Yogyakarta, 30 October 2025 — The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), hosted a Guest Lecture featuring Dr. Axel Dalberg Poulsen from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, presenting an engaging topic titled “How Many Gingers Are in Borneo?” The event took place at the Tropical Biology Auditorium and was attended by lecturers and students of the Faculty of Biology UGM.

The lecture began with opening remarks from Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, who expressed his appreciation for Dr. Axel’s visit. In his speech, Prof. Budi conveyed his hope that this event would serve as a gateway for further collaboration in research and academic exchange between the Faculty of Biology UGM and the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.

In his lecture, Dr. Axel presented an overview of the Zingiberaceae family (gingers), which consists of around 2,000 species worldwide. On the island of Borneo alone, there are approximately 24 genera and 260 species. However, these numbers remain dynamic, as new species continue to be discovered and taxonomic classifications are periodically revised. Dr. Axel introduced several ginger species that he and his colleagues have encountered throughout the island of Borneo (Kalimantan).

He also highlighted the challenges in ginger research, including difficulties in collecting field samples, limited access to type localities, and constraints in molecular studies. Additionally, many older specimens have deteriorated and can no longer be used, necessitating recollection from their original locations.

Dr. Axel encouraged students to actively participate and collaborate in plant biodiversity research in Indonesia, particularly within the Zingiberaceae family. The session was met with great enthusiasm from students, who engaged actively during the interactive and inspiring discussion and Q&A.

This guest lecture not only provided valuable insight and inspiration for students but also reflected the Faculty of Biology UGM’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—particularly SDG 15: Life on Land, through enhancing understanding and conservation of biodiversity, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, by fostering international collaboration in tropical biodiversity research.

Sleman, November 8, 2025 — The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), carried out a community service activity through the Desa Mitra (Partner Village) Grant Program at the Sasana Warga Community Hall in Blimbingsari, Caturtunggal, Depok, Sleman. The activity, attended by members of the Blimbingsari Family Welfare Movement (PKK), carried the theme “Enhancing Knowledge of Reproductive Health and Infection Prevention through Probiotic Education” as an effort to improve science-based health literacy within the community.

The Desa Mitra Grant Program from the Faculty of Biology UGM is led by Dr. Rr. Upiek Ngesti Wibawaningastuti, with team members Sari Darmasiwi, Ph.D., Nurindah Septriani, Ph.D., and Woro Anindito, Ph.D. The program involves lecturers and researchers from various laboratories within the Faculty of Biology to integrate biological sciences with community empowerment.

The outreach program featured three speakers: Nurindah Septriani, Ph.D. from the Laboratory of Animal Structure and Development, and Arief Muammar, S.Si., M.Sc. along with Sari Darmasiwi, Ph.D. from the Laboratory of Microbiology.

In her presentation, Dr. Nurindah Septriani explained male and female reproductive health, including the anatomy of reproductive organs, changes during puberty, and how to maintain hygiene and health of intimate areas. She also emphasized the importance of healthy sexuality education and the family’s role in preventing sexually transmitted infections.

Meanwhile, Arief Muammar, S.Si., M.Sc. delivered a session on urinary tract infections (UTIs) commonly found in men and women, covering their causes, symptoms, and preventive measures. He reminded participants that simple habits such as staying hydrated and maintaining personal hygiene can effectively prevent infections.

The final session, presented by Sari Darmasiwi Ph.D., discussed vaginal infections and the role of probiotics in maintaining women’s reproductive health. She also introduced a probiotic beverage made from fermented kolang-kaling (sugar palm fruit) and pineapple—called Acar Kolang-Kaling Probiotic—as an example of a locally sourced functional food innovation that can be easily prepared at home.

In addition to distributing educational leaflets, participants were given samples of the Acar Kolang-Kaling Probiotic drink, which received enthusiastic responses from the Blimbingsari PKK members. They had the opportunity to taste the probiotic beverage and discuss its benefits for digestive and reproductive health.

