Lecturer from Faculty of Biology, Laboratory of Ecology and Conservation, Akbar Reza, M.Sc., actively participates as a facilitator in the training of novice conservation cadres conducted by the Mount Merapi National Park. This activity is part of the efforts of Mount Merapi National Park Authority to encourage active participation of the community in preserving the natural environment and ecosystem in the area. It is hoped that similar activities will continue to be held periodically to maintain the continuity of awareness and community participation in environmental conservation efforts.

This activity focuses on sharing experiences and strengthening the understanding of the Basics of Ecology for 20 cadres consisting of various participants from the surrounding community, including teachers from elementary, junior high, and senior high schools, members of SAKA (Scout Rangers), and the general public around the National Park area, including from Sleman, Boyolali, Magelang, and Klaten. The event took place at Kalikuning Park on October 30 and 31, 2023, aimed to provide in-depth insights into the importance of ecology in maintaining environmental sustainability, especially in the Mount Merapi area, which is rich in natural resources. Through discussions and field practices, the participants actively engaged in the sessions. Furthermore, the participants actively shared their experiences in the context of ecology and conservation in the National Park area.

Akbar Reza expressed his hope that this event will be held regularly, as it is expected to encourage collaboration between academics, area managers, and the community in preserving the ecosystem within and around the National Park. This is because the community plays a key role in long-term conservation efforts. With the success of this activity, it is hoped that it will enhance collaboration between the community, academics, and area managers in environmental conservation efforts, as a tangible expression of concern for the sustainability of nature, which is a valuable legacy for future generations.

One of a series of activities in the PkM-MBKM program at the Faculty of Biology UGM was held on Saturday, November 4 2023 at Kampung Satwa, Kedung Banteng, Sumberagung, Moyudan, Sleman. This activity was carried out by Microalgae Research Group, chaired by Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. with three student members, Aulia Setyo Nurul Hida, Wildan Hilmi Azharul Hakim, and Muhammad Naufal Azzamrafif. This activity takes place from 15.30 to 17.00 WIB. This activity is a follow-up activity after carrying out an evaluation of the service program that ran in the previous year. This year’s Microalgae Research community service program has the big theme “Development of Microalgae-Based Animal Feed in Animal Villages (Phase III)” with the focus no longer being on large-scale product harvesting, but focusing on introducing microalgae to ordinary people with an interesting cultivation and maintenance system. The easy one.

This visit was carried out with the aim of introducing a simple photobioreactor as an installation for culturing microalgae as well as direct practice of culturing microalgae in a photobioreactor. Microalgae cultivation in a photobioreactor was applied using the Spirulina sp. using inoculant derived from the stock culture of the Faculty of Biology UGM Biotechnology Laboratory. After carrying out direct cultivation practices, it is hoped that people will be able to continue cultivating microalgae independently. Apart from aiming to introduce photobioreactors to the community in Kampung Satwa, this activity also aims to increase interest and understanding of the general public, both residents of Kampung Satwa, and tourists who visit Kampung Satwa regarding microalgae culture and its various benefits. It is also hoped that this photobioreactor can become an icon to attract tourists to the Animal Village.

In order to increase the number of lecturer research proposals, the postgraduate program at Haluoleo University, Kendari held a Workshop on Writing Master’s Thesis Research Grant Proposals and Doctoral Dissertation Grants. This workshop was held on Tuesday, November 8 2023, with the aim of providing technical knowledge and skills for lecturers so they can write grant proposals well. Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. from the Faculty of Biology UGM were invited as speakers on the agenda.

This workshop was opened by the Director of Postgraduate Studies at Haluoleo University, Prof. Dr. Ir. Destiny Saali, M.Sc. and convey the research achievements and publications of Postgraduate Program lecturers. In his remarks, Prof. Takdir appealed to lecturers to immediately prepare proposals for the 2024 funding scheme. It is hoped that in 2024 and beyond, the number of proposals submitted and funded will increase, so that they can help Haluoleo University postgraduate students complete their studies.

The event continued with the presentation regarding strategies for preparing proposals for the Master’s Thesis Research Grant program and Doctoral Dissertation Research Grants for universities in the era of independent campuses by Dr. Eko Agus Suyono. In his presentation, he conveyed the importance of track records and research roadmaps from researchers as well as proposal writing strategies. “Making a proposal requires a clear track record and research roadmap as well as learning a lot from the experiences of other researchers. A good proposal is easy for other people to understand, even if they have different scientific backgrounds,” said Dr. Eko Agus Suyono.

