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Achivements

Biology Student Team Achieved Silver Medal (3rd Runner Up) Essay in the International Biology Competition (MIBC) 2024

Achivements Friday, 6 December 2024

The Faculty of Biology of Gadjah Mada University student team consisting of Feny Nur Nucfera (Biology 2021), Allya Heni Pramesti (Biology 2021), and Cindy Adisty Rudi Ananda Putri (Biology 2021) achieved 3rd Runner Up in the essay competition at the International Biology Competition (MIBC) 2024. International Biology Competition (MIBC) 2024 is a global scientific competition organized by the biology master program of UIN Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang from October 8 to December 1, 2024. This global scientific competition was attended by more than 100 teams of both undergraduate (S1) and master (S2) students nationally and internationally. The competition with the theme “Innovative Scientific Solutions for Sustainable Development” aims to foster the interest of the younger generation in the field of research and scientific writing. The competition encourages students to develop skills in research, analysis, and scientific writing by utilizing technological advances to support sustainable development in accordance with the goals of Indonesia Emas 2045.


With a background in biology, the UGM Biology Student Team used a Biotechnology approach in their scientific paper entitled “GenPlast Solver: Genetic Engineering for PETase Gene Insertion in Lactobacillus sp. as a Smart Solution to the Plastic Waste Problem”. The background of this work is the increasing global plastic waste problem with global plastic production reaching 400 million tons per year and Indonesia being the second largest contributor to plastic waste in the world. Only 9% of plastic waste is successfully recycled. Current plastic waste management methods such as incineration and recycling have constraints, namely technology and public awareness. Plastic waste has a negative impact on human health and ecosystems. Therefore, it is necessary to develop environmentally friendly biotechnology-based innovations to address the global plastic waste problem.

One of the innovations raised by the team is the GenPlast Solver culture starter based on genetic engineering to tackle plastic waste efficiently. This idea explores the potential of genetic engineering techniques by inserting the PETase gene from Ideonella sakainensis into gram-positive bacteria Lactobacillus sp. as a solution to degrade plastic waste. The PETase enzyme derived from Ideonella sakaiensis showed much higher activity in degrading PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic compared to other enzymes. This makes it a promising candidate for bioremediation efforts. However, the growth of Ideonella sakaiensis has a negative impact on the environment. Lactobacillus compared to Ideonella sakainensis has the advantages of resistance to high salinity and adaptability to environmental pH, making it more suitable for direct application in ecosystems. The engineering process includes isolation of PETase gene, cloning into expression vector, transformation into Lactobacillus sp. and optimization of gene expression. The final product is a genetically modified Lactobacillus sp. starter culture that can be applied in the treatment of plastic waste in industries and landfills. This innovation offers a sustainable green technology approach (SDGs 3, 4 & 12), supports the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (SDGs 13), and creates new economic opportunities through the production of GenPlast Solver-based starter cultures (SDGs 8). [Author: Feny Nur Nucfera]

UGM Biology Faculty Students Win Bronze Medal at the 2nd International Youth Summit, Malaysia, with Research on Plastic Waste Issues

Achivements Monday, 18 November 2024

Malaysia witnessed the success of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) students at the prestigious 2nd International Youth Summit held on November 9–10, 2024. One of UGM’s delegations won the Bronze Medal after presenting their innovation titled “Harnessing Genetic Transformation and Gene Cassette Strategy: Advancing Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) Production for Sustainable Bioplastic.” This creative idea, developed by the PHB Team comprising Lucia Arum Sekar Meysari, Azizah Tyas Nugrahanty and Ganies Riza Aristya from the UGM Biology Faculty, addresses the pressing global problem of plastic waste.

The competition, featuring participants from various countries, focused on the theme of youth innovation in solving global issues. The PHB Team highlighted the environmental challenges posed by non-degradable plastic waste, which threatens both marine and terrestrial ecosystems. In their presentation, they proposed a concept for biodegradable plastic production using microorganisms that decompose naturally in the environment. Moreover, this solution is not only eco-friendly but also cost-effective, as the materials used are readily available and hold significant development potential. The competition evaluated ideas based on innovation, presentation, scientific relevance, and practical implementation potential. With a thorough mastery of the subject and robust supporting data, the PHB Team successfully impressed the international jury.

