Arsip:
Cooperation
Yogyakarta, 20 July 2024 — The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held the 8th National Seminar on Tropical Biology (SNBT) on 20 July 2024. This year, the seminar was held in a hybrid with “Biosecurity Innovation and Tropical Biodiversity Conservation” theme. This event, which was held at the Auditorium of the Faculty of Biology, aims to provide a platform for academics, researchers, practitioners and students to discuss current issues and innovative solutions in biosecurity and biodiversity conservation in tropical regions. This seminar activity began with a report from Dr. Siti Nurbaiti as chair of the 2024 SNBT Committee, followed by remarks by Prof. Dr. Mirwan Ushada, Director of Research representing the Rector of UGM and opened by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono. M.Agr.Sc., as Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM. This seminar was attended by around 100 participants from 21 institutions in Indonesia. On this occasion, an MoU was also signed between the Faculty of Biology UGM and PT. Rentokil Indonesia. It is hoped that this collaboration can be a form of synergy between academics and industry, especially regarding the issue of biosecurity and Indonesian biodiversity.
As the first keynote speaker, Ir. Medrilzam from BAPPENAS raised the topic “The Role of Government Policy for Biodiversity Conservation”. In his presentation, Ir. Medrilzam delivered the Indonesian Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (IBSAP), the Indonesian government’s strategy for preserving biodiversity, and how these policies are expected to shape people’s behavior towards a positive nature.
As the second speaker, Drs. Heri Susanto from PT. Rentokil Indonesia discussed “The Role of Biological Science and Digital Technology in Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly Pest Control”. In this session, Drs. Heri Susanto conveyed the exploration of the integration of biological science with digital technology to develop pest control methods that are more effective and environmentally friendly.
The third speaker, Mrs. Rina Sri Kasiamdari, Ph.D. delivered material on “The Role of Fungi in Biosecurity and Biodiversity Conservation”. The focus of this discussion is the role of fungi as biosecurity agents in maintaining biodiversity, as well as how fungi can be used in conservation efforts.
The plenary session of the three speakers was enlivened with questions from seminar participants ranging from biodiversity protection related to infrastructure developments to opportunities for food source options with high nutrition from the variety of diversity that Indonesia has to meet food needs and in terms of handling. pest. The seminar activities were continued with parallel sessions filled with presentations by the participant speakers on various research titles, which were carried out offline and online.
The 8th SNBT in 2024 was closed by Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., as Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration and Alumni Affairs. In his closing remarks, he said that SNBT is a forum for increasing understanding of biosecurity and tropical biodiversity conservation through in-depth discussions with experts in the field, thereby inspiring innovation and collaboration between academics, researchers and practitioners in efforts to protect biodiversity, encourage policy development and new strategies that can be implemented to preserve the environment and support the sustainability of tropical ecosystems. It is also hoped that this national seminar will create synergistic cooperation between the participants who attend, which is expected to be a positive thing that can build and provide more impact regarding issues related to the topic of biosecurity and tropical biodiversity conservation in the future. Furthermore, this seminar plays a role in implementing several points of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s): 2. Zero hunger, 3. Good health and well-being, 4. Quality education, 6. Access to clean water and sanitation, 7. Affordable and clean and energy, 9. Industry, innovation and infrastructure, 11. Sustainable cities and communities, 13. Climate change action, 14. Maintaining marine ecosystems, 15. Maintaining land ecosystems and 17. Partnerships for the goals.
On July 16 and 17, 2024, a research team from the Faculty of Biology at Gadjah Mada University (UGM), led by Prof. Dr. Ratna Susandarini, M.Sc., conducted an ethnobotanical survey as part of a collaborative effort on the Bioprospecting of Medicinal Plants with the Mount Merbabu National Park Authority. The survey took place in the Ampel and Kopeng Resorts within the Mount Merbabu National Park.
The primary objective of this collaboration is to gather data on the use of medicinal plants by the local communities living around the national park. This initiative is crucial for the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable use of natural resources. The research team collected information through interviews with local residents, who shared their traditional knowledge on the medicinal properties of various plants.
Following the data collection from the community, the team conducted a field survey to collect samples of the medicinal plants mentioned. This fieldwork is essential for the bioprospecting process, which aims to identify plants with potential biomedical applications. The collected samples will be analyzed in the laboratory to determine their chemical composition and potential health benefits.