The next session was a presentation regarding best practices for collaborative research with domestic and global partners by Prof. Analuddin, Ph.D. Vice Director for Academic Affairs of Postgraduate Programs, Haluoleo University. The material presented is experience in initiating and developing collaboration with partners so that our proposals have a better chance of getting funding.

After the material presentation session by the two speakers, the event continued with discussions and questions and answers as well as an introduction to the Faculty of Biology UGM Masters and Doctoral Program. Apart from that, there was also an introduction to the Biodiversity Curator Professional Program which is planned to be opened in 2024 at the Faculty of Biology UGM. The workshop was successful and smooth, attended by all lecturers from the Postgraduate Program at Haluoleo University, Kendari.

This workshop was also carried out to realize the 4th pillar of the SDGs, quality education by ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for everyone as well as the 17th pillar of the SDGs, global cooperation to achieve sustainable goals. This goal aims to strengthen global cooperation in supporting national plans to achieve the SDGs targets.

In connection with the continuation of the Community Service Program – the Independent Learning Independent Campus (MBKM) 2023, the Faculty of Biology Universitas Gadjah Mada in Blotan hamlet, led by Prof. Dr. Kumala Dewi MSc.St along with students, Alfina Damayanti ( and Estherina Claudya Manurung, conducted an extension activity on natural food and Fabric Dyes as well as Organic waste processing using stacked bucket at The Blotan village hall on Thursday, October 2023 from 3.30 PM to 5.00 PM. The activity was attended by the head of PKK RT 01 along with 12 members.

The material was delivered by Prof. Dr. Kumala Dewi MSc.St. She explained the advantages and disadvantages of using synthetic dyes compared to natural dyes. The use of natural dyes, whether for food and beverages or for batik fabric coloring, supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially goal number 2, which aims to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. Natural dyes introduced in this session included butterfly pea flowers (Clitorea ternatea L) for blue color and roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L) which provides red color for food and beverages. Additionally, there are other types of plants that can be used for food coloring, such as turmeric, pandan leaves, and black rice. In addition to providing natural color, the use of infusions from butterfly pea flowers, roselle petals, and black rice can also support health as they contain beneficial compounds like anthocyanins and vitamin C, which act as antioxidants. By planting butterfly pea flowers, roselle, or other beneficial plants, the environment can also be enhanced. Regarding fabric dyeing, Prof. Kumala Dewi MSc.St explained that the leaves of the indigo plant (Indigofera tinctoria L), which belongs to the legume family, can be processed to produce Indican dye, which imparts a blue color to fabric. The use of natural dyes for fabric can also reduce water pollution, which often occurs around batik industries that use synthetic dyes. Planting Indigofera is easy, and this plant can be beneficial in improving soil fertility.

In addition to the explanation about natural dyes, the process of household organic waste processing to create liquid fertilizer using stacked buckets was also presented. This was done in an effort to support the resolution of the waste problem, which has been a trending issue recently due to household waste disposal sites being full. Proper separation of household waste needs to be carried out diligently by every household member. Organic waste can be collected in stacked buckets, and with the help of Hermetia illucens flies that lay eggs in the waste, maggots can consume the waste and produce liquid fertilizer as well as residual solid waste. Both can be used for vegetable fertilizer, whether planted in polybags or in the field. From previous analyses, liquid fertilizer from organic waste processing with stacked buckets and the assistance of black soldier fly maggots contains hormones and amino acids that are beneficial for promoting plant growth. In this counseling event, small agar-agar snacks were also served, colored with natural blue dye (from butterfly pea flowers) and red dye (from roselle). Additionally, five sets of stacked buckets were provided for practical use in household organic waste processing. The participants were very enthusiastic in responding to the counseling session, with several questions discussed. Those who received the stacked buckets will report on their usage through videos, as well as the liquid fertilizer products produced. From this counseling activity for the PKK mothers in Blotan hamlet, it is hoped that the role of women in supporting food security for families and environmental sustainability can be established and sustained.

On Saturday, November 4th, 2023, the team of Community Service Program – Independent Learning Independent Campus (PKM-MBKM) 2023 Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, carried out activities regarding processing, marketing strategies, and product branding called “Tiramanda” as the series of activities of cultivation and processing of oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus ostreatus) for the Women Farmer Group or Kelompok Wanita Tani (KWT) Amanda in Kepuh Wetan, Wirokerten village, Yogyakarta. The product name “Tiramanda” comes from a combination of the words “jamur tiram” (bahasa of oyster mushroom) and KWT Amanda.

