As a follow-up to the collaboration that has been established, on Friday, 11 August 2023 representatives from the Faculty of Biology visited the Mount Merbabu National Park Office in Banyuroto, Boyolali, Central Java. The visit was attended by The Officials Temporary Replacement (Plt.) Head of Mount Merbabu National Park, Nurpana Sulaksono, S.Hut., M.T., Forest Ecosystem Controller (PEH) of Mount Merbabu National Park, Kristina Dewi, S.Si., M.Sc., M.Eng., and Head of the Mount Merbabu National Park Regional Section, Chomsatun, S.Hut, M.T. Meanwhile, representatives from the Faculty of Biology are Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. as Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration, and Alumni Affairs, Abdul Razaq Chasani, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D. and Prof. Dr. Ratna Susandarini, M.Sc. from the Animal Systematics Laboratory, Donan Satria Yudha, S.Si., M.Sc. from the Animal Systematics Laboratory, and Dr. Miftahul Ilmi, M.Sc. from the Microbiology Laboratory as well as Editor-in-Chief Journal Tropical Biodiversity and Biotechnology (JTBB), Faculty of Biology UGM.

The visit was welcomed by Officials Temporary Replacement (Plt.) Head of Mount Merbabu National Park, Nurpana Sulaksono, S.Hut., M.T. who expressed his appreciation for the arrival of representatives from the Faculty of Biology. Collaboration between the Faculty of Biology and Mount Merbabu National Park has been established since 2021 and has been realized in various activities including Seminar on Biodiversity of Mount Merbabu National Park, Student Internship and Research, Plant Taxonomy Workshop, Alien and Native Species Workshop, Saninten Conservation Study, also Insect Research. Mr. Nurpana also conveyed about increasing collaborations that is more specific in terms of the scope of cooperation as well as increasing the potential for publication and Intellectual Property Rights.

Dr. Eko as Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration, and Alumni Affairs revealed the purpose of the Faculty of Biology representative’s visit to follow up on the collaboration and the annual work plan to be carried out in 2023. The realization and follow-up of the collaboration that has been designed and partially implemented has become the main topic of discussion.

In accordance with the Annual Work Plan that has been prepared, in 2023 the Faculty of Biology and Mount Merbabu National Park plan to carry out collaborations in the form of Workshop on Animal Taxonomy, especially Aves and Mammalia, In House Training for Publication Writing Techniques, In House Training on Herbarium and Taxidermy, In House Training on Basic Bioinformatics for Plants and Animals, In House Training on Ecological Data Analysis, Herpetofauna Research, collaboration on Selaginella sp. and Centella asiatica bioprospection studies., collaboration in writing the book of Plant Interpretation of the Climbing Path, also collaboration in writing and journal publication. In the collaboration plan, publication writing also collaborates with journals managed by the Faculty of Biology, the National Journal Berkala Ilmiah Biologi (BIB) and the International Journal of the Journal of Tropical Biodiversity and Biotechnology (JTBB). These activities are planned to be carried out in mid to late 2023.

The visit is expected to be a great step in increasing the implementation of collaboration between the Faculty of Biology UGM and the Mount Merbabu National Park.

Wednesday, 9 August 2023, a research discussion was held between the Research Center of Food Biotechnology at Bina Nusantara University (BINUS) and lecturers from Faculty of Biology UGM. The discussion was attended by Dr. Nesti F. Sianipar, S.P., M.Si. as Head of Research Center of Food Biotechnology BINUS and Khoirunnisa Assidqi, S.Pi., M.Si. as a lecturer from the Research Center of Food Biotechnology BINUS. From the Faculty of Biology attended by the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaborations, and Alumni Affairs, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., Prof. Dr. Endang Semiarti, M.S., M.Sc. from the Biotechnology Laboratory, Dra. Tuty Arisuryanti, M.Sc., Ph.D. and Dr. Niken Satuti Nur Handayani, M.Sc. from the Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding, and Prof. Dr. Kumala Dewi, M.Sc.St. from the Plant Physiology Laboratory.

