The Socialization and brainstorming for student creativity program (PKM) 2024 has been conducted twice, on Monday, January 22, and Wednesday, January 31, 2024, from 13:00 to 16:00 WIB. The event began with a presentation on the Student Creativity Program (PKM) by Woro Anindito Sri Tunjung, M.Sc., Ph.D. The event then continued with the brainstorming session, facilitated by Aditya Latiful Azis, with speakers Fauzela Azira Ainaya, the gold medalist in the PKM-K poster category at PIMNAS 36, and Zahira Shofa, the gold medalist in the PKM-RE presentation category at PIMNAS. The second-day brainstorming session was led by Dwi Ayu Kurniasih, with Mia Fadilah as the speaker, who won gold in the poster category and a silver medal in the PKM-RE presentation at PIMNAS 36. The brainstorming sessions concluded with a question and answer session.

This event was aimed to provide an overview, inspiration, and a sharing of experiences to participants, encouraging them to participate in PKM 2024. The event was conducted in the form of a socialization and brainstorming and was attended by approximately 74 students from the Faculty of Biology at Gadjah Mada University. In the socialization session, an introduction to the Student Creativity Program (PKM) was presented, covering the activities, process, and information about PKM 2024. Meanwhile, the brainstorming session discussed experiences related to team formation, generating ideas for the PKM, dynamics during proposal preparation, PKP2, tips and tricks for PKM, and experiences during PIMNAS.

The Department of Creative Economy of the Student Executive Board (BEM) at the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, organized PMW Talk 2024 on Wednesday, 24 January 2024. PMW Talk is an event held as part of the work program to support the Student Entrepreneur Program (PMW) organized by the Subdirectorate of Student Character Development UGM. PMW Talk 2024 aims to introduce the PMW program among students, especially biology students, to enhance their entrepreneurial spirit and encourage participation in PMW activities.

[MBKM] – On Monday, 29 January 2024, as part of expanding partnership collaboration with potential industries in developing bioprospecting in Indonesia, the Research Team of the Independent Learning Independent Campus Program (Lit MBKM) from the Faculty of Biology UGM, led by Prof. Dr. Rarastoeti Pratiwi M.Sc., along with student members Abisha Yoofi Yudhatama, Dinny Kartika, Fatihatur Rizqiya Afifah, Lathifah Pinasti Putri, and Vincensia Yurin Prilia Kristanti, conducted an initial visit to CV. Madana Central Cosmetics (MCC) in Dalon, Sroyo, Jaten, Karanganyar, Central Java. The visit was received directly by the CEO of CV MCC, Purwo Harigung Nugroho, A.Md., along with managerial and Research and Development (R&D) staff.

During the discussion, the importance of collaboration in supporting Indonesia’s self-reliance, especially in cosmetics, by utilizing biological resources and human resources to face the intense marketing of cosmetic products from abroad, was emphasized. The need for the government’s role in creating policies that can protect domestic products to compete with imported products was also highlighted. The partnership collaboration between CV MCC and the Faculty of Biology at UGM was expected to result in product innovations, especially by incorporating natural raw materials, including plants that are easily grown in Indonesia, such as the butterfly pea plant (Clitoria ternatea L.). According to Purwo Harigung, “this collaboration is not only related to product innovation through research but can extend to a broader market by building systems starting from legal aspects (BPOM), branding, and promotion.” The meeting also showcased the types of cosmetics produced and developed by CV MCC, including soap, lotion, masks, and facial moisturizers. From the discussion with R&D, it was agreed to attempt product innovation by utilizing butterfly pea flowers, which have been extensively studied for their phytochemical content and have abilities such as being anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and UV protection. MCC cosmetic company already has formulations for cosmetic products using mostly imported raw materials.

Simultaneously with the visit, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Faculty of Biology UGM and CV Madana Central Cosmetics. In addition, a Letter of Cooperation was also approved in the MBKM Research Program for 2024, led by Prof. Rarastoeti Pratiwi and Purwo Harigung Nugroho, A.Md. This collaboration was expected to be expanded and enhanced for the next five years. The visit concluded with an exchange of souvenirs, including a package of one of CV Madana Central Cosmetics’ products, namely the Plan6 Skin Bliss Box, and butterfly pea plant seeds from the MBKM Research Team. This activity also supports one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically on Responsible Consumption and Production (SDGs 12).

Yogyakarta, 29 January 2024 – Faculty of Biology UGM held training entitled “Transmitted Light Microscopy” guided by Prof. Jorge H. Aigla, M.D. from St. John College, New Mexico, United States who attended along with Sureena Pohsa from Thailand as a research assistant. The training was carried out via hybrid in the Teaching Laboratory, Building B, Faculty of Biology, Gadjah Mada University and via zoom meeting, which was attended by lecturers, laboratory staff, students, and several high school teachers in Yogyakarta.