On this occasion, the team leader Prof. Dr. Diah Rachmawati, S.Si., M.Si. explained that the cultivation of oyster mushrooms and their processed products is very prospective to be developed and it can strengthen entrepreneurial independence and contribute to increase the community’s economy (SDG 8). Team members, Dr. Siti Nurbaiti, S.Si. along with the students of Faculty Biology UGM, namely Ika Izma Putri, Kusnadianta Yudha Pratama, Dana Abruri, and Airlangga Wibisono, delivered on how to make processed products from oyster mushrooms, how to become an entrepreneur based on SWOT analysis and economic analysis, product packaging, marketing strategies, and branding. Introduction and sharing of product logos were also discussed during this presentation.

Practical activities were conducted for processing oyster mushrooms into several processed products, including dimsum, nuggets and oyster mushroom satay. These products are selected based on the processing potential, convinience and marketing prospects. The team of PKM-MBKM and KWT Amanda made the products together using the recipe that has been prepared. The processing then continued with packaging by placing the processed products into containers that have been affixed with “Tiramanda” brand stickers. The brand sticker on each product has a different color, making it more attractive and easier for buyers to differentiate the processed products. During the practice of making processed oyster mushrooms, participants from KWT Amanda were very enthusiastic and actively discussed recipe modification to suit target consumers. At the end, a video regarding testimonials on oyster mushroom processed recipe was made together by the team PKM-MBKM together with KWT Amanda and then was closed with a group photo.

Yogyakarta, November 3, 2023 – The Faculty of Biology Universitas Gadjah Mada received a visit from the Master’s Program in Science Education, University of Jambi. The visit took place at the Tropical Biology Auditorium and was welcomed by Dr. rer. nat. Andhika Puspito Nugroho, S.Si., M.Si., the Head of the Master’s Program in Biology, Faculty of Biology UGM. The visit was attended by 22 postgraduate students from the Master’s Program in Science Education, University of Jambi, along with three accompanying professors.

Ir. Bambang Haryadi, M.Si., Ph.D., a lecturer from the Faculty of Education and Teacher Training (FKIP) at the University of Jambi, delivered a welcome address. He expressed the purpose of the visit, which was to provide insights to the students about global-level science education and an overview of the curriculum at the Faculty of Biology. Dr. Andhika then delivered a speech and discussed the Master’s program at the Faculty of Biology at UGM. He mentioned the differences in the curriculum, as the biology program is research-based rather than education-focused. Dr. Andhika also talked about the various admission pathways for the Master’s program, including regular and by-research routes, which allow students to continue working in their respective institutions. He also highlighted the numerous international collaboration opportunities offered by the Faculty of Biology.

The students from the University of Jambi proceeded to visit the Biotechnology Laboratory of the Faculty of Biology. The visit was greeted by Prof. Dr. Endang Semiarti, M.S., M.Sc., the Head of the Biotechnology Laboratory, Wahyu Aristyaning Putri, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., a lecturer affiliated with the Biotechnology Laboratory, and Eka Mega Sampurna, A.Md., the laboratory assistant. Dr. Endang presented the profile of the Biotechnology Laboratory and explained the ongoing research conducted there. The students were enthusiastic about learning, particularly about tissue culture, which is also a focus of research in the Biotechnology Laboratory. They expressed how staying updated with the latest technologies in the field of biology would be beneficial for their future teaching endeavors.

In learning about library management as part of the educational activities at the Faculty of Biology, UGM, the students from the University of Jambi then visited the Faculty of Biology Library located on the 3rd floor of Building B. The visit was welcomed by Rusna Nur Aini, A.Md., one of the staff members of the Faculty of Biology Library. She shared insights about library management, including book archiving, which is now digitized for easier access by students. The Faculty of Biology Library is also equipped with supporting facilities, including computer rooms, an Electronic Thesis and Dissertation (ETD) room for accessing various student final project documents, circulation space, and more. She also discussed the library’s programs, including community engagement supported by student volunteers through an annual system. This visit is hoped to serve as a bridge in the broader and more inclusive development of biological knowledge, in line with the Faculty of Biology’s support for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for inclusive education (SDG 4) improvement.

In response to recent cases of mental health issues among students, on Friday October 13, 2023, the Faculty of Biology UGM organized a training session for Buddy Counselors. Buddy Counselors are fellow students who serve as peer counselors for their peers in need of mental health support, officially inaugurated by the Dean of the Faculty of Biology at UGM on June 1, 2023.