Prof. Dr. Ratna Susandarini emphasized the importance of this research in contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the areas of health, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable use of ecosystems. “Our work here not only aims to discover new medicinal compounds but also to promote the conservation of plant biodiversity in Mount Merbabu National Park,” she stated.
The collaboration between UGM and the Mount Merbabu National Park Authority is a significant step towards integrating traditional knowledge with modern scientific research. This approach not only respects and preserves the cultural heritage of the local communities but also enhances the scientific understanding of medicinal plants.
The Mount Merbabu National Park, known for its rich biodiversity, provides an ideal setting for this type of research. The park is home to numerous plant species, many of which have been used traditionally for medicinal purposes. By documenting and studying these plants, the research team hopes to contribute to the global knowledge of medicinal biodiversity.
The local communities play a vital role in this research. Their traditional knowledge and practices are invaluable resources for identifying plants with medicinal properties. The involvement of the community also ensures that the benefits of the research are shared with those who have preserved this knowledge for generations.
The field survey in the Ampel and Kopeng Resorts was conducted with the support of the Mount Merbabu National Park Authority, which provided logistical assistance and access to the research sites. This collaboration highlights the importance of partnerships in achieving conservation and sustainable development goals.
The findings from this research will be published in scientific journals and shared with the local communities and relevant stakeholders. This dissemination of knowledge is crucial for promoting the conservation of medicinal plants and their sustainable use.
In conclusion, the bioprospecting survey of medicinal plants in Mount Merbabu National Park is a significant initiative that combines traditional knowledge with modern science. It aims to contribute to the conservation of biodiversity, the discovery of new biomedical compounds, and the sustainable use of natural resources, aligning with the broader goals of the SDGs.
[PkM – MBKM] Yogyakarta, June 25, 2024, the Community Service Team of the independent learning independent campus Program (PkM-MBKM) of the Faculty of Biology, guided by Dr. Aprilia Sufi Subiastuti, S.Si., along with three students, Nindya ‘Aisyah Cahyaningrum, Mohammad Farrel Rayyan Pratama, and Daffa Patria Putra Dewanto conducted their first series of PkM-MBKM activities in the Punthuk Kepuh Tourism Village. The event theme was “Optimization of Fruit Plant Cultivation Practices through the Application of Garden Landscape Architecture in the Yard Areas of Katongan Village’’, aimed to provide information and knowledge to the community on how to care for fruit plants in the Punthuk Kepuh tourism village and introduce simple home-scale hydroponic techniques. The event was held at Punthuk Kepuh Tourism Village Hall, began at 4:00 PM and ended at 6:30 PM’. Twenty residents attended the event, including the neighborhood leaders, the village tourism manager (Mr Riski), and the village head.
The activity involved socialization on fruit planting and home-scale hydroponic farming techniques by invited speakers, Mr. Yusuf Sulaiman and Mr Ahmad Muhlisin from PT Indigen Karya Unggul. The event commenced with a welcome speech by Mr Riski, the village tourism manager, followed by speeches from the neighborhood leaders and the village head. The event continued with presentations from invited speakers. The first presentation was delivered by Mr Yusuf Sulaiman. He shared his expertise on fruit planting, including suitable fruits to grow, watering and fertilizing techniques, and pest control measures post-fruiting. Mr. Ahmad Muhlisin led the second session on hydroponic farming, covering the essential tools and materials, the nutrients needed for hydroponic plants, and the types of plants best suited for hydroponic systems. Participants also learned about hydroponic planting and care for beginners. Mr Muhlisin also demonstrated how to grow plants hydroponically using a simple home hydroponic kit.
After the socialization, participants asked to complete a post-test and attendance check. The event concluded with a group photo. It hoped that this socialization will provide the local community with knowledge about fruit planting and care, and develop modern hydroponic farming systems to optimize the home yard areas.
Yogyakarta, 3 July 2024 – The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada received a visit from the National Development Planning Agency (BAPPENAS) of the Republic of Indonesia consisting of the BAPPENAS Forestry Directorate Team. The discussions and field visits related to research and development of genetic resources for biodiversity in Indonesia. The visit was received in the KPTU Meeting Room, Faculty of Biology UGM, also attended by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. as Dean of the Faculty of Biology, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.Sc. as Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration and Alumni Affairs, lecturers from various laboratories at the Faculty of Biology, as well as Head of the Agrotechnology Innovation Center UGM, Alan Soffan, S.P., M.Sc., Ph.D.