During the discussion, Dr. Nesti presented ongoing research projects for the last 10 years at the BINUS Research Center of Food Biotechnology. The research focuses on the development of Keladi Tikus as a functional food and its development into a cancer prevention product. Dr. Nesti also conveyed a road map of research that has been and will be carried out related to the project. In addition, she also conveyed the TORPEDO Banana development project, Pisang Tanduk with genetic mutations to increase their morphology size without reducing or changing the quality of these bananas. Dr. Nesti also expressed his hopes regarding the potential for research collaboration with expert lecturers at the Faculty of Biology including further education collaboration for young lecturers at BINUS to the Faculty of Biology through a by research scheme.

Dr. Eko welcomed the potential for research collaboration as well as the potential for research collaboration with students of the Faculty of Biology UGM at the Bachelor, Masters and Doctoral levels. The potential for this collaboration can be supported by expert lecturers from the Faculty of Biology including Prof. Endang with his research focusing on genetic engineering and genome editing, Dra. Tuty Arisuryanti, Ph.D. with research focusing on population diversity as well as bioinformatics, Dr. Niken with research focusing on human genetics, especially thalassemia and Prof. Kumala who is an expert in Plant Physiology, as well as Dr. Eko with microalgae research.

The potential for collaboration to obtain funding support and human resources support is very possible. Dr. Nesti appreciates the support from the Faculty of Biology UGM and hopes that the collaboration can be realized and implemented to improve the quality of research in the future and to benefit both the Research Center of Food Biotechnology and the Faculty of Biology UGM.

On Tuesday, 1 August 2023, Faculty of Biology discussed the initiation of collaboration and plans to open a Double Degree program with the School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia. The online discussion was attended by Onna Evdokimoff as Global Engagement Manager from The University of Western Australia, while from the Faculty of Biology represented by Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, M.Sc. as Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. as Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Alumni Affairs, Sukirno, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D. as Head of Undergraduate Study Program, Dr.rer.nat. Andhika Puspito Nugroho, S.Si., M.Sc. as the Head of the Masters Study Program, Dr. Endah Retnaningrum, M.Eng. as the Head of the Doctoral Study Program, as well as Tyas Ikhsan Hikmawan, M.Sc., Ph.D. and Nur Indah Septriani, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D. from the Office of International Affairs, Faculty of Biology UGM.

Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Alumni Affairs, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. presented a presentation on the profile of the Faculty of Biology. He conveyed history, achievements and facilities at the Faculty of Biology UGM. The Faculty of Biology has also obtained international accreditation for the Undergraduate and Masters programs and is targeted to immediately obtain international accreditation for the Doctoral program. Dr. Eko also said that the Faculty of Biology had established international cooperation with 37 universities in 15 countries and had collaborated on the Double Degree program with more than 10 universities, including the currently running Double Degree program with Australia National University (ANU) which was attended by 2 students from the Faculty of Biology. The initiation of the Double Degree program with The University of Western Australia is also an effort by the Faculty of Biology to expand the network and learning opportunities for its students.

Onna Evdokimoff as Global Engagement Manager from The University of Western Australia expressed her appreciation and interest in the double degree collaboration plan. She said that the potential for cooperation is very likely to be carried out both in the Bachelor, Masters and Doctoral levels, although the Double Degree Doctoral Program requires further collaboration discussions. Onna also welcomed the potential for scholarships that could be offered by the Government of Indonesia through the LPDP scheme which could be taken for the Double Degree program starting in 2022. Onna also conveyed the potential for the Double Degree program as well as the Fast Track (Combined Bachelor and Master) offered by the School of Biological Science, The University of Western Australia, especially in the fields of Biological Science, Biotechnology, Environmental Science, and Marine Biology.

The collaboration in the Double Degree program is a concrete step by Faculty of Biology UGM in implementing its commitment to building international networks that are useful in improving the quality of research and academics with its global partners. It is hoped that the double degree program with The University of Western Australia can be realized immediately to provide wider learning opportunities for students of the Faculty of Biology UGM.