Despite facing fierce competition from other nations, the PHB Team demonstrated remarkable enthusiasm in presenting their ideas. This success was the result of solid teamwork, intensive preparation, and guidance from experienced lecturers and mentors. Their victory serves as an inspiration for UGM students to continue innovating and bringing Indonesia’s name to the global stage. They hope that this idea can be further developed and implemented in real-world applications.

As an initial step toward a more sustainable future, the team’s innovation in creating biodegradable plastic solutions offers fresh hope in tackling the global plastic waste crisis. This effort contributes not only to reducing environmental damage but also aligns with the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 12 on responsible production and consumption and Goal 13 on climate action. Their success demonstrates that cross-disciplinary collaboration, innovative research, and a vision for a greener future can yield tangible impacts. It is hoped that this achievement will inspire more stakeholders to develop innovative solutions for creating a more sustainable world.

The Biology Student Research Team Wins Silver Medal at the 3rd International Conference of Biological Science (ICoBioS) 2024

AchivementsStudent Activities Tuesday, 29 October 2024

Biology students at Universitas Gadjah Mada made another achievement by winning a silver medal at the 3rd International Conference of Biological Sciences (ICoBioS) 2024. The conference, held by Universitas Brawijaya on September 27-28, 2024, had the theme “Recent Update in Bioinformatics, Synthetic Biology, and Nanobio Science for Better Future.” This success strengthens UGM’s standing in the international scientific community, particularly in driving innovation and progress in modern biological sciences. This achievement was achieved by Thoriq Abdul Halim, Tiara Putria Judith, and Salfa Athallah Agtari Nabillah students from the 2021 cohort, under the guidance of Dr. Ganies Riza Aristya, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., presented research titled “Comparative Analysis of DNA Barcodes Based on Nuclear and Chloroplast Genes for Phylogenetic Reconstruction of Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) in Java Island.”


In their presentation, the team discussed the importance of sugarcane (S. officinarum L.) production, which contributes to 80% of global sugar production. Despite Java Island supplying 61% of the national output, Indonesia only produced 2.23 million tons of sugar in 2019, while imports reached 5.46 million tons in 2021, mainly from Thailand. The low sugarcane yield is due to the narrowing of genetic diversity caused by domestication. Given the complexity of the genome and the difficulty in distinguishing morphological characteristics, the team utilized DNA barcoding techniques to analyze genetic variation in nuclear DNA and chloroplast DNA of sugarcane. This research aims to identify intra- and interspecific genetic variation among sugarcane cultivars as part of efforts to improve varietal identification, agricultural productivity, and food security in Indonesia.

The theme and goals of this research align with UGM’s commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDGs No.2 on ending hunger and enhancing food security, and SDGs No.12, which focuses on sustainable production and consumption through efforts to increase sugarcane productivity and reduce dependence on sugar imports in Indonesia.

Biology Student Wins First Place in the National Scientific Writing Competition at the Biology Learning Festival by Universitas Siliwangi

Achivements Tuesday, 22 October 2024

Biology students at Universitas Gadjah Mada (S1) made another achievement by winning first place at the national-level Biology Learning Festival Essay Competition organized by Universitas Siliwangi on October 17, 2024. This achievement was achieved by a team chaired by ASyafira Nurul Aisya (Biology 2021) and its member Fadlilah Rahma Julianty (Biology 2021) under the guidance of Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Andhika Puspito Nugroho, S.Si., M.Si.

The team presented ”Study on the Potential of Pseudomonas, Agrobacterium, Sulfolobus, and Alteromonas as Biodegradation Agents for Chlorpyrifos Contamination through a Molecular Docking Approach,” competing against 11 teams from various universities across Indonesia. The research was motivated by the issue of increased pest incidence due to climate change, which increased chlorpyrifos insecticide usage, resulting in environmental contamination. Chlorpyrifos contamination in agricultural and plantation settings poses risks to ecosystems and human health, necessitating its degradation into environmentally safe products through bioremediation processes.