The training, attended by 19 students, was conducted in-person in Lecture Room 3 of the Faculty of Biology UGM. It began with a shared lunch to foster a sense of camaraderie. The session was led by Psychologist Yudhistira Adi Perdana, M.Psi., from the Faculty of Biology UGM. The training covered the theme of mental health and the role of peer counselors, and it was received with enthusiasm by all participants. In his presentation, he conveyed that mental health is a state of well-being, where an individual is aware of their abilities, can cope with life’s pressures, engage in productive activities, and contribute to the community. “This doesn’t mean never experiencing illness, negative feelings, being free from problems, or pressure,” he added. Furthermore, Mr. Yudhis explained that the role of Buddy Counselors is to be a confidant who can provide motivation, additional information, and advice (if needed) to friends experiencing difficulties. At the end of the session, participants received practical counseling training. Each participant took on the role of a student facing mental health issues, while others played the role of counselors. To be an ideal counselor, one needs the ability to actively listen, control emotions, be open to new experiences without judgment, show empathy, identify problems, and provide advice (if necessary), communicate effectively, be honest and assertive, and maintain confidentiality.

The training was also attended by the Mental Health Team of the Faculty of Biology, consisting of faculty counselors: Dwi Umi Siswanti, S.Si., M.Sc. (Coordinator of Faculty Counselors), Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono, S.Si., M.Si. (Faculty Counselor), and Dr.rer.nat. Abdul Rahman Siregar, M.Biotech., as well as the HPU Coordinator of the Faculty of Biology at UGM, Titin Fauziah, S.E., M.B.A. The training and information-sharing sessions on mental health for Buddy Counselors at the Faculty of Biology UGM will be held regularly, with the hope of further strengthening the team’s efforts to create a mentally healthy and prosperous campus environment, in support of the SDGs for Good Health and Well-being. “Because Every Action We Take Matters”.

Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, S.Si., M.Agr.Sc., Ph.D., the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, had the opportunity to be a speaker in a Workshop on Curriculum Review for the Master’s (S2) Biology Program organized by the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at the University of Bengkulu. The event took place on Friday, November 3, 2023, starting at 08:00 AM in the Meeting Room of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at the University of Bengkulu.

Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, S.Si., M.Agr.Sc., Ph.D., the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, had the opportunity to be a speaker in a Workshop on Curriculum Review for the Master’s (S2) Biology Program organized by the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at the University of Bengkulu. The event took place on Friday, November 3, 2023, starting at 08:00 AM in the Meeting Room of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at the University ofThis event not only aimed to enhance academic knowledge but also provided an opportunity for Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, S.Si., M.Agr.Sc., Ph.D. to deliver a guest lecture on the theme “The Potential of Specific Endemic Biodiversity in Supporting Food Security and Conservation.” The guest lecture began with a welcome address from the Dean of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at the University of Bengkulu, Dr. Jarulis, S.Si., M.Si., and was moderated by Dr. Sipriyadi, M.Si., Head of the Biology Department at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at the University of Bengkulu. In addition to being a platform for learning and exchanging academic ideas, this event also demonstrated a strong commitment to establish and strengthen academic and research collaborations at the national level. With the advancement of knowledge and the demands of the times, updates in higher education curriculum are crucial to prepare a competent younger generation that is relevant to future needs. The Faculty of Biology at UGM has engaged in various forms of collaboration with domestic universities, including the Biology Department at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at the University of Bengkulu (UNIB). The collaborations explored in this meeting cover various aspects, ranging from guest lectures to the signing of Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) and Cooperation Agreements (PKS) related to the Tri Dharma of Higher Education (Education, Research, and Community Service). The evaluation and development of undergraduate (S1) and master’s (S2) program curricula are important considerations in delivering relevant and competitive curricula in an era of rapidly changing education. Bengkulu.

Furthermore, this collaboration also opens doors for lecturers from the Biology Department at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at UNIB to pursue doctoral studies (S3) at the Faculty of Biology at UGM. This is a crucial step in developing human resources capable of contributing to the advancement of science and technology in the country. It is hoped that the collaborative efforts between the Faculty of Biology at UGM and the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at UNIB will further strengthen relationships and bring about meaningful institutional improvements for both parties.

