Yogyakarta, May 22, 2024 – The Undergraduate Program Graduation Ceremony held on Wednesday, May 22, 2024, was a special moment for the Faculty of Biology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). At the event, two graduates who are identical twins successfully completed their studies with honors. They are Sherlina Oktavian Putri, S.Si., and Sherlita Oktavian Putri, S.Si., both of whom enrolled in the Biology Study Program in 2020. These twin sisters graduated with honors, completing their studies in 3 years, 7 months, and 9 days—a remarkable achievement.

Sherlina and Sherlita also share the same interest in the ecological field. Sherlina’s research topic was “Utilization of Water Lettuce (Pistia stratiotes L.) as a Phytoremediation Agent for Chromium (Cr) Heavy Metal in Sewon, Bantul Wastewater,” supervised by Prof. Dr. Suwarno Hadisusanto, S.U. Meanwhile, Sherlita’s research was titled “Utilization of Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes (Mart.) Solms) as a Phytoremediation Agent for Lead (Pb) in Sewon, Bantul Wastewater, Yogyakarta,” under the supervision of Dr. rer. nat. Andhika Puspito Nugroho, M.Si.

“It just so happened that we both liked biology since high school. We wanted to join the biology program at UGM because it is one of the best in Indonesia, and our parents’ support encouraged us to choose this program,” said Sherlina and Sherlita.

Their achievement not only makes their family and friends proud but also contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG No. 4 for Quality Education and SDG No. 5 for Gender Equality. The Dean of the Faculty of Biology at Universitas Gadjah Mada, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., stated that this achievement demonstrates the great interest in the field of biology and the very promising prospects, supported by the internationally accredited academic quality of the Faculty of Biology (ASIIN), which provides a highly competitive global edge.

Congratulations to Sherlina and Sherlita on their extraordinary achievements. Best wishes to both of you, and congratulations to your parents for their successful support. May this success continue and inspire many others.

YOGYAKARTA, May 22, 2024 – The Fast Track Program of the Faculty of Biology at Gadjah Mada University (UGM) has yielded its first fruits, with three undergraduate students from the Biology Study Program, who are also fast-track Bachelor’s-Master’s students in the Master’s Program in Biology, having completed their undergraduate program. The graduation ceremony was held on Wednesday, May 22, 2024. The students are Lucia Arum Sekar Meysari, S.Si. (with Distinction/Cum Laude), Azizah Tyas Nugrahanty, S.Si. (with Distinction/Cum Laude), and Wahida Aulia Rahma, S.Si. (with Distinction/Cum Laude).

These three students are from the 2020 undergraduate class and graduated the fastest in this graduation period, completing their studies in 3 years, 6 months, and 11 days. They have also been fast-track Master’s students in the Biology Master’s Program since January 2024, starting in the even semester of the 2023/2024 academic year.

The Dean of the Faculty of Biology at Gadjah Mada University, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., stated that the Fast Track Program is an accelerated study program for undergraduate (S1) students to proceed directly to the Master’s (S2) level. With this program, they have the opportunity to study in both the undergraduate and graduate programs simultaneously, allowing them to complete the Master’s program faster than through the regular program. He added, “The Fast Track Program or Accelerated Pathway from Bachelor to Master is one of the Faculty of Biology’s efforts to provide opportunities for outstanding and potential students to pursue higher education at the Master’s level (S2) more efficiently. The Fast Track Program is organized as an effort to produce graduates with qualifications according to KKNI level 8. Graduates of the Fast Track Program are expected to be able to preserve and manage biodiversity as a source of tropical biological wealth for Indonesia and the world.”

This program supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG No. 4 for Quality Education and SDG No. 5 for Gender Equality. This achievement demonstrates the commitment of the Faculty of Biology UGM to providing quality education and equal opportunities for all students, as well as producing graduates ready to compete globally.

Congratulations to Lucia Arum Sekar Meysari, Azizah Tyas Nugrahanty, and Wahida Aulia Rahma on their outstanding achievements. May success always accompany you in your further education and future careers.

Congratulations to Lucia Arum Sekar Meysari, Azizah Tyas Nugrahanty, and Wahida Aulia Rahma on their outstanding achievements. May success always accompany you in your further education and future careers.