Prof. Budi as Dean of the Faculty of Biology welcomed the field visit from BAPPENAS, especially as support for the curation of genetic resources for biodiversity is very necessary for ecosystem sustainability. He, accompanied by Dr. Eko delivered a profile of the Faculty of Biology. He underlined the concern in the world of biology regarding biological curation through the establishment of a new study program at the Faculty of Biology, the Profession Program for Biodiversity Curator (PKKH).
Alan as Head of the Center for Agrotechnology Innovation UGM (PIAT) also welcomed BAPPENAS’ visit. He said that PIAT would also support efforts to manage Indonesia’s biodiversity in the future. BAPPENAS colleagues also plan to visit the PIAT UGM area in Berbah, Sleman, Yogyakarta.
Farida Yulistianingrum, S.Si., ME, MPP, from BAPPENAS, revealed that BAPPENAS is aware of the potential of Indonesia’s biodiversity and genetic resources. The BAPPENAS visit aims to explore data, information and views of experts/academics and agencies regarding gaps in the development of the genetic resource axis. These development efforts will then be continued with mapping and analysis of biodiversity in each region. Farida is also aware of the challenges related to research at the tertiary level, including regulations that are considered not support the implementation of research.
“Resource management is not yet connected, each is mostly kept at the level of individual university researchers,” said Prof. Budi. He also expressed the concerns that prompted the formation of the Indonesia Biodiversity Index (IBI) in 2019. IBI collaborates with the Indonesian Conservation Communication Forum (FKKI) and various Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) in Indonesia to collect and share biodiversity data. Prof. Budi emphasized that there is a lot of data produced by Indonesian researchers, but it is spread in the form of thesis, books, and so on. This data curation effort has been ongoing for four years, and by 2024 alone they have produced no less than 11,000 pieces of information on species status and trend data.
Dr. Miftahul Ilmi, who is under the Microbiology Laboratory of the Faculty of Biology, further added that the culture collection of various microbial genomes in Indonesia is still limited. The largest collection is currently managed by the Indonesian Culture Collection Laboratory (InaCC) of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), while other collections are managed by researchers at various universities in Indonesia. This culture is only 0.4% of the total culture collection in the world.
Dr. Eko, with his microalgae research focus under the Biotechnology Laboratory, also conveyed the urgency in curating these cultures, including the expensive costs of maintaining cultures including human resources who can manage cultures, as well as the absence of databases, especially bioprospection databases. According to him, this database is crucial for the country’s progress, especially the contribution to various industries such as pharmaceuticals, and so on.
BAPPENAS also recognizes the limitations of policies/regulations from central to regional which still focus on economic value. Proposals regarding incentive regulations for conservation efforts or biodiversity credits in the regions still need to be evaluated as support for biodiversity conservation. Unfortunately, the model for biodiversity credit focuses more on terrestrial areas and is limited to marine areas.
The next discussion continued on concerns regarding the management of biodiversity databases in various scientific fields; entomology, wildlife and various plants are the focus of research at the Faculty of Biology UGM. Efforts to manage genetic resources are considered to be an emergency concern so that efforts are needed to manage the Indonesian database index sustainably, including the proposed biodiversity index which is a regional performance achievement.
The field visit was followed by a visit to the Genetics and Breeding Laboratory of the Faculty of Biology UGM, as well as the Agrotechnology Innovation Center (PIAT) UGM.It is hoped that the discussion between BAPPENAS and the Faculty of Biology UGM will contribute to observation, development of biodiversity governance and related regulations, so that Indonesia can become more independent in managing its biodiversity.
The PkM-MBKM 2024 Team from the Faculty of Biology consisting of Cinta Louisa, Rr. Liliane Gemma and Hasna Zuhaida collaborated with the MBKM 2024 Research Team from the Faculty of Biology consisting of Muna Sa’adah and Vincencio Valdy Putra Sasangka, under the guidance of Drs. Ign. Sudaryadi, M.Kes., has begun the MBKM 2024 program with the partner PKBM Ibnu Hajar Kebon Pasinaon in Sirahan, Salam, Magelang, Central Java. The themes of this activity include [1] Coordination of Planning and Strengthening, [2] Literacy Program Activities at the Community Learning Park (TBM) as a community empowerment activity center Kebon Pasinaon for monoculture and polyculture stingless Klanceng bee cultivation to strengthen the village economy and introduce environmental sustainability (monoculture and polyculture) to support the cultivation and products of Meliponiculture (Honey, Bee-pollen, Propolis).