The UGM-Indonesia team, consisting of students from various faculties at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), has achieved remarkable succes feat by winning a gold medal, inclusivity award, and a nomination for the best diagnostic project at the Grand Jamboree – International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) Competition 2023, held in Paris, France, from November 2 to November 5, 2023. Four out of the sixteen members of the UGM-Indonesia team are Biology students in the class of 2020 : Sofyan Maulana, Fathur Syahrian Ramadhani, Adelia Intan Sabhira, and Ulfah Nur Azizah. This moment marks the first time in the 20-year history of the iGEM competition that a team from Indonesia has successfully secured a special award and entered the nomination for the best project. Previously, in 2021, the UGM-Indonesia team led by Yustika Sari (Biology 2017) achieved a silver medal.

iGEM is a prestigious competition in the field of Synthetic Biology that originated from a summer school activity at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 2003. In this competition, each team is provided with an iGEM Distribution Kit containing hundreds of “BioBrick Parts,” which are DNA components that can be assembled into genetic circuits to address various real-world problems. This competition has spurred the emergence of research innovations, companies, and leading biotechnology startups such as Ginkgo Bioworks, Asimov, and Benchling. In the two-decade celebration of iGEM, this year’s competition was participated in by 400 teams from 66 countries, involving over 3000 high school students, undergraduate, and graduate students from around the world.

Under the leadership of I Made Rhamandana Putra (Pharmacy 2019), the UGM-Indonesia team adopted the theme of diagnostic technology with a project entitled “Novel Biodevice for Colorectal Cancer Screening using Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (ECN) with miRNAs as Biomarker”. The team successfully engineered the ECN bacteria to detect cancer cells and enhance the sensitivity of the Loop-Initiated RNA Activator (LIRA) through mathematical modeling and computer simulation. The hard work, innovation, and creativity of this team convinced five international judges to award a gold medal and a nomination for the best diagnostic project. In addition to conducting research in the laboratory, the iGEM team also had to approach social and inclusivity aspects within various community components. Out of the 400 competing teams, the UGM-Indonesia team was selected to win the special prize: the best Inclusive award.

This achievement would not have been possible without the dedication and guidance of various parties. Dr. Yekti Asih Purwestri from the Faculty of Biology UGM served as the main supervisor, supported by Widhi Dyah Sawitri, Ph.D (Faculty of Agriculture), M. Saifur Rohman, Ph.D (Faculty of Agriculture), and Setyowati Triastuti Utami, Ph.D (Faculty of Pharmacy). Additionally, the team was assisted by 15 mentors comprising of lecturers, alumni, and UGM students, including six lecturers from the Faculty of Biology: Dr. Yekti Asih Purwestri, S.Si., M.Si., Dr. Niken Satuti Nur Handayani, Aries Bagus Sasongko, M.Biotech, Lisna Hidayati, M.Biotech, Indra Lesmana, M.Sc., and Matin Nuhamunada, M.Sc. [Author: UGM iGEM Team]

Biology students Universitas Gadjah Mada (S1) made another achievement at national level by win 2nd place in the National Essay Competition (E-Comp) “BIOCOMPACT (Biology Competition and Application) Season 14” held at the State University of Surabaya on October 29, 2023. This remarkable achievement was achieved by Muhammad Fityatul Haq and Ulfah Nur Azizah, Biology Student Class of 2020 under the guidance of Laksmindra Fitria, S.Si., M.Si.

The competition took the theme “The Role of the Younger Generation in Realizing the Millennial Generation (Potential, Critical Thinking, and Innovation)”, aimed to enhancing the knowledge and understanding of the younger generation in advancing the quality of SDGS 2040, particularly in the field of biology, which is closely related to issues concerning living organisms and the environment. The competition underwent a series of selection stages, including essay registration and submission, selection of the top 5 finalists, collection of essay posters, and concluded with the finalists’ presentations. This competition took place from July 3, 2023, to October 29, 2023.

Through this competition, the team highlighted the holistic implementation of Interdisciplinary Project-Based Learning (I-PjBL) amidst educational segmentation, emphasizing its urgency in the context of special needs education. For children with special needs, PjBL can serve as an alternative to enhance their real-life learning experiences, as it is constructivist in nature, particularly in developing critical thinking skills that can encourage them to be more independent and less reliant on others. Additionally, the team also spotlighted the implementation of I-PjBL in STEM-based learning.

The team hopes that the breakthroughs and issues raised through this competition will contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4, which pertains to inclusive quality education. Furthermore, they aspire that participation in this competition will provide encouragement and motivation for Indonesian students and the younger generation to make positive contributions towards advancing education in Indonesia. [Author: Ulfah Nur Azizah]