On Friday, March 29, 2024, the Joyful Iftar Gathering event was held. The JMMB UGM collaborated with the Faculty of Biology UGM and the Yatim Mandiri Foundation to share more happiness with those in need. The Joyful Iftar program not only provided iftar packages but also offered valuable experiences. The participants were treated to a special storytelling session full of inspiration. Religious materials and motivation were delivered to foster spiritual growth and self-development.

The activity took place at the Al-Hayat Mosque of the Faculty of Biology UGM, and was attended by orphans and the underprivileged from the Yatim Mandiri Foundation. The activity was opened by Birrul Qisty Mutmainnah Nazara and Zidny Qonita Addini, followed by remarks from Prof Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., the Dean of Faculty of Biology UGM and Try Sujatmiko Ramadhani, S.Si representing the Yatim Mandiri Foundation. The activity followed by the distribution of blessings from Prof Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. The activity continued with storytelling by Kak Andria and playing games together. After playing games, the participants broke their fast together.

The purpose of the Joyful Iftar Together activity is to provide an opportunity for orphans and the underprivileged to experience joy and comfort in a warm and friendly atmosphere during the month of Ramadan, to provide valuable and inspirational edutainment experiences, and to foster spiritual growth and self-development. The activity concluded with the Maghrib prayer and group documentation. [Author: JMMB]

On Saturday, March 23, 2024, the Community Social Department of BEM Biology UGM organized the ‘’ Bagi Buka Berlian’’ event (Sharing Nobility During Ramadan), as part of the department's program to share and hold iftar gathering during the month of Ramadan. The theme of the event was "The Beauty of Sharing in a Blessed Month." The event took place at the Islamic Orphanage of the Ibadah Bunda Foundation and was attended by 13 committee members from the Community Social Department and 25 children from the orphanage. The event aimed to welcome the month of Ramadan 1445 H, foster camaraderie among one another, and serve as a means to share blessings.

The event opened at 4:00 PM, and was led by the MC, followed by remarks from Okcarinda Wahyu Romadani, the Event Field Coordinator, and Muhammad Nurul Fathoni Adha, the 2024 Chairman of BEM Biology UGM, as well as by Mrs. Ningsih, the caretaker of the Islamic Orphanage of the Ibadah Bunda Foundation. The event included a guess the style game designed to boost spirits and foster unity between the committee members and the children, creating a closer and warmer relationship. This session was filled with fun and laughter as the committee members and children enthusiastically participated in the games.Following the games, there was a religious talk by Ustadz Muhammad Iqbal on the theme "Productive Ramadan," aimed at increasing knowledge about Islam and bringing additional blessings. This session taught us to remain active in positive activities even while fasting and to always seek the favor of Allah SWT.The event then moved on to a communal iftar with the children of the orphanage, which included shared meals and warm conversations, followed by the Maghrib prayer led by Ustadz Muhammad Iqbal. The activity concluded at 07.00 P.M. with a group photo.

The conclusion of this event was hoped to foster good relationships among all participants through mutual assistance and joy. Additionally, this blessed month of Ramadan serves as an opportunity for us all to compete in doing good deeds, thereby enhancing our faith, earning multiplied rewards, and hoping to reunite in the holy month of Ramadan 2025. [Author: BEM]

The Faculty of Biology Universitas Gadjah Mada in collaboration with the Graduate Student Family (KMP) successfully conducted an Open House event: Introduction to the Master’s and Doctoral Programs at the Faculty of Biology, UGM 2024. This event was held online through Zoom Meeting and live streaming Youtube on Saturday, May 18, 2024. The event aimed to provide information about the Master’s and Doctoral programs at the Faculty of Biology through Reguler/by course pathway, by research and Double-degree to prospective students. The session included an overview of the Faculty of Biology UGM and its history, description of study program and subjects interest, admission pathway and requirements, as well as International collaboration between Faculty of Biology UGM and international university.

