceremony, indicating the continuous relay of the leadership of Study Group and Student Organization to realize shared visions and missions. He added that the faculty will continue to fully support, appreciate, and facilitate the dedication of Study Group and Student Organization contributing to the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada. [Author: BEM]

From November 26 to December 1, 2023, Universitas Padjajaran in Bandung took center stage as the host of the 36th National Student Scientific Week (PIMNAS). PIMNAS, a prestigious competition involving universities across Indonesia, stands as a flagship event to assess and celebrate academic excellence, creativity, and research capabilities of students.

The PIMNAS contingent from the Faculty of Biology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) sent 15 students accompanied by Prof. Dr. Rarastoeti Pratiwi, M.Sc., Woro Anindito Sri Tunjung, M.Sc., Ph.D., and Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono, S.Si., M.Si. In a spirit of unity and tireless effort, the UGM contingent clinched the overall champion title with a total of 29 medals, spanning both presentation and poster categories. This success reflects the high dedication, research skills, and thorough preparation undertaken by all members of the contingent.

The Faculty of Biology contingent notably brought home 1 bronze medal, 1 silver medal, and 3 gold medals. Akmal Bunyamin and his team secured a bronze medal in the presentation category, while Mia Fadilah and her team earned a silver medal in the same category. This triumph extends beyond presentations and is evident in the poster category as well. Two teams from the Faculty of Biology, led by Mia Fadilah and Fauzela Azira Ainaya respectively, clinched gold medals. Furthermore, Zahira Shofa and her team achieved a commendable feat by securing a gold medal in the presentation category.

This outstanding achievement not only reflects the academic excellence of UGM’s Biology students but also crafts an inspiring story on the national stage. Beyond bringing honor to the Faculty of Biology at UGM, this success is hoped to inspire the entire academic community to continue growing, innovating, and contributing positively to society. In the context of PIMNAS, this triumph is not just about winning a competition. PIMNAS also serves as an exceptional learning platform that allows Biology students to hone their communication, research, and teamwork skills. Through this competition, Biology students can experience the atmosphere of healthy competition and learn from their peers at various universities.

Heartfelt appreciation is extended to all members of the contingent, students, and accompanying faculty who have shown dedication, fighting spirit, and extraordinary capabilities in facing and competing at the national level. May this achievement mark the beginning of a brilliant academic journey in the future. [Author: PKM Corner]

Students of the UGM Faculty of Biology Masters Study Program conducted a thesis research proposal seminar for Class 2021 Even students on Tuesday, December 27 2022. The activity was carried out in the Auditorium room of the Faculty of Biology as the opening ceremony and will be divided into four rooms when entering the main event. The research proposal seminar was attended by the Dean, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., Head of the Master’s Study Program, Dr.rer.nat. Andhika Puspito Nugroho, M.Sc., and the thesis advisors. The series of events consisted of opening and core activities, namely the presentation of proposals by students. The event was opened at 08.00 by host sisters Fanny Sukma Sundari and Rizal Muhammad Rifa’i from the odd 2022 batch. Furthermore, the activity continued with remarks from the Head of the Biology Masters Study Program, Dr.rer.nat. Andhika Puspito Nugroho, M.Sc. This proposal seminar was taken by 47 students guided by 22 thesis supervisors. From this activity, students can get input from supervisors and other colleagues to support the research to be carried out. Furthermore, students are also expected to be able to take comprehensive exams and thesis trials immediately.

The official opening was carried out by the Dean of the Faculty of Biology, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. Writing a research proposal is one of the crucial stages during the master’s education process. The proposal seminar activity is a follow-up to the proposal writing. The Dean advised students to follow up on the seminar proposal activities immediately by carrying out a comprehensive exam in semester 3. All students are expected to be able to take a comprehensive exam from January to March, provided that they have met the specified requirements, namely TPA and TOEFL. The implementation of the proposal seminar is expected to improve the quality of master’s education at the Faculty of Biology UGM, with input that enhances the research plan and the output provided can be in the form of a publication LoA.