The first activity was held online via Zoom on Tuesday, January 26, 2024, with Drs. Ign. Sudaryadi, M.Kes. as the speaker. This session discussed the outputs of MBKM Research and community service, the types of bees under study (Klanceng bees), and their products. The second activity, held on Friday, February 12, 2024, focused on Klanceng bee cultivation, including Klanceng bee products introduction, sources of Klanceng bee seeds, colony transfer techniques, and the introduction of Klanceng bee cultivation sites. On Saturday, March 9, 2024, the team visited Kebon Pasinaon at PKBM Ibnu Hajar, Sirahan, Magelang, for an introductory meeting. The team was warmly welcomed by representatives of PKBM Ibnu Hajar, and discussions related to program plans followed. Further, the team explored existing potentials at PKMB Ibnu Hajar.
On Saturday, May 4, 2024, at the Sawitsari Research Station, a field learning was conducted with materials: 1. Splitting Klanceng bee colonies, 2. Harvesting and collecting the bee products (honey, raw propolis, and Klanceng bee pollen). Colony splitting aimed to enhance Klanceng bee cultivation processes, increasing the number of colonies and ultimately producing more products. Raw propolis is a resin bee product used as a base material for hive construction. Meanwhile, bee pollen is the pollen from flowers stored in pollen pockets by worker bees as food reserves for the bee colony. The harvesting of raw propolis and pollen is done by taking the pockets located at the base of the nest. Pollen is distinguishable by its lighter color and denser texture. Propolis is obtained by squeezing Klanceng honey and taking the remaining nest materials. This propolis, still mixed with pollen, honey, and other debris, is called raw propolis. Once the propolis, pollen, and honey collected in the necessary amounts, they are stored for future activities during partner village visits, with the agenda of Klanceng bee cultivation workshops and product harvest demos (honey and propolis) in collaboration with PKBM Ibnu Hajar Kebon Pasinaon in Sirahan Village, Salam – MGL.
The Beekeeping and Product Harvest Demo Workshop was held on Saturday, June 15, 2024, at the Joglo Hall Kebon Pasinaon PKBM Ibnu Hajar, with an additional agenda on Maggot Cultivation following the initial discussion during the first visit, with additional support from final-year students, Rahmadhandhi, and one staff from the Entomology Laboratory, Rio Tri Rahmawati.
The Klanceng Bees Propolis MBKM Research 2024 team has begun their research activities under the guidance of Drs. Ign. Sudaryadi, M.Kes.. The team consists of Muna Sa’adah and Vincencio Valdy Putra Sasangka. This activity builds upon previous research to enhance studies on Klanceng bees propolis. The partner for this activity was PKBM Ibnu Hajar, Sirahan, Salam, Magelang.
The MBKM Research team collaborated with the MBKM-PkM team, which includes Cinta Louisa, Rr. Liliane Gemma, and Hasna Zuhaida. The first activity was held online via Zoom on Tuesday, January 26, 2024, with Drs. Ign. Sudaryadi, M.Kes. as the speaker. This session discussed the outputes of MBKM Research and community service, the types of bees under study (Klanceng bees), and their products. The second activity, held on Friday, February 12, 2024, focused on Klanceng bees cultivation. On Saturday, March 9, 2024, the team visited Kebon Pasinaon at PKBM Ibnu Hajar, Sirahan, Magelang, for an introductory meeting. The team was warmly welcomed by representatives of PKBM Ibnu Hajar, and discussions related to program plans followed.
As the initial activity of the MBKM program, colony splitting of Klanceng bees, raw propolis sampling, and Klanceng bee pollen collection were carried out. This took place on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at the Sawitsari Research Station. The colony splitting aimed to strengthen the cultivation process of Klanceng bees, with the expectation of increasing the number of colonies and, consequently, the production of bee products.