The event began at 09:45 WIB, hosted by Wiwin Arieati, S.Si., commenced with the singing of the Indonesian national anthem, the Universitas Gadjah Mada Hymn, and the March of Faculty of Biology. Followed by a welcoming speech from Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. as the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration, and Alumni Affairs. Subsequently, there was a presentation session guided by Emi Suhaemi, S.Si., a postgraduate student from the Faculty of Biology. In the first session, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., provided a concise overview of the profile,study program at the faculty of Biology UGM, research, publications, community service, collaboration, and alumni of the Faculty of Biology UGM. Following that, Prof. Dr. Endah Retnaningrum, M.Eng, as the head of doctor in biology study program delivered the second session on introduction of the Doctoral program including the vision, mission, graduate profile, number of graduates, degrees, facilities, admission pathways (regular and by research), curriculum structure and courses distribution for the Doctor in Biology Study Program. The third session was delivered by the head of master in biology study program, Dr. rer. nat. Andhika Puspito Nugroho, S.Si., M.Si., on the vision, mission, graduate profile, number of graduates, degrees, facilities, admission pathways (regular and by research), registration stages (information access, document preparation, admission, selection process and announcement), curriculum structure and courses distribution.

The next session continued with a sharing session with alumni from the Graduate Program of the Faculty of Biology. The first session was presented by Ariel Hananya, S.Si., M.Sc., a Master’s program alumnus, who shared his experiences during his studies, his initial motivation to enroll in the Graduate Program of the Faculty of Biology UGM, the job prospects for Biology graduates, particularly those from the Faculty of Biology UGM through KAGAMA and FABIOGAMA, and his pride as an alumnus of the Faculty of Biology UGM. The sharing session for the Doctoral program alumni was delivered by Dr. Junaidi, S.P., M.Sc., Ph.D., who shared his experiences as a graduate of the first Double-Degree Doctoral Program at UGM and L’institut agro Montpellier in France.

After the presentation and alumni sharing sessions concluded, there was a question-and-answer session for both the Master’s and Doctoral programs in Biology at UGM.. Participants were highly enthusiastic in asking questions, and all queries were well addressed by the speakers. The participants’ questions generally revolved around the Double-Degree program, the admission requirements for the Master’s and Doctoral programs, proposal plans for prospective new students on the by Research track, and the selection of promotor according to the prospective students’ fields of interest. The final activity was motivational speeches from lecturers and alumni to prospective new students of the Faculty of Biology, followed by the closing remarks by the MC.

The routine Open House Biology event is one of the important activities conducted by the Faculty of Biology UGM every semester as part of the Graduate Program outreach. This event provides a great opportunity for prospective new students of the Graduate Program of the Faculty of Biology UGM to interact directly with lecturers and alumni of the Faculty of Biology UGM. Questions about registration information, Faculty profiles, fields of interest, and offered courses, as well as job prospects for alumni of the Faculty of Biology UGM, are expected to provide more detailed information and assist prospective new students in making decisions to continue their Master’s and Doctoral education at the Faculty of Biology UGM.

On Wednesday, May 15, 2024, the Faculty of Biology UGM Partner Village team conducted an educational session on homemade fever remedies for toddlers. This event took place at the Kledokan Hamlet Hall in Caturtunggal Village, alongside the POSYANDU (Integrated Health Post) activities. The session was attended by around 50 toddlers and their parents, as well as Mrs. Galina Tri Yohani, Head of the Family Welfare Movement (PKK) and Coordinator of POSYANDU activities; Mrs. Marthin Sumarahayu, Head of the Rejosari Women Farmers Group (KWT), and other committee members.

The session featured Dra. Mulyati, M.Si as speaker, supported by the Faculty of Biology UGM Partner Village team, Dr. Dra. Rr. Upiek Ngesti W. Astuti, Nur Indah Septriani, M.Sc., Ph.D., and students from the Faculty of Biology: Nur Farah Susilowati, Kotimah, Ahmad Aris Budi Rohman, along with Irfan Putra Ramadhan from the Faculty of Agriculture. Dra. Mulyati discussed the benefits of nutmeg and shallots as first aid remedies for calming fussy toddlers and treating fever. She also explained how to prepare, mix, and apply these remedies to toddlers. The participants were enthusiastic about learning these new, simple, and practical techniques. The ingredients are easily accessible, relatively inexpensive, and usually available in the kitchen. The discussion was interactive, with numerous questions from participants.

This activity supports Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), to improve community well-being sustainably, specifically supporting goal number 3, “Good Health and Well-being.”