“We explored microorganisms capable of degrading chlorpyrifos insecticides and evaluated them in silico to identify potential candidates that could serve as bioremediation agents,” said Syafira.

Through this research, Syafira and Fadlilah hope to lay the groundwork for further studies on developing microorganism-based biodegradation methods, particularly in addressing chlorpyrifos insecticide pollution, which remains a challenge in various agricultural and plantation sectors in Indonesia. The further development of this study is anticipated to provide eco-friendly solutions to address the challenges of hazardous chemical contamination. They also hope this work can be patented as a commercial biodegradation technology applicable across various industrial and agricultural sectors.

This achievement not only brings pride to the team but also motivates other students to continue developing innovative solutions to environmental issues. Additionally, it encourages the UGM Faculty of Biology to persist in supporting sustainable, relevant, and practical research.

Authors: Fadlilah Rahma Julianty and Syafira Nurul Aisya

Presenting the Potential of DNA Barcoding to Enhance Superior Genetic Screening in Indonesian Sugarcane, UGM Biocane Team Wins Silver-Equivalent Award in Poster Category at PIMNAS 37 Universitas Airlangga

Achivements Sunday, 20 October 2024

The 37th National Student Scientific Week (PIMNAS), held from October 14 to 18, 2024, at Universitas Airlangga, Surabaya, carried the theme “Competing to Hone the Creativity of Indonesia’s Talented Students into Solution-Oriented, Innovative, and Productive Individuals.” This event serves as the pinnacle of national-scale student scientific activities, providing a platform for scholarly interactions, knowledge exchange, and communication of innovative creations among students.


The UGM Biocane PKM-RE Team, led by Tiara Putria Judith from the Faculty of Biology UGM, along with Salfa Athallah Agtari Nabillah (Biology 2021), Thoriq Abdul Halim (Biology 2021), Fahmi Arsyad (Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering 2021), and Hernita Fika Ardiyati (Food and Agricultural Product Technology 2022). Under the guidance of Dr. Ganies Riza Aristya, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., the team presented research titled “Innovation of DNA Barcoding as Molecular Detection for the Enhancement of Superior Genetic Screening in Local Indonesian Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.).” Their project earned Second Place, equivalent to a Silver Award, in the Poster category of PKM-RE-4.

The poster served as an optimized medium for information transfer, allowing the Biocane Team to convey their research findings visually. Through a combination of images and concise text, the poster effectively communicated the ideas and research outcomes, engaging the audience in a deeper discussion. This interaction facilitated new insights into the advantages of DNA barcoding as an approach to overcome the limitations of conventional identification methods in selecting potential parental hybrids of sugarcane in Indonesia. In line with the theme of the 37th PIMNAS, which emphasizes innovation and productivity, the Biocane Team aims to provide solution-driven and innovative advancements for the agricultural sector. It is hoped that this achievement will serve as a stepping stone for even more brilliant research explorations in the future.

Faculty of Biology Student Team from Universitas Gadjah Mada Wins 3rd Place on National Scientific Writing Competition (LKTI) at the 18th Annual Conference of Economics Forum (ALCOFE) 2024 UNS

AchivementsHeadlineNews Release Wednesday, 2 October 2024

Yogyakarta, September 25, 2024 – A student team from the Faculty of Biology at Universitas Gadjah Mada achieved remarkable success by winning 3rd place in the ALCOFE XVIII 2024 Scientific Writing Competition, organized by Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) in person at the Werkudara Hall of the UNS Library. This national-scale competition took place from June 27 to July 17, 2024, for registration and abstract submission, followed by the full paper submission phase from July 27 to August 17, 2024, in two waves. The finalists were announced on August 26, 2024, after the full paper submission, and the competition concluded with the Grand Final presentation on September 24, 2024, followed by a field trip, awarding session, and farewell on the next day, September 25, 2024.