Through this activity, the Faculty of Biology UGM reaffirmed its commitment to applying biological sciences for rural community empowerment. The Desa Mitra Grant Program not only focuses on enhancing community capacity but also on translating campus research outcomes into daily life. This initiative supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), Goal 5 (Gender Equality), and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) (SD)

Changhua, Taiwan, 6 November 2025 — The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), conducted an official visit and academic collaboration exploration with the National Changhua University of Education (NCUE), Taiwan, aimed at strengthening international partnerships in education, research, and student mobility. The delegation from the Faculty of Biology UGM was led by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., Dean of the Faculty of Biology, accompanied by Prof. Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, M.Sc., Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs. Also joining the delegation were representatives from other faculties, including Prof. Roto, Ph.D., Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (MIPA), Dr. Erliss Sulistyarini, Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs of the Faculty of Geography accompanied by Dr. Andung Bayu Sekti, and Arif Misbahul, Director of the Taiwan Center UGM.

The NCUE representatives included several key officials: Prof. Chi-Yen Huang, Ph.D., Dean of the College of Science and Director of the Center for Science Education; Prof. Yeong-Lin Lai, Ph.D., Dean of the College of Engineering; Prof. Shih-Feng Fu, Ph.D., Department of Biology; Prof. Hon-Man Lee, Ph.D., Dean of the Office of International and Cross-Strait Affairs; Associate Prof. Yang, Wen-Ren, Ph.D.; Assistant Prof. Chien-Sing Lee; Hsiu-Gui Chang, Division Head of International and Cross-Strait Affairs; and Yu-Yen Lee, Coordinator of the Office of International and Cross-Strait Affairs.

The formal meeting commenced at 10:00 a.m. Taiwan time and began with presentations from both deans. During his presentation, Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Prof. Budi Setiadi Daryono, introduced the Faculty’s profile and shared potential collaboration opportunities in biodiversity, conservation, and other areas of biological sciences. The main agenda of the meeting included the signing of an academic cooperation agreement between the two institutions, focusing on the development of Student Exchange, Double Degree, Co-supervision, and Fast Track programs. This collaboration is expected to enhance academic mobility opportunities for students and lecturers, as well as strengthen cross-border collaborative research.

In addition, NCUE offered scholarship quotas for up to 48 students Faculty of Biology UGM to participate in student exchange and industrial internship programs in Taiwan. The program also provides opportunities for graduates to work directly in Taiwan under an initial two-year contract, with the possibility of extension. Prospective students are expected to have a minimum Mandarin proficiency of A2 level as a participation requirement.

Following the meeting at NCUE, the Faculty of Biology UGM delegation also made an official courtesy visit to Asia University, Taiwan, where they were warmly received by Prof. Chi-Liang Yu, Vice Dean of the Office of International Affairs, and Jeanie Mao from the same office. The discussion focused on exploring further opportunities for joint research and academic staff exchange programs.

This visit marks a significant step for the Faculty of Biology UGM in expanding its international network, enhancing global competitiveness, and providing students with broader academic and professional experiences on the international stage. The initiative also aligns with the Faculty’s commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), and SDG 15 (Life on Land), through advancing biological education, fostering global collaboration, and promoting biodiversity conservation.

Changhua, Taiwan, November 6, 2025 — As part of its ongoing commitment to strengthening global engagement and enhancing academic excellence, the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), conducted an official visit to DaYeh University, located at No.168, University Rd., Dacun, Changhua 515006, Taiwan (R.O.C.). The visit aimed to broaden international collaboration in education, research, and student mobility through various strategic programs.

The delegation from the Faculty of Biology UGM was led by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., Dean of the Faculty of Biology, accompanied by Prof. Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, M.Sc., Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs. The delegation also included representatives from other faculties: Prof. Roto, Ph.D., Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (MIPA); Dr. Erliss Sulistyarini, Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs of the Faculty of Geography; Dr. Andung Bayu Sekti; and Arif Misbahul, Director of the Taiwan Center UGM.

DaYeh University was represented by several university leaders, including Prof. Dr.-Ing. Shih-Jen Yeh, Vice President of DaYeh University; Prof. Yi-Ching Chen, Ph.D., Department of Engineering; Prof. Yi-Lin Chen, Ph.D., Department of Environmental and Safety Engineering; Prof. Daniel Yuen-The Liu, Vice Dean, Office of Foreign Affairs; and Asst. Prof. Wen-Kuang Hsu, Ph.D., Department of Medicinal Botanical and Food on Health Applications.