On Saturday and Sunday, May 18-19, 2024, the Faculty of Biology Universitas Gadjah Mada conducted training for the 2024 Buddy Counselors. These Buddy Counselors are students selected through a screening process by the Faculty of Biology’s Mental Health Team during the recruitment, held from February 12-16, 2024. They are tasked with providing emotional support and adequate counseling to fellow students in need. The Buddy Counselor program aims to help UGM become a Health Promoting University (HPU) with a focus on Mental Health and a Zero Tolerance for Violence, Bullying, and Harassment, which are the priorities of the UGM HPU activities. For 2024, Buddy Counselors are also assigned to mentor ten new students each during the PPSMB (Student Orientation).

This two-day training took place at the Faculty of Biology UGM and Kaliurang. The first session, held in the Faculty of Biology UGM Auditorium, began with a welcome speech from the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Prof. Dr. Budi S. Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. In his speech, Prof. Budi stated that this training activity is a commendable initiative. Being a Buddy is a noble task, and those selected should be grateful as not everyone gets this opportunity. The Buddies are responsible for helping to achieve a balance in mental and physical health. According to the training theme, “Be a Listener, Understand Better,” Buddies must be good listeners. Just like waiting, being a listener requires patience. Those who can wait will achieve success. At the end of his speech, Prof. Budi announced that there would be an award for the best Buddy Counselor during the Dies Natalis ceremony. “There will be an award for the best Buddy, the best of the bestie,” concluded the Dean. Following his speech, the Dean inaugurated the 2024 Buddy Counselors of the Faculty of Biology UGM by presenting jackets to one of the Buddy Counselors.

The first session on Zero Tolerance for Violence, Bullying, and Harassment delivered by Sri Wiyanti Eddyono, S.H., LL.M.(HR), Ph.D., known as Bu Iyik, a lecturer at the Faculty of Law UGM and serves as the Chair of the POKJA Zero-Tolerance Bullying, Violence, and Harassment HPU UGM, as well as the Head of the Task Force for the Prevention and Handling of Sexual Violence (PPKS) at UGM. Her presentation covered:

Besides delivering the material, participants also learn to resolve violence cases that occur at UGM, which is followed with great enthusiasm by all participants.

The second session on Mental Health was conducted in the meeting room of Wisma Pesanggrahan PU, Kaliurang. This session was delivered by Yudhistira Adi Perdana, M.Psi., Psychologist from the Faculty of Biology UGM. Mas Yudhis provided insights on how Buddy Counselors should handle counselees, from listening, questioning, to giving advice.

After a break, the evening featured a discussion on the work program to be implemented over a year. Participants were divided into two groups, and each group must present their discussion results, which then summarized by the Mental Health Team consisting of Psychologist Yudhistira Adi Perdana, M.Psi., and Faculty Counselor Lecturers, Dwi Umi Siswanti, S.Si., M.Sc., Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono, S.Si., M.Si., and Dr.rer.nat. Abdul Rahman Siregar, M.Biotech., as well as PIC HPU Faculty of Biology UGM, Titin Fauziah, S.E., M.B.A. To conclude the training, there was a bonding activity involving a bonfire and gift exchange among participants. The next morning, on Sunday, May 19, 2024, all participants went trekking around Kaliurang.

This training is an effort by the Faculty of Biology UGM to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Good Health and Well-being, Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.

“A rose blooms since yesterday, Growing beside the moringa tree. Welcome, dear guests, to the Inauguration and Training of Buddy Counselors.”

Two Students of Faculty of Biology UGM are Selected for Scholarship Nomination for Student Exchange Support Program 2024 at Yamagata University. Miss Maya Nakajima from the International Office, Faculty of Agriculture, Yamagata University, is pleased to announce that Roxaline Sih Tanwinilang and Tizania Putri Langithari have been nominated as scholarship recipients for the prestigious Student Exchange Support Program 2024 at Yamagata University under the JASSO scholarship. During the program, Roxaline will be under the supervision of Professor Dr. Tatsuya Ashitani, and Tizania will be under the supervision of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Satoru Sato.

Roxaline Sih Tanwinilang and Tizania Putri Langithari are dedicated students from the Faculty of Biology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) and have demonstrated exceptional academic performance and a strong commitment to their fields of study. Additionally, Roxaline was a recipient of the Sakura Science Program from Yamagata University in 2024.