This activity was opened by the moderator, Tyas Ikhsan Hikmawan, M.S., Ph.D. which was continued with remarks from the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration and Alumni Affairs, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc.

“The microscope is one of the vital laboratory tools used in biological research, so it is hoped that this training can enhance participants’ experience and abilities in using this tool,” said Dr. Eko in his speech, Monday (29/01). He also expressed his welcome greeting to Prof. Jorge and Sureena as speakers at the training.

Prof. Jorge started the training with material related to the basics of using a microscope and the important aspects of using it to produce high quality image data. Aspects such as magnification, resolution (image detail) and contrast are crucial points for getting maximum object capture. Prof. Jorge emphasized that the use of a microscope must maximize the function of each part, such as the use of the objective lens, ocular lens, condenser and so on to minimize errors and less than optimal final results.

In the next session, Prof. Jorge guides the practice of observing at various magnifications including the use of oil immersion in high magnification observations. He emphasized again that the use of a microscope is basic, especially for biological research, but often basic knowledge such as recognizing lens types and their functions is not given enough attention.

This training is expected to provide comprehensive understanding and experience for participants, especially to improve laboratory and research skills. This activity is also part of the Faculty of Biology’s contribution to sustainable development goals (Sustainable Development Program; SDGs) especially in the development of inclusive education (SDG 4) through sustainable collaboration and cooperation (SDG 17).

On Thursday, 25 January 2024, a Waste Sorting Workshop titled “Conscious Sorting and Processing of Waste at Home (SAIDAH SARIMAH)” was conducted in collaboration between the Volunteer Independence Companions, the Yatim Mandiri institution, Bumi Sembada Waste Bank, and the Faculty of Biology UGM at Internet Learning Cafe Timoho from 09:00 AM to 12:00 PM WIB and was attended by students and staff from Yatim Mandiri Institution. The workshop’s content was delivered by Dzikri Asyakrullah, S.Sos, M.A., as an Empowerment Practitioner, Ria Karyanto, S.Kom, Founder of Bumi Sembada Waste Bank, Wahyu Aristianing Putri, M.Sc., Ph.D., and Novita Yustinadiar, S.Si., M.Si., as faculty members of the Faculty of Biology UGM. The workshop covered the importance of an empowerment mindset in addressing waste issues, the best practices and track record of the Bumi Sembada Waste Bank Sleman, community service discussing the synergy between academics and practitioners with the implementation of composting and biopore creation.

This time, Yatim Mandiri institution innovatively provided assistance in the form of community empowerment programs, aiming for a more significant impact through collaboration with practitioners and academics to address waste issues together with Bumi Sembada Waste Bank. This activity aligns with the PKM-MBKM and Desa Mitra programs that will be implemented by the Faculty of Biology in 2024, with the hope that many villages will become partners with Bumi Sembada Waste Bank. The Bumi Sembada Waste Bank was established in 2023 and was located in Sukoharjo Village, Padukuhan Besi, Sleman. There were 75 categories of waste that the community can sell to the waste bank, aiming to motivate the community to sort waste more diligently, thereby improving the economy and helping to address waste problems. Mr. Zikri outlined seven stages of community development, 1. Preparation: Aligning visions and missions, 2. Assessment, 3. Planning alternative activities, 4. Formulating action plans, 5. Implementing activities, 6. Evaluation, 7. Termination. It was emphasized that there should be involvement, participation, and clear role distribution in an empowerment organization, involving ideas from all members to ensure consistency in community service tasks. The outcome of this activity was the initiation of collaboration among all parties involved in waste bank distribution and the creation of a Zero Waste Management guidebook to be shared with partner villages.

This collaboration initiative was a contribution from the Faculty of Biology UGM to the goals of sustainable development (SDGs), specifically in the development of inclusive education (SDG 4) and sustainable cities and communities (SDG 11) through continuous collaboration and cooperation by building partnerships to achieve goals (SDG 17). Hopefully, this positive synergy can enhance healthy and prosperous living (SDG 3).

Wednesday, 24 January 2024 The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, held a Graduation Ceremony for the Postgraduate Program 2023/2024 period II at 01.00 p.m. and was opened by the Dean of the Faculty of Biology Prof. Dr. Budi Setyadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. and continued singing Indonesia Raya, Hymne Gadjah Mada, and Mars Faculty of Biology. The event was also attended by the Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, M.Sc., the Vice Dean for Finance, Assets, and Human Resources, Dr. Slamet Widianto, S.Si., M.Sc., the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration and Alumni Affairs, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, S.Si., M.App.Sc., the Head of Master in Biology Study Program, Dr.rer.nat. Andhika Puspito Nugroho, S.Si., M.Si., and the Head of Doctor in Biology Study Program, Prof. Dr. Endah Retnaningrum, M.Eng.. The event proceeded with a traditional dance performance from Banyuwangi, East Java, titled “Tari Sorote Lintang Kemukus,” presented by the Laskar Gebyar KMP Faculty of Biology.