On Tuesday, 25 July 2023, Faculty of Biology UGM held Public Lectures and Training activities with speakers Dr. Ahmed Abd El Wahed and Prof. Uwe Truyen of The Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health, University of Leipzig, Germany. The activity was held in the Upper Meeting Room, Building A Floor 3, Faculty of Biology and was attended by participants from students to lecturers from the Faculty of Biology UGM.

The event began with an opening by the moderator, Tyas Ikhsan Hikmawan, M.Sc., Ph.D. Prof. Uwe Truyen then started the presentation. He explained the profile of University of Leipzig in general and their curriculum offered, especially at the Institute of Animal Hygiene and Veterinary Public Health. Prof. Truyen also outlined various ongoing collaborative research projects in collaboration with researchers around the world.

Dr. Ahmed then gave a public lecture entitled “Coming Together to Strengthen Global One Health”. He explained the importance of collaboration and research continuity that can provide real benefits. Leipzig itself has collaborated with various universities in the world, especially on the African continent, he calls it the Triangular Collaboration. Collaboration with Indonesia, especially Universitas Gadjah Mada and Faculty of Biology is also a great opportunity to further explore potential research collaborations that can be beneficial in the future.

In his explanation regarding One Health, Dr. Ahmed also mentioned the WHO, FAO, WOAH and UNEP programs, namely The One Health Joint Plan of Action which was created to tackle and prevent pandemics and achieve sustainable health. The realization of Global One Health also requires various collaborations in the form of capacity building, translating science into an official regulation for public health and increasing Triangular Collaboration, involving various parties, researchers from various parts of the world to solve world health problems.

Dr. Ahmed then explained about the Mobile Suitcase Lab, a tool package that allows laboratory work to be done in the field. The tool aims to minimize limitations in research so that samples can be processed in a shorter span of time. This explanation is packaged in the Novel Isothermal Amplification Training. During the training the SwiftX Nucleid Acid Kit was used and practical work was carried out on the extraction preparation to amplification which can be carried out in a more efficient time.

The Visit of Dr. Ahmed and Prof. Truyen to the Faculty of Biology UGM is a form of collaboration with the aim of increasing research and education quality. It is hoped that this collaboration can continue and produce research works that are useful for education in Indonesia and the wider community.

On Friday, 14 July 2023 at 13.00-15.00, Faculty of Biology UGM received a visit from the Country Director of Conservation International Timor-Leste (CI-TL), Manuel Mendes. His daughter, Sonya Clara Alstonia Winokan Mendes, is an IUP Biology UGM student Class 2022. Manuel Mendes himself is also an alumnus of Faculty of Forestry UGM. The visit was accompanied by Dr. Dwiko Budi Permadi, S.Hut., M.Sc. (Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Faculty of Forestry UGM), who was a classmate of Sonya’s father during his undergraduate studies at Faculty of Forestry UGM in 1995. The visit, which took place in KPTU Meeting Room of Faculty of Biology UGM, was also attended by the Dean of the UGM Faculty of Biology, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Faculty of Biology UGM, Dr. Bambang Retno Aji, M.Sc., and Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Alumni Affairs, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc.

The meeting discussed opportunities for cooperation related to the promotion of the International Undergraduate Program (IUP) of Faculty of Biology UGM and visit plan of delegations from the Faculty of Biology and the Faculty of Forestry UGM to Timor Leste. Apart from that, opportunities for collaboration in research on crocodile conservation and watershed restoration in Timor Leste were also discussed, which are related to watersheds in the Timor NTT region.

It is hoped that the visit will become a forum for cooperation and good relations between Faculty of Biology and Conservation International Timor-Leste, as well as building good relations between the students’ and parents’ sides of the Faculty of Biology UGM.