The nomination of Roxaline and Tizania underscores UGM’s commitment to fostering international academic exchange and collaboration. This opportunity will allow them to benefit from the unique academic and cultural experiences offered by Yamagata University. The Student Exchange Support Program 2024 is designed to enhance the academic and professional development of participants while also strengthening the ties between both institutions.

The Dean of the Faculty of Biology, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., stated that the Faculty of Biology at UGM is confident that Roxaline and Tizania will represent UGM with excellence and distinction, contributing to the ongoing success of the exchange program. Their nomination is a significant step in fostering future collaboration and sets a precedent for next year’s students to visit Yamagata University.

On May 13 to 16, 2024, the National Mathematics and Natural Sciences Olympiad (ON-MIPA) brought together participants from across the country at Universitas Hasanuddin in Makassar. This prestigious event served as a platform for students to showcase their abilities in mathematics and natural sciences. At this event, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) achieved remarkable success, securing the title of overall third-place, with a total of 12 medals and 3 honorable mentions across the four competing fields. Notably, the Biology field contributed significantly to UGM’s success, earning 4 prestigious awards, including 1 silver medal, 1 bronze medal, and 2 honorable mentions. Of the four awards, two were won by the Faculty of Biology UGM students, namely Tsaqifa Zuhayra Emery Bagus (2023), who won a silver medal, and Syafira Nurul Aisya (2021), received an honorable mention.

This accomplishment proves that the dedication and hard work of the Faculty of Biology UGM students have not been in vain. Their fighting spirit has brought honor to their alma mater at the national level, inspiring other students to continue achieving in the future. It is hoped that this success will serve as a stepping stone to even greater achievements in the years to come.

Yogyakarta, 17 May 2024 – Dr. Parvez Alam, A Reader (Professor without a Chair) from the School of Engineering, University of Edinburgh, United Kingdom and Adjunct Professor at the Faculty of Biology, Gadjah Mada University delivered a public lecture entitled “Biology-Engineering Interface”. The public lecture took place in the Tropical Biology Auditorium, Faculty of Biology, UGM and was attended by students and lecturers from the Faculty of Biology.

Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. as Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration and Alumni Affairs of the Faculty of Biology was also present to open and moderate the guest lecture.

“Biology has an extreme level of diversity,” said Dr. Parvez started his presentation last Friday (17/5). The Biomaterials and Biomimetics expert from the University of Edinburgh mentioned how scientists try to create imitations of the diversity of existing organisms, which he then called bio-mimetic design.

Dr. Parvez explained an example of an aircraft fin mechanism that is designed to capture air stably, which he then tried to develop into the possibility that the fin would be located at the front: stable but with a speed rate that could be maximized. “But it is not working at the moment because biology is beyond further,” Dr. Parves added.

Bio-mimetic research has been developed by scientists all over the world from the macro level to the molecular level. Development of building structures inspired by human bones: strong, sturdy, but light; the design of gloves that can stick to dry surfaces is inspired by lizards, to how spider webs are 350 times stronger than steel.

Dr. Parvez then explains how the morphological design and structure of organisms is formed according to their way of survival and environment, including how humans try to redesign these morphological structures. Dr. Parvez mentioned several bio-mimetic studies on the claws of arboreal animals to strength research on spider egg casings.
“How can biology help engineers?” Dr. Parvez presented a study by his students who tried to design wings inspired by the mechanism of insect wings. The study focuses on energy efficient flight mechanisms based on insect wing movements with minimal muscle movement.

It is hoped that this synergy between the fields of biology and engineering can explore more deeply how organisms form and work, and implement this in today’s technology.

The public lecture was followed by a question and answer session. Participants, both students and lecturers, were very enthusiastic about attending the lecture and were interested in studying biomimetic engineering in the future.

The public lecture was closed by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. as Dean of the Faculty of Biology. It is hoped that this public lecture can become a forum for inspiration for collaboration as well as strengthening collaborative relations, especially between the Faculty of Biology UGM and the University of Edinburgh in the future, in line with the commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals for improving inclusive education and expanding international cooperation (SDG 4 and 17).