Then, the graduation report was delivered by the head of Doctor in Biology Study Program, Prof. Dr. Endah Retnaningrum, M.Eng.. The II Period of Academic Year 2023/2024 there were 2 graduates for the doctoral program with an average length of study was 5 years and 3 months and an average GPA was 3.99. For the master program there were 11 graduates with the academic title Master of Science (M.Sc.) with 8 graduates with cumlaude predicates. The average length of study was 2 years and 4 months, with an average GPA of 3.88. Up to this period, the Postgraduate program of Biology UGM had graduated 132 doctoral students and 1672 master’s students.

Next, there was a reading of the graduates graduation results. Furthermore, there was a speech by representatives of the graduates Jimmy Al Fa’is, S.Si., M.Sc. He expressed gratitude to the Faculty of Biology for providing excellent facilities and scholarly competence. He extended thanks to the entire academic community of the Faculty of Biology for their support, including the supervising professors, mentors, and co-mentors. He dedicated the achievement to the parents, expressing happiness and gratitude for the earned degree. This also serves as a commitment to contribute to the nation in the best possible way. He hoped for a constant infusion of strong integrity and honesty, emphasizing the importance of holding firm to principles Locally Rooted Globally Respected, and not forgetting the local wisdom and national context that has brought many benefits. The program continued with a remark from the representative of the parents, Mr. H. Ali Imron, the father of Mr. Jimmy Al Fa’is, S.Si., M.Sc. He expressed gratitude to the professors who accompanied them throughout the learning process. He encouraged the graduates to remain humble and make the best use of the knowledge they have acquired.

The ceremony continued with pin awarding as a sign of membership in the Faculty of Biology Family by the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration and Alumni Affairs, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, S.Si., M.App.Sc., represented by graduates Dr. Munawir Sazali, M.Si. and Fa’izah Nur Shabrina, S.Si., M.Sc.,. Following that was a speech by the Dean, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. In his speech, he congratulated the graduates, highlighting that out of 1000 individuals, only 45 are postgraduate graduates, signifying an opportunity for the graduates to contribute to the country. He also mentioned that the presidential election would take place soon and urged everyone to safeguard our unity, emphasizing that the nation would progress with an enhancement in human resources. On behalf of the faculty, he expressed gratitude to the supervising professors as their mentees have successfully graduated, bringing pride to the faculty and the entire staff who accompanied them throughout the learning process. He expressed hope for the graduates, as Biology alumni, to become successful individuals in the future. Towards the end of the event, graduates presented mementos to the Dean. Before concluding the event, a prayer was recited by Sumarno, S.Si. M.Sc. The ceremony was then closed by the Dean at 01.30 pm.

On January 19, 2024, the Biology Student Congress (KMB) 2023 was conducted as a symbol of the end of the administration of the Laskar Aswattha Cabinet of the Student Executive Board (BEM) of the Faculty of Biology, UGM, and the Cakra Optima Parliament of the Biology Student Senate (SEMA) of the Faculty of Biology, UGM. KMB is a general assembly aimed at inaugurating the chairperson of BEM Biology and the chairperson and members of SEMA for the 2024 administration. The event was held virtually through the Zoom Meeting platform and started at 08:30 AM Western Indonesian Time (WIB), attended by BEM, SEMA, and representatives of Study Groups/Institutions. The activities began with an opening by Jovika Syifa Ananmaimuna, serving as the Master of Ceremony. The event continued with the reading of the session rules by the interim session leader, which was then approved and ratified. This was followed by the election of the permanent session leader. Denianto Agung Wicaksono, as the interim session leader, was approved by the forum as the permanent session leader.

The event continued with the inauguration of the elected BEM 2024 chairperson, Muhammad Nurul Fathoni Adha, who took an oath under the holy book of the Quran. After the inauguration of the BEM Biology 2024 chairperson was completed, the event proceeded with the inauguration of the elected SEMA Faculty of Biology 2024 chairperson, Marfuah. The event then continued with the inauguration of SEMA members for the 2024 administration. Next, the outline of the Working Direction (GBHK) for 2024 was presented by the BEM 2024 chairperson, Muhammad Nurul Fathoni Adha. The GBHK included four sections: introduction, basic pattern of the working direction of BEM Biology UGM, general pattern of the working direction of BEM Biology UGM, and conclusion. After the reading of the GBHK, it was hoped that all elements of the Family of Students of the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, could work together to strive for a unified, harmonious, synergistic, and integrity-filled Family of Students of the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada.