Yogyakarta, July 11, 2023 – The Faculty of Biology at Gadjah Mada University (UGM) received a cooperative visit from members of the Indonesian Army (TNI AD) on Tuesday, July 11, 2023. The visit was conducted to discuss coordination and synchronization in strengthening Science and Technology for Indonesia’s defense. The TNI AD delegation, consisting of high-ranking officers and officials, including 1. Expert Staff (Dislitbangad) Parawita Agus Setyaningtyas; Colonel Inf, 2. Head of Laboratory (Dislitbangad) Saptarendra Prasada; Colonel Arh, 3. Army Engineer Center (Pusziad) Aji Setyawan, S.H., M.I.P; Mayor Czi, 4. (Pusterad) Restu Petrus Simbolon; Lieutenant Colonel, 5. Cavalry Center (Pusskerkav) Colonel Edward Sitorus, was welcomed by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, and Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration, and Alumni.

The visit commenced at 4:00 PM local time in the Meeting Room of the KPTU Faculty of Biology UGM. After the welcoming session, the TNI AD delegation was taken on a tour of the laboratories and introduced to the outstanding research products at the Faculty of Biology UGM. The first destination was the Genetics and Breeding Laboratory, where Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono presented the laboratory’s flagship products, including Hikapel melons, Lurik peanuts, Gama Ayam, and Gama Ayam eggs.

Next, the visit continued to the Biotechnology Laboratory, where Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., presented microalgae products that can be used as supplements, biofuel, and body care. These products demonstrate potential for development in enhancing sustainability, energy efficiency, and supporting the defense sector.

The delegation then proceeded to the Biochemistry Laboratory, where they were welcomed by Dr. Yekti Asih Purwestri, S.Si., M.Si. In this laboratory, Dr. Yekti explained about pigmented rice products that have the potential to become functional food products rich in minerals and anthocyanins. The development of these products can support efforts to improve nutrition and health.

The next visit took place at the Entomology Laboratory, where the delegation was received by Drs. Hari Purwanto, M.P., Ph.D. Dr. Hari explained the potential of products derived from the cultivation of stingless bees, such as honey and propolis. These products have high economic value and can support national food security.

The final visit was conducted at the pond for the cultivation of wader pari fish, accompanied by Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, M.Sc. Here, the delegation witnessed the development of technology for wader pari fish cultivation and the outstanding products that have been produced. The development of the fisheries sector holds great potential in enhancing food security and contributing to the defense sector of the country.

The TNI AD delegation showed great enthusiasm during this visit. They expressed hopes for the realization of cooperation between TNI AD and the Faculty of Biology UGM, aiming to enhance the standards of nutrition and food security technology for the defense of Indonesia. Through this collaboration, a strong synergy is expected to be achieved between higher education institutions and defense agencies in fulfilling the country’s strategic objectives.

On Monday, 10 July 2023, Faculty of Biology UGM participated in online discussions on a collaboration plan with Singapore Management University (SMU) together with the UGM Faculty of Economics and Business. The discussion was attended by Dean of Faculty of Biology, Prof. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation and Alumni, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., Gumilang Arya Sadewo, S.E., M.A., Ph.D. and colleagues from Faculty of Economics and Business UGM. From Singapore Management University was attended by Lip Pin Yeo as Associate Director, School of Computing and Information Systems, Postgraduate Professional Program, SMU, and Joshua SIM as Senior Manager of the Lee Kong Chian School of Business, SMU, as well as colleagues from other high schools.

Discussion began with a presentation by Lip Pin Yeo regarding the profile of School of Computing and Information System (SCIS), SMU, especially Master of IT in Business (MITB) program. Programs managed by SCIS focus on Financial Services Technology, Operations Processes and Services (TOPS) and Business, Consumer and Social Analytics. Lip Pin Yeo explained about MITB program curriculum, class structure and credits taken and how SCIC provides opportunities for its students with internships, projects, and student exchanges. Lip Pin Yeo also explained the conditions for admitting students to SMU, especially SCIS and what scholarships can be obtained for both domestic students (Singapore) and students from ASEAN countries. SCIS also opens cooperation with foreign university partners through various model schemes including Direct Admission 4+1, 3+1 Fast Track Program, Concurrent Masters Program, Sequential Masters Program, and Overseas Exchange Program.