The meeting began with institutional profile presentations from both universities. In his presentation, Prof. Budi Setiadi Daryono highlighted the achievements and vision of the Faculty of Biology UGM in tropical biology research and education, as well as potential areas of collaboration in biodiversity, conservation, biotechnology, and biomedicine. The main discussion focused on developing joint programs such as Double Degree, Student Exchange, Co-supervision, and Fast Track schemes, followed by a tour of Dayeh University’s laboratory facilities. Both institutions also explored potential collaborative research in biomedical sciences—particularly studies on lung and ovarian cancer—as well as research in food and nutritional sciences and environmental sciences. Further discussions included projects involving zebrafish as a model organism and the development of plant tissue culture for various commodities such as roses, strawberries, and bananas.

As part of the collaboration initiative, DaYeh University offered scholarship opportunities for up to 20 students from the Faculty of Biology UGM to participate in Double Degree programs in biomedical and environmental sciences. This program provides students with valuable international academic experience and the opportunity to build professional networks in Taiwan.

This visit marks a strategic step for the Faculty of Biology UGM in expanding international partnerships, strengthening collaborative research capacity, and supporting the university’s mission of advancing higher education internationalization and global competitiveness. The initiative also aligns with the Faculty’s commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), through efforts to enhance the quality of biological education, promote innovative cross-disciplinary research, foster global collaboration, and contribute to biodiversity conservation and sustainable scientific development.

Yogyakarta, Indonesia — The International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) UGM 2025Team represents Universitas Gadjah Mada in the annual international synthetic biologycompetition held in Paris, France. The UGM iGEM Team was first established in 2021 and hascontinued to grow ever since. In 2025, the team is were supported by Anandita Amalia (Biology),Salma Rohmaniah (Biology), Erwinda Dwi Chofifah (Biology), Tsaqifa Zuhayra Emery Bagus(Biology), Nauval Rajwaa Raysendria (Biology), Geraldine Yara Amritarashmi (Biology), TanRendy (Biology), Shainna Nur Sharfina (Biology), and Pamastadewi Pryankha Hijrianto(Biology) in collaboration with 11 other people from faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Pharmacy,Faculty of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, and Faculty of Agriculture.

Despite their impressive gold medal win at the iGEM Grand Jamboree 2025, the team’s journeyhas been long and full of milestones since 2024. That year, the UGM iGEM Team participated inthe Bioinformatics and Synthetic Biology Competition (BIOS) 2024, organized by synbio.id.They entered two sub-teams — Team Phytovac and Team Gamanthrax — both of whichachieved remarkable success. Team Phytovac won Best Presentation, Best Website, and theGrand Prize Winner, while Team Gamanthrax earned the Best Poster award. Both teams proudlybrought home gold medals, reflecting their dedication, teamwork, and perseverance.

Not stopping at the national level, the UGM iGEM Team also competed in the Global OpenGenetic Engineering Competition (GOGEC) 2025, an international synthetic biologycompetition. At GOGEC, the team won several distinctions, including Runner-Up for BestWritten Communication and Best Project Value, and took home the title of Best ComputationalProject.

Their molecular farming research to produce a Dengue vaccine was thoroughly documented andtransformed into a science dissemination video, earning the team a digital learning contentdevelopment grant in 2025. The proposed video, titled “Tobacco, the Heritage of theArchipelago: From Cultural Rituals to Dengue Vaccine Innovation”, was led by apt. SetyowatiTriastuti Utami, Ph.D. from the Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Gadjah Mada.

With all the achievements they’ve accomplished, the UGM iGEM 2025 Team stands as a symbolof passion and creativity in advancing synthetic biology. The team hopes that their innovationscan be applied widely and inclusively across Indonesia, creating a meaningful impact andcontributing to the advancement of science and prosperity of Indonesia.