Next, students presented their proposals divided into four rooms, namely in the Tropical Biology Auditorium with Dr. Wiko Arif Wibowo, S.Si as moderator, upper courtroom with Dr. Fajar Sofyantoro, S.Si., M.Sc., lecture hall 6 with Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono, S.Si., M.Sc, as moderator and lecture room 7 with Akbar Reza, S.Si., M.Sc as moderator. In general, the purpose of the proposal seminar is to find out how much students understand the research that will be carried out. In addition, inputs and improvements are expected to be received and added to the composition of the proposals that have been written. Each student delivered their presentation for 10 minutes, followed by a question-and-answer session. The audience was allowed to ask questions at the end of the discussion. Finally, each supervisor gave conclusions on the urgency of the research and clarified the results of the query and answer session. Activities ended at 12.00 in each room. [Khusnul Qonita Maghfiroh]

In the National Scientific Writing Competition, undergraduate Biology students once again made achievement by taking home, not only one, but three awards, including first place, best presentation, and best poster. The team consists of Umi Salamah, Maria Bening Wohingati Yarlantri Tamidiyono, and Wulan Usfi Mafiroh from Biology 2018 under the supervision of Dr. Ardaning Nuriliani, S.Si., M.Kes. This competition was held by Himpunan Mahasiswa Kimia Institut Pertanian Bogor (IPB), with the theme “Finding Untapped Potential of Indonesia Natural Resources for a Better Quality Life With Chemistry”. This event aims to express students’ innovations, inventions, and ideas in order to improve their capacity for scientific thinking.

This event was held in October 15, 2022 via online at Institut Pertanian Bandung (IPB) and was attended by students from universities throughout Indonesia. This competition was divided into four stages: abstract submission, paper evaluation, announcement of the top ten, and presentation of the work in front of the judges.

The team brought a scientific paper entitled “Optimizing the Potential of Krokot (Portulaca oleracea) Leaf Callus Extract with the Addition of Elicitors as an Alternative to T47D Breast Anticancer Agent”. According to the team. the idea was inspired by the high prevalence of breast cancer cases both globally and in Indonesia. There are treatments to heal breast cancer. However, those treatments have many sides effect that reduce patient’s quality of life. The team therefore tried to explore natural sources that can be used to treat cancer. One of the natural sources that has anticancer potential is Krokot or Purslane (Portulaca oleracea).

The team prepared presentation materials a week before the online presentation. They practiced routinely so they are able to explain the papers clearly. The team was able to clearly deliver their ideas and respond to the jury’s inquiries. “This was clearly the result of our hard work and everyone’s support” they said.

From this competition, they really hope to provide enthusiasm and support other students who has interested in scientific skills. Other than that, they hope they can bring Faculty Biology’s name on the national scene. [US]

On July 17^th, 2022, undergraduate students from the Faculty of Biology won 1^st place in the National Scientific Writing Competition organized by Universitas Brawijaya, out of eighty teams from universities across Indonesia that participated in this competition. The team consists of Umi Salamah, Maria Bening Wohingati, and Wulan Usfi Mafiroh from Biology 2018 under the supervision of Dr. Ardaning Nuriliani, S.Si., M.Kes. This competition was part of the annual KATULISTIWA 14 event, with the theme “Innovative Mindset: Let’s Build Society 5.0 for Indonesia” that aims to express students’ innovations and ideas in order to improve their scientific thinking skills.

This competition was divided into five stages: abstract submission, paper evaluation, announcement of the top ten, video and poster evaluation, and the climax was the presentation of the work in front of the judges. Our team proposed “Decolorization of Textile Dye Waste Based on Enzyme Mediator System by Microalgae” for this competition. This idea was motivated by the fact that many textile industries dispose their waste without proper management, resulting in the environmental pollution and the death of organisms. We proposed the combining ability of microalgae to synthesize enzymes that play a role in decolorization of textile dye waste with biofuel production. We would like to thank everyone who helped us won the 1^st PLACE at the KATULISTIWA 14 event. [US]