Furthermore, presentation was made by Joshua SIM as Senior Manager of Lee Kong Chian School of Business, SMU regarding the programs offered, especially Masters of Business Administration (MBA), Master of Science in Finance (MF), Master of Science in Management (MiM) programs, and Master of Science in Entrepreneurship (MEI). Joshua also explained about the curriculum implemented at SMU, student admissions as well as scholarship opportunities for foreign students.

In the discussion, Faculty of Biology was represented by the Dean and Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Alumni had the opportunity to initiate collaboration with SMU. This is related to the future potential of biology field which requires biologists who have expertise in the fields of IT, Big Data and AI to support the management of Indonesia’s large biodiversity to the development of bioinformatics. Faculty of Biology also explained the possibility of collaboration for the double degree program, especially for the Jakarta campus master’s program and the fast tract program. SMU also agreed to discuss again in discussing more detailed collaboration and possible collaborations that would be carried out together. It is hoped that the initiation of this collaboration can be a good start to support the development of biology in the future.

On Monday, July 10, 2023, the Faculty of Biology at Gadjah Mada University (UGM) and Satriabudi Dharma Setia Foundation (YSDS) signed a Cooperation Agreement for Research Implementation at the KPTU Conference Room of the Faculty of Biology UGM. The event took place from 10:00 to 11:00 AM and was attended by several important figures, including Dr. Vincentius Simeon Weo Budhyanto as the Chairman of Satriabudi Dharma Setia Foundation, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. as the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, M.Sc. as the Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affair of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. as the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration, and Alumni of the Faculty of Biology UGM, as well as Dr. Niken Satuti Nur Handayani, M.Sc., Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono, S.Si., M.Si., and Indra Lesmana, S.Si., M.Sc., who are Faculty Members/Researchers.

During the event, three cooperation agreements for research implementation were signed. These cooperation agreements are the implementation of the Genomic Grant proposal titled “Acceleration of Genomic Technology and Knowledge and Health in Indonesia,” with the aim of facilitating genomic sequencing, biological data processing, and bioinformatic analysis for researchers in Indonesia. The funding for this program is provided by PaninGroup through the coordination of YSDS with the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment and the Ministry of Health.

Here are the details of the three signed cooperation agreements:

1. Acceleration of Genomic Technology and Knowledge and Health in Indonesia (Development of Molecular Diagnostic to Identify the Genes Underlying the Split Hand and Foot Malformation (SHFM) in Bone Through Whole Exome Sequencing)

This cooperation agreement is led by Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono, S.Si., M.Si. from the Animal Systematics Laboratory, Faculty of Biology UGM. The objective is to develop a molecular diagnostic method to identify the genes causing Split Hand and Foot Malformation (SHFM) in bones through whole exome sequencing techniques.

2. Acceleration of Genomic Technology and Knowledge and Health in Indonesia (Genetic Diversity Inventory of Indigenous Indonesians in the Population of Bilalang Village, North Sulawesi Province: Whole Exome Sequencing of Genes Associated with Red Hair)

This cooperation agreement is led by Dr. Niken Satuti Nur Handayani, M.Sc. from the Genetics and Breeding Laboratory, Faculty of Biology UGM. This research aims to inventory the genetic diversity of indigenous populations in Bilalang Village, North Sulawesi Province, using whole exome sequencing techniques on genes associated with red hair.

3. Acceleration of Genomic Technology and Knowledge and Health in Indonesia (Development of a Thalassemia Diagnostic Kit and Inventory of Thalassemia Mutant Variant Towards Indonesia Zero Thalassemia Major)

This cooperation agreement is also led by Dr. Niken Satuti Nur Handayani, M.Sc. from the Genetics and Breeding Laboratory, Faculty of Biology UGM. The research aims to develop a thalassemia diagnostic kit and inventory thalassemia