Yogyakarta, Indonesia — The UGM-Indonesia iGEM 2025 team announced it has won a GoldMedal in the Biomanufacturing Village at iGEM Grand Jamboree held at the Paris ConventionCentre (Porte de Versailles), France.
UGM-Indonesia’s 2025 project advances low-cost biomanufacturing of a DENV-2 Domain IIIsubunit vaccine in Nicotiana tabacum (tobacco). The team’s approach leverages salt-inducibleTYDV Rep/RepA expression systems to drive efficient protein production in plants. This effort isan avenue that could make dengue vaccination more accessible across resource-limited settings.The team’s project focuses on an everyday problem with big impact: making dengue protectionmore affordable and easier to produce. In simple terms, the students are exploring how commonplants can act like tiny factories. If successful, this approach could help lower costs and makeaccess to protection more equitable.

This achievement matters for Indonesia and beyond. Dengue affects ma

The project nickname SALTY, or Salt Activated with TYDV, were supported by AnanditaAmalia (Biology), Salma Rohmaniah (Biology), Erwinda Dwi Chofifah (Biology), TsaqifaZuhayra Emery Bagus (Biology), Nauval Rajwaa Raysendria (Biology), Geraldine YaraAmritarashmi (Biology), Tan Rendy (Biology), Shainna Nur Sharfina (Biology), andPamastadewi Pryankha Hijrianto (Biology) in collaboration with 11 other people from faculty ofMedicine, Faculty of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science,and also Faculty of Agriculture.

This project was supported by 15 advisors, coordinated by Dr. Yekti Asih Purwestri, M.Si.(Biology), assisted by Widhi Dyah Sawitri, S.Si., M.Agr., Ph.D. (Agriculture), M. SaifurRohman, M.Eng., Ph.D. (Agriculture), apt. Setyowati Triastuti Utami, Ph.D. (Pharmacy), DewiKartikawati Paramita, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D. (Medicine), Prof. dr. Tri Baskoro Tunggul Satoto,M.Sc., Ph.D. (Medicine), Dr.rer.nat. Abdul R. Siregar, S.Si., M.Biotech (Biology), IndraLesmana, S.Si., M.Sc. (Biology), Afif Pranaya Jati, S.P., M.Sc. (Biotechnology), Aries BagusSasongko, S.Si., M.Biotech. (Biology), Imam Bagus N., S.Si., M.Sc. (Agrotechnology), OliviaPangaribuan, S.Agr (Master Student in Agriculture), Nayaka Bagus W. A. H., S. Ked. (Alumni ofFaculty of Medicine), apt. I Made Rhamandana Putra, S. Farm (Alumni of Faculty of Pharmacy),and Adhityo W., M.Sc., Ph.D. (GSI).

The fund of this project was supported by Universitas Gadjah Mada, Panin Bank, YSDS,Rentokil, CropLife Indonesia, Forsains Edutech Indonesia, SnapGene, GSI Academy, IGF, PT.Indolab Utama, Merck, and ScienceWerke.

Taipei, November 2, 2025 — The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), continues to expand its international collaboration network through a visit to National Taiwan University (NTU). The visit was represented by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, and Prof. Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, M.Sc., Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, along with delegates from the Faculty of Geography and the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences UGM.

The UGM delegation also visited the Faculty of Liberal Arts, National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU), which focuses on Ecology and Environmental Studies. The visit was warmly received by Prof. Tsong-han Lee, Prof. Joan Chiung-Huei Chang, and Prof. Wen-Cheng Wang.

In addition, the Faculty of Biology UGM delegation visited National Taiwan University (NTU), where they were warmly welcomed by Prof. Yao-Chien Alex Chang from the Department of Horticulture, NTU. The meeting discussed various opportunities for academic and research collaboration between the two institutions. The discussions at NTU also involved Prof. Ting-Hsuan Hung, Associate Dean of the College of Bioresources and Agriculture, and Jack Hsi from the NTU Office of International Affairs.

Several potential collaborations were initiated during the visit, including Double Degree programs, staff and student exchange programs, and invited/keynote speaker opportunities for the International Summer Course (ISC) held annually by the Faculty of Biology UGM.