After the reading of the GBHK, the session was closed by the permanent session leader and taken over again by Jovika Syifa Ananmaimuna, the MC. The KMB 2023 event concluded at 09:40 AM with a virtual closing session and a group photo session.

Yogyakarta, January 4, 2024, in the Lobby of Building B, Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada – The Doctor in Biology Study Program, Faculty of Biology, UGM, conducted a Seminar on Research Findings for doctoral students from the academic years 2021 (odd and even semester) and 2022 (odd and even semester). The agenda served as a platform for doctoral students to present their research findings to their mentors and fellow students. The event was attended by 24 students under the guidance of 40 mentors.

The seminar commenced at 08:00 AM WIB, led by Angelina Illa Tha, S.Si., and began with the singing of the Indonesian National Anthem, Universitas Gadjah Mada Hymn, and the Faculty of Biology UGM March. Following this, there were remarks by the Dean of the Faculty of Biology, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. In his address, he expressed gratitude to the organizing committee for their hard work in preparing the Seminar. He emphasized the importance of doctoral students being disciplined with their time to ensure the timely completion of their programs. The Dean encouraged students to conduct proposal seminars in their first semester and comprehensive exams in the second semester. He also urged mentors to regularly monitor the progress of their students to avoid delays in completing their studies, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling the requirement of scientific publication. The Dean highlighted the expectation that graduates of the Doctor in Biology Study Program in the Faculty of Biology would be ready to work and contribute to the success of government programs. The event then proceeded with presentations of research findings by doctoral students in the form of posters, with each presentation lasting for 5 minutes. Dr. Wahyu Aristyaning Putri, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., moderated the session. After the presentations, students engaged in discussions with their mentor teams regarding their research findings and future plans.

The closing remarks were delivered by the Head of Doctor in Biology Study Program Faculty of Biology Universitas Gadjah Mada, Prof. Dr. Endah Retnaningrum, M.Eng. She conveyed that after the Research Findings Seminar, students should promptly revise their work with their mentor teams, prepare publications, and consistently provide progress reports. The Seminar was anticipated to serve as a means for collective monitoring of each doctoral student’s research progress by their mentor teams. The event also served as an essential agenda item to ensure that doctoral students complete their research and graduate on time. Additionally, the feedback, suggestions, and critiques during the seminar’s discussion session are expected to contribute to the improvement of publication design and assist students in completing their research.

Yogyakarta, 11 and 12 January 2024 – Researchers from PT SMART Tbk (Sinarmas Agribusiness and Food) visited the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada regarding the development of microalgae at the company. The visit was received by the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration, and Alumni Affairs as well as Lecturer from the Biotechnology Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. and attended by PT SMART Tbk researchers including Aprilia Nur Fitriani, Ph.D., Rika Fithri Nurani Buana, M.Si., and Sigit Dwi Maryanto, M.Sc. as Microbiome Technology Specialist.

Dr. Eko explained the research and development activities of microalgae as alternative energy and functional food. He highlighted the large potential for developing microalgae in Indonesia so that they are starting to be widely cultivated for various purposes. On this occasion, Dr. Eko explained the cultivation process from laboratory scale to mass scale and the microalgae harvesting process as well as the use of information technology to monitor water quality in microalgae cultivation. On this occasion, Sigit Dwi Maryanto, M.Sc as a representative from PT SMART Tbk expressed his desire to initiate the establishment of a microalgae business unit at PT SMART Tbk.

The purpose of PT SMART Tbk Researchers’ visit to the Biology Faculty was to see the microalgae research facilities and processes owned by the Faculty of Biology. The first visit was carried out at the Biotechnology Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, UGM to see the facilities and processes for cultivating microalgae on a laboratory scale owned by the Faculty of Biology. The activity continued with a visit to the Biodiversity Research Station II, Faculty of Biology in Karanggayam to see the mass-scale microalgae research facilities. The next visit was carried out at Minggir Algae Park as the Microalgae Biorefinery Science and Technology Center of Excellence to see the process of developing microalgae into multi-products.

It is hoped that the visit will be the initiation of research collaboration between the Faculty of Biology and PT SMART Tbk through various schemes. It is also hoped that this visit will open up opportunities for students to gain experience outside campus through various schemes such as research, internships and MBKM at PT SMART Tbk. In addition, the initiation of this collaboration is part of the Faculty of Biology’s contribution to sustainable development goals (Sustainable Development Program; SDGs) especially in the development of inclusive education (SDG 4), renewable energy research (SDG 7) through ongoing collaboration and cooperation (SDG 17).