The team, named “CIRCEL US” (Circular Economy of Edible for Us), consists of K. William Hendri Panjaitan (2021), K.H. Mahadhevy Ryrathna Vidhantyka (2022), and Adi Citra Prima Pranata (2022), under the guidance of supervisor Tyas Ikhsan Hikmawan, S.Si., M.S., Ph.D. They presented a research based paper titled “Potential of Edible Packaging Biofilm from Cocoa Peel Waste as a Substitute for Food Packaging Plastic.”

In their paper, the CIRCEL US team addressed the issues of 651 million tons of cocoa produced in 2022, which has become one of Indonesia’s important export commodities, contributing significantly to the country’s foreign exchange earnings besides oil and gas. Most cocoa fruit utilization focuses only on the seeds for chocolate production, leaving cocoa peel as waste. Cocoa peel waste (CPW) or LKK (in Indonesia: Limbah Kulit Kakao) is one of the plantation wastes that is rarely utilized. However, cocoa peel contains high levels of fat and complex carbohydrates (cellulose content) at 37%, making it suitable as a biomaterial for edible film, especially in the food and pharmaceutical industries. The nutrient content of CPW is quite good, with dry matter at 88%, crude protein at 11.71%, crude fiber at 20.79%, fat at 11.80%, and nitrogen-free extract (NFE) at 34.90%.

It is noted that plastic consumption in Indonesia can reach 22.5 kg per person per year (excluding the large total population), with most plastic waste coming from food and beverage product consumption in 2022. The application of edible biofilm or EPB using organic waste is one effort to promote a circular economy and environmental conservation by minimizing the addition of plastic packaging in nature. Edible Packaging Biofilm (EPB) can be utilized in various sectors, such as food wrapping. By processing cocoa peel waste into more valuable EPB, it is hoped to improve the community’s economy and create a green environment with environmentally friendly and easily degradable products, thereby reducing daily plastic packaging usage.

EPB from LKK can produce renewable food packaging that is free from plastic materials, significantly reducing plastic-dominated waste when applied sustainably. Support and supervision from environmental agencies and the government fully influence the production flow and consumption effects of EPB, as well as the changes in impact when returned to the environment. The large number of Indonesians replacing plastic packaging with EPB-based packaging will accelerate the sustainability cycle in reducing plastic waste. In this case, EPB can be modified over time so that it can be developed and officially recognized by the local government that natural packaging derived from organic waste meets safety standards for consuming food along with EPB packaging.

Based on reviewed research sources, it has been proven that EPB has the potential to replace plastic packaging and reduce individual dependency on contributing to plastic waste. The processing of EPB packaging is organically sourced and easily implemented through the utilization of cocoa shell waste (LKK). After the consumption of EPB products, it can be considered an important foundation as a reinforcing factor for the principles of a circular economy and in line with global efforts in developing new renewable energy to support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) points 8, 12, and 15, namely obtaining decent work and economic growth, responsible consumption and production, and protecting terrestrial ecosystems.

This competition was participated by 84 teams from 51 public and private universities from all provinces across Indonesia. The achievement of the CIRCEL US team demonstrates our commitment to developing innovative and applicable research. This achievement also proves that the Faculty of Biology at Universitas Gadjah Mada continues to strive to contribute to the development of sustainable science and technology, in line with UGM’s SDGs goals in building intersectoral synergy to face the challenges of the circular economy in the modern era. [Author: K William Hendri Panjaitan]

Faculty of Biology Student Team Wins 1st Place at the National Paper Competition in the New and Renewable Energy (NRE) Festival 2024

AchivementsHeadlineNews Release Thursday, 26 September 2024

Yogyakarta, September 12, 2024 – A student team from the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) has secured 1st Place in the Scientific Writing Competition at the New and Renewable Energy (NRE) Festival 2024, organized by the University of North Sumatra (USU). The grand final of this prestigious national competition was held on September 11, 2024, at the USU Student Center in Medan.