Raw propolis, a resin used as a construction material for the hive, was collected. Pollen, the flower’s pollen stored in pollen baskets as a food reserve for the bee colony, was also harvested. These were collected by taking the pollen baskets located at the base of the hive. Pollen is distinguishable by its lighter color and denser texture. Propolis was obtained by extracting Klanceng honey and taking the remaining hive material. This propolis is still mixed with pollen, honey, and other debris, hence referred to as raw propolis. After obtaining the required amounts of propolis, pollen, and honey, they were stored for further research in the future.
Saturday, 1 June 2024, would be the beginning of the journey of one of the Faculty of Biology UGM lecturers, as well as the head of the Research Centre for Biotechnology, Dr. Yekti Asih Purwestri participated in training activities and workshops at the Australian National University (ANU) and the University of Adelaide (UoA), Australia. This program is part of the KONEKSI Grant which is a partnership program between Australia and Indonesia. With the title “Building a Sustainable Future: Developing Nutritious and Climate-Resilient Crop Varieties”, this collaboration also involves BRIN Indonesia and IRRI Philippines. Through this funding, Dr. Yekti had the opportunity to include young lecturers from the Faculty of Biology, namely Dr. Siti Nurbaiti. Both were warmly welcomed by members of the Australian Research Council (ARC) Training Centre for Future Crops Development on Monday 3 June 2024, which also coincided with their regular meeting held every first week of every month.
During two weeks at ANU, Dr. Yekti and Dr. Baiti was accompanied by Dr. Hendry Susila who is an Innovation Fellow at the Training Centre and Chief Investigator of this team’s KONEKSI grant. Dr. Hendry is also an alumnus of Faculty of Biology UGM, class of 2007, who at that time was supervised by Dr. Yekti for the final thesis assignment. Apart from carrying out laboratory activities related to molecular work, Dr. Yekti and Dr. Baiti also visited the Australian Plant Phenomic Network (APPN) which provides facilities with a machine learning system used for automatic analysis of plant characteristics. One of them is through high-throughput multispectral imaging which can capture three-dimensional (3D) views of plants with a wide range of light wavelengths. Besides, there are many controlled growth chambers and capsule chambers for plant growth and development, especially related to ecophysiology.
In another moment, coinciding with the visit of the Australian Award awardee, who mostly came from the coconut and spice industry in Indonesia, Dr Yekti and Dr Baiti also joined in the activities held at the Agrifood Innovation Institute. Dr Hendry also introduced the Training Centre and the KONEKSI grant. On the final day at ANU, Dr. Yekti had the opportunity to take part in seminar activities regularly held by the Research School of Biology, Division of Plant Sciences (PS Seminar Series) which can be accessed offline and online. Dr. Yekti presented some research that had been carried out by the pigmented rice research group. Still at ANU, Dr. Yekti and Dr. Baiti also met with students from the IUP program of the Faculty of Biology UGM who are currently taking part in a double degree program at the School of Biology, College of Science, ANU (Vanessa Jesslyn Wijaya and Sabut Kharisona). As well as one of the alumni of Faculty of Biology UGM, Imam Fathoni, who is currently attending Ph.D. program.
The activities continued in Adelaide, a workshop attended by all members of the Training Centre for Future Crops Development from ANU and UoA, including industry partners. The KONEKSI team was also present completely: Dr. Tri Rini Nuringtyas, Dr. Yustina C.F.S., Gloria Fransisca K.L., and a team of research assistants from UGM; Dr. Aris Hairmansis, Dr. Yudhistira Nugraha, and Trias Sitaresmi, M.Sc. from BRIN; and Prof. Inez Slamet-Loedin from IRRI. This activity, which took place from 18-21 June 2024, not only contained an overview of the vision, programs, research areas and achievements of the Training Centre but also opportunities for future collaboration and sharing from partners about career diversity and work experience in research and industry. Poster sessions from doctoral and postdoctoral students also stimulate communication between participants and build new connections. Discussions related to the concept of Responsible Research and Inclusive Innovation (RRII) also enriched the interaction by dividing participants into small groups.
The workshop activities were continued with a meeting of the KONEKSI consortium to convey research progress from both science and social science research. Together with Prof. Barry Pogson (Centre Director) and Prof. Joan Leach (Director of the Australian National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science), discussions regarding the achievements, challenges and sustainability of collaboration in the future were the main discussion points with the hope that this collaboration would be maintained and become stronger.