Through this collaboration, both parties aim to strengthen the quality of education and research in the field of biology and to foster sustainable innovation that contributes to global development. This initiative is also part of the Faculty of Biology UGM’s commitment to supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) through enhanced international learning access, SDG 15 (Life on Land) through strengthened research in biodiversity and conservation, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through the expansion of sustainable global partnerships.

Yogyakarta, October 23, 2025 – The Faculty of Biology at Gadjah Mada University (UGM) held a community service program as part of the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) initiative with the theme “Inorganic Waste Management.” This initiative aims to enhance public understanding of the negative impacts of inorganic waste and the importance of independent and sustainable waste management to support SDGs 11 (Sustainable Cities), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and 13 (Climate Action).

The Piyungan Landfill, which was permanently closed on May 1, 2024, due to exceeding its capacity, is one example of the waste management issues in Yogyakarta and its surrounding areas. Before its closure, this landfill received around 742 tons of waste per day, far exceeding its ideal capacity of only 650 tons per day. As a result, waste piled up in depots and on roads, creating environmental and public health problems.

In facing this waste emergency, the community is expected to play an active role in waste management at the household and neighborhood levels. The PkM-MBKM team from the Faculty of Biology, consisting of Anissah Qurrotu Aini, Alma Puska Falasyifa, and Hafifah Nur Ainiyah, guided by Mrs. Novita Yustinadiar, S.Si., M.Si., provided education and practical skills to the community in waste management, so that they can reduce their dependence on landfills and manage waste independently.

This community service program was attended by women members of the GEMI Cooperative in Grojokan Hamlet, Witokerto, Bangungapan, Bantul. The activity began with an educational session on the types of inorganic waste, mistakes in managing inorganic waste, and its impact on health and the environment. One of the topics discussed was microplastics, small particles that originate from plastic waste and can pollute the environment and enter the food chain.

The community also participated in practical training on making sofa cushions from plastic waste and flower decorations from used plastic bottles. This activity aimed to show that inorganic waste can be recycled into useful and potentially economically valuable products, while educating the community about the principles of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (3R).

As part of efforts to improve air quality, participants also received plants that absorb air pollution. These plants are expected to help reduce the negative impact of air pollution, including that caused by the improper burning of waste.

Through this program, the Faculty of Biology at UGM hopes to encourage changes in community behavior in waste management, thereby creating a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable environment.

Development based on human ego satisfaction, through the exploitation of natural resources, often results in widespread environmental degradation. Development not only transforms natural landscapes into artificial areas such as residential, agricultural, and industrial areas, but also alters the quality of water, soil, and air. Likewise airspace, besides being a source of life for humans, it is serves also as a space for anthropogenic and non-anthropogenic acoustic communication. Currently, airspace is filled with artificial sounds, resulting in various forms of noise and silence has even become a rare commodity. This program is based on issues related to environmental acoustics.

In 2025, the Community Service Team-Independent Learning Independent Campus (PkM-MBKM) Faculty of Biology UGM led by Susilo Hadi and assisted by three students consisting of Qodriyah Nur Kharisma, Aisyah Eka Nurjanah and Rifda Qonita, implemented a program on Acoustic Ecology and sound system arrangement of worship places, mainly in mosque and mushola. In some places, especially in urban areas, the disharmony of volume of speaker sound from mosques can cause social conflict. The locus of this activity was carried out in Sardonoharjo, Ngaglik, Sleman. This program consists of two main activities, namely an environmental acoustic survey and socialization on proper sound system arrangement in accordance with ethical criteria from the government and acoustic aesthetics related to loudspeakers in mosques and mushola.

Environmental acoustic data collection was conducted in August 2025 consisting of acoustic recording and measuring sound intensity (decibel meter) between ambient environmental acoustics, as a control, and volume of loudspeakers  during the call to prayer (adzan) and other activities within mosques and mushola. In summary, the data obtained showed a striking difference between the ambient environmental acoustics as a control, around 40 dB, compared to the average intensity of the call to prayer in mosques and mushola in the study area of ​​80 dB. However, based on government criteria the sound intensity is still within the limits tolerated by the rules ( Surat Edaran of the Ministry of Religious Affairs: SE 05/2022).