 

 

The team, named MY HEART, consists of K. William Hendri Panjaitan (2021), Firchamy Vuqi Aulia (2022), and Raja Steve Sudjatmiko Panggabean (2023), under the supervision of Dr. Eng. Thoriq Teja Samudra, M.Sc. Their winning paper, titled “Optimization of Carbon Absorption Based on Photosynthesis of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii Through the PEPC1 Gene Approach to Increase Lipid Biomass as Renewable Biodiesel Raw Material,” presents an innovative approach to tackling global carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions using genetically modified microalgae.

Their research highlights the alarming increase in CO₂ emissions, with global fossil fuel emissions rising by 1.1% in 2023 to 36.8 billion tons. The transportation sector, especially in Indonesia, is a significant contributor to these emissions. The team proposed a solution utilizing Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, a microalga capable of absorbing CO₂ through photosynthesis and producing lipids, which can be used as a renewable raw material for biodiesel. By genetically modifying the PEPC1 gene in C. reinhardtii, the team demonstrated how the microalgae could enhance carbon absorption and increase lipid production, offering a more sustainable option for biodiesel production.

This research is a timely contribution to global efforts to reduce carbon emissions and aligns with Indonesia’s goal of achieving Zero Emission by 2060. Furthermore, it supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the areas of Affordable and Clean Energy (Goal 7) and Climate Action (Goal 13).

The competition attracted 226 teams from 79 universities and polytechnics across 27 provinces in Indonesia, making the MY HEART team’s victory a significant achievement. Their success underscores the Faculty of Biology’s commitment to fostering innovative, applicable research in the field of new renewable energy. This accomplishment also demonstrates Universitas Gadjah Mada’s dedication to advancing sustainable science and technology, in line with its SDG initiatives. [Author: K. William Hendri Panjaitan]

Highlighting Environmental Issues from Industrial Waste, UGM Biology Student Wins 3rd Place in National Essay Competition

Achivements Monday, 23 September 2024

Kotimah, an undergraduate student from the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), class of 2022, has secured 3rd place in the Perta Event Essay Competition organized by IPB University. The Perta Event is open to students from universities across Indonesia and aims to foster critical thinking and analytical skills in addressing major societal issues as part of the national vision for Indonesia Emas 2045.


The Perta Event carried the theme “Smart Generation, Brilliant Future,” focusing on the role of Generation Z in generating innovative solutions to challenges in various sectors, including the environment, education, technology, socio-culture, and food security. The competition commenced on August 13, 2024, and included administration selection, essay submission, and finalist presentations. Kotimah’s essay, which focused on the pressing issue of industrial pollution, particularly from synthetic dye waste, was shortlisted as one of the top five entries. She was invited to present her ideas virtually on September 17, 2024. Her essay highlighted the growing environmental threat posed by industrial pollutants, specifically the harmful impact of synthetic dyes on ecosystems.

In her proposal, Kotimah introduced a novel solution by utilizing microbes derived from the fermentation of tea and sucrose solutions as a natural dye alternative. This microbial fermentation process offers an eco-friendly and sustainable substitute for synthetic dyes, with potential applications ranging from small-scale community initiatives to large-scale industrial production. Kotimah’s innovative approach aims to reduce the environmental footprint of industrial processes while promoting sustainable practices that align with long-term ecological conservation goals.

Kotimah expressed her hope that this microbial-based natural dye technology could be adopted widely in Indonesia, contributing to a more sustainable industrial system and supporting the creation of a greener future. Her achievement reflects UGM’s commitment to developing student talent and fostering innovative research solutions to address pressing environmental challenges.

This recognition not only underscores Kotimah’s academic excellence but also highlights the Faculty of Biology UGM’s dedication to empowering students to actively contribute to sustainable environmental solutions on both national and global scales.

UGM Students Explore Salacca zalacca (Gaertn.) Voss Seeds and Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merr. Peel Waste for Cervical Cancer Treatment

Achivements Monday, 9 September 2024

Cervical cancer ranked second most common cancer in Indonesia, with 36,633 reported cases in 2021, and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Current cervical cancer treatment is chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgery with side effects that can significantly reduce the patient’s quality of life. Most cases of cervical cancer are caused by HPV (Human Papillomavirus) infection, which produces E6 and E7 oncoproteins. These proteins interfere with programmed cell death (apoptosis), accelerate the cell cycle, and lead to cell immortality, resulting in cancer.


Combination Salacca zalacca (Gaertn.) Voss Seeds and Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merr. Peel Waste has shown potential as an alternative cervical cancer treatment. This discovery comes from research conducted by UGM students in the Student Creativity Program for Exact Science Research (PKM-RE). The team, consisting of Aditya Latiful Azis (Biology 2022), Asy Syifa Paras Ceria (Biology 2022), Shabrina Farras Tsany (Medicine 2021), Rahmalia Diani Saffana (Medicine 2021), and Faqih Fikri Nuryanto (Pharmacy 2023), under the supervision of Woro Anindito Sri Tunjung, M.Sc., Ph.D., has explored the potential of Salacca zalacca (Gaertn.) Voss Seeds and Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merr. Peel Waste as an alternative therapy for cervical cancer.

Salacca zalacca (Gaertn.) Voss Seeds contain potent antioxidants including polyphenols, alkaloids, and terpenoids, while Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merr. Peel Waste is rich in flavonoids and lycopene, which are cytotoxic to cancer cells. The herbal remedy derived from these two ingredients is predicted to have milder side effects.

“This research aims to utilize Indonesia’s natural resources for cervical cancer therapy. Salacca zalacca (Gaertn.) Voss Seeds and Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merr. peel wastes were selected due to their secondary metabolite content, which has potential anticancer properties. Additionally, the increasing production and consumption of Salacca zalacca (Gaertn.) Voss and Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merr. lead to organic waste issues. We hope this research offers an eco-friendly and milder side effect alternative treatment,” said Aditya, the team leader.

The research conducted for four months involved various tests, including phytochemical screening, in silico studies, anti-inflammatory activity tests, cytotoxicity and antiproliferative assays using the MTT method, inhibition of HeLa cell migration, and apoptosis tests.
The result showed the combination of Salacca zalacca (Gaertn.) Voss Seeds and Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merr. Peel Waste could inhibit inflammation, halt cancer cell migration, and trigger cell death (apoptosis).

The results of this study are expected to pave the way for cervical cancer therapy that harnesses Indonesia’s natural wealth and supports zero-waste initiatives. [Written by: Aditya Latiful Azis]

Innovative ‘Eco Lindi’ Research Leads Rania Naura Anindhita to Graduate with Honors and Earn the Prestigious Outstanding Research Award

AchivementsAlumniHeadlineNews Release Thursday, 29 August 2024

Yogyakarta, August 28, 2024 – The Faculty of Biology proudly celebrates the remarkable achievement of Rania Naura Anindhita, B.Sc. (Hons.), a 2019 student of the International Undergraduate Program. Rania was awarded the Outstanding Research accolade by the Faculty of Biology for her innovative research on “Eco Lindi.” Her groundbreaking work on Eco Lindi also earned her the “Trash Control Heroes” award from the Regent of Sidoarjo, recognizing her efforts in tackling waste management issues and promoting sustainability. The innovative findings from her research on Eco Lindi were converted into her thesis, leading to her graduation with an international Bachelor of Science (Hons.) degree.

 

Rania’s success was greatly supported by the guidance and mentorship of Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc, Dean of the Faculty of Biology at UGM, and Prof. Dr. Endah Retnaningrum, M.Eng. The conversion of her research into a thesis was initiated by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc, in recognition of the significant impact her research on Eco Lindi had over the past 2.5 years. Her research not only gained widespread media attention but also fostered collaborations with seven waste disposal sites across various regions in Indonesia. Through her study, Rania discovered that Eco Lindi significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, including CO2 and methane, while also managing waste odor by decreasing H2S emissions.

The Faculty of Biology at UGM extends its heartfelt congratulations to Rania Naura Anindhita, B.Sc. (Hons.), on her outstanding achievements and hopes her success will inspire and motivate other students and researchers in their efforts to develop solutions for future environmental challenges. [Author: Aulia]