On the last day in Adelaide, the KONEKSI team had the opportunity to come to the UoA Waite campus, specifically the ARC Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space (P4S), which is an international research consortium with one of the projects to develop and provide plants with high nutrition, supply of materials and medicines needed for future space exploration. Apart from that, the KONEKSI team visited the Australian Plant Phenomics Facility at UoA. With this facility, a combination of biology, engineering, robotics, and data management are collaborated and integrated to measure how plant genetics are expressed in various growing conditions to accelerate the understanding and development of higher yielding and more nutritious plant varieties, resistant to climate change, and more sustainable agricultural practices.
Through this activity, it is also hoped that the existing collaboration between the Faculty of Biology UGM and ANU will continue and become stronger, for both students and lecturers to increase capacity, capability and international networks as a form of commitment of the Faculty of Biology UGM in supporting sustainable development and in accordance with sustainable development targets (SDGs) which include good quality education (SDGs 4) and revitalization of global partnerships (SDGs 17). Apart from the double degree program, which is already running, there are other open opportunities through the Future Research Talent (FRT) program (https://science.anu.edu.au/study/scholarships/future-research-talent-awards-indonesia) and scholarships from ANU for Ph.D. candidate students.
On Saturday, June 22, 2024, the Faculty of Biology at UGM, in collaboration with the Women Farmers Group (KWT) and the Water Farming Group of Kledokan Hamlet, organized a workshop aimed at strengthening food security and enhancing family economies through the “cultivation of microgreens and fish in buckets (Budikdamber)” activity. The event held at the Kledokan Hamlet Hall and was attended by 24 KWT members, the village head Punjul Santosa, Sumino the head of the water farming group, the head of PKK, Mrs.Galina, Mrs. Marthin Sumarahayu as the head of KWT, and the Partner Village Team Dr. Dra.Rr. Upiek Ngesti WA, DAP&E, M.Biomed, Nur Farah Susilowati, Ahmad Aris Budi R, and Aprilia Nur Safitri.
Themed “Successful Tips for Cultivating Microgreens and Budikdamber,” the workshop featured Nur Indah Septriani, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D. and Prof. Dr. Kumala Dewi, M.Sc.St. as speakers. Nur Indah Septriani, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D. explained the concept and benefits of Budikdamber, a local innovation that combines catfish cultivation with hydroponic farming. Meanwhile, Prof. Dr. Kumala Dewi, M.Sc.St., shared knowledge about cultivating microgreens, an easy-to-grow nutrient-rich green plant.
This workshop supports Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) No.3 for a prosperous and healthy life, and SDGs No.12 for sustainable consumption and production. The workshop ran smoothly, with participants enthusiastically engaging in the socialization, discussions, and practical sessions. The event concluded with distribution of Budikdamber and microgreen cultivation equipment for KWT members.
On Monday, June 10, 2024, The MBKM Research Team of The Faculty of Biology UGM held a Consultation and Coordination Meetings on Utilizing Local Plants as Biolarvicides Against Aedes aegypti with LABKESMAS Yogyakarta. The meeting held at the Entomology Laboratory of LABKESMAS Yogyakarta aimed to discuss the testing of local plant extracts such as nutmeg pulp, duku peel, cat’s whiskers leaves, and others as biolarvicides against Aedes aegypti, the primary vector of dengue fever. This initiative was warmly welcomed by Mr. Yohanes Didik S, the head of the Entomology Laboratory, and Mr. Sutopo, the head of the Training Division. The activity involved three postgraduate students and two undergraduate students participating in the 2024 Faculty-Student Collaboration Grant and MBKM-research project from the Faculty of Biology, UGM, supervised by Dr. Dra. Rr. Upiek Ngesti Wibawaning Astuti, B.Sc, DAP&E, M.Biomed.
In addition to inspecting the laboratory facilities, the students were briefed on resistance testing on adult mosquitoes using the CDC bottle assay, surveillance, and the necessary data collection. Mr. Didik explained in detail the readiness and testing procedures for both larval and adult stages of Aedes aegypti, which greatly interested and motivated the students to commence their research.
During the meeting, Mr. Sutopo also explained the rules and regulations for research at LABKESMAS. The follow-up to this meeting will be a workshop on techniques for collecting, rearing, testing, and analyzing results, which will be held at the end of June or early July. The event concluded with a group photo, marking the Faculty of Biology UGM’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Goal 3: “Good Health and Well-being.”
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.
“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).