Meanwhile, the socialization activity for sound system settings for places of worship was held on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at mushola  in Manongsari Kring Rejosari,  Sardonoharjo. A number of representatives from mosque and mushola aministrators (Ta’mir) were invited. The activity, attended by 20 participants. Start with a socialization on environmental acoustics conducted by a team from the Faculty of Biology and the second part related to sound system setting techniques presented specifically by Mr. Riyana, as an audio engineering practitioner. This activity was interesting because the all participants gave feedback each other and shared experiences related to the use of sound systems in every place of worship. In general, this socialization activity is important as a space to align perceptions about government regulations regarding the use of loudspeakers and share knowledge related to the correct and aesthetic audio arrangement in places of worship.

The entire PkM-MBKM program is carried out over two semesters, namely the Even Semester of the 2024/2025 Academic Year and the Odd Semester of the 2025/2026 Academic Year. This program is also carried out in order to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG number 3 Healthy and Prosperous Lives; 11 Sustainable Cities and Settlements; and SDG 15 Terrestrial Ecosystems.

Yogyakarta, October 23, 2025 — The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), held a workshop titled “Investing in the Future: Cultivating Excellence in Science and Biology Learning” at the Tropical Biology Auditorium. The event was attended by 130 principals and teachers from 78 senior high schools across 19 provinces in Indonesia, highlighting the Faculty’s commitment to strengthening the synergy between higher education institutions and secondary schools in nurturing future generations of excellence in biology.

The workshop was officially opened by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, who emphasized the crucial role of biology in addressing global challenges and advancing scientific research. He stated that the Faculty of Biology UGM remains committed to expanding international collaborations, particularly through the International Graduate Program which has established partnerships with leading universities around the world, including several in Taiwan.

As part of the event, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Faculty of Biology UGM and 78 partner schools. This agreement marks a strategic step in fostering collaboration that supports teacher development and facilitates students’ pathways to higher education in science and biology.

The workshop continued with an interactive talk show featuring speakers from Indonesia and abroad, focusing on strengthening biology and science education in the era of global transformation and technological advancement.

The first speaker, Prof. Chen Yuh Wen, Director of the Liberal Education Center and D Infinity College, Da-Yeh University, Taiwan, delivered a presentation on the importance of science and biology education in tackling global challenges such as climate change, food security, biotechnology, and the artificial intelligence revolution. Joining virtually via Zoom, Prof. Chen also engaged in discussions with participating teachers about adapting teaching strategies to keep pace with rapid technological developments.

The second speaker, Ganies Riza Aristya, Ph.D., lecturer and researcher at the Genetics and Plant Breeding Laboratory, Faculty of Biology UGM, shared her academic journey during her studies at Tunghai University, Taiwan. She highlighted the supportive academic environment in Taiwan that encourages student creativity and research, as well as its relevance to advancing biological research in Indonesia.

Following her presentation, Arief Misbahul, MBM, Chairman of the Taiwan Center Indonesia, discussed the opportunities for higher education in Taiwan and the collaboration between Universitas Gadjah Mada and Da-Yeh University through the International Undergraduate Program (IUP) in Industrial Biology at the Faculty of Biology UGM. This program offers Indonesian students access to double-degree pathways, as well as internship and employment opportunities in Taiwan’s growing industrial sectors.

Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration, and Alumni Affairs, emphasized that this workshop serves as a platform to strengthen collaboration between the Faculty of Biology UGM, the Taiwan Center, Da-Yeh University, and Indonesian high schools. The goal is to enhance human resource quality and increase both the number of students and the employability of alumni from the Faculty’s Industrial Biology IUP.

To conclude the program, participants visited the Integrated Genome Factory (IGF) — one of the leading genomic laboratories at the Faculty of Biology UGM — which provides state-of-the-art genomic and molecular research facilities. The visit offered firsthand experience of how cutting-edge research contributes to innovation in biotechnology.

This workshop demonstrates the Faculty of Biology UGM’s commitment to supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Through this initiative, the Faculty continues to invest in inclusive, collaborative, and globally competitive science education for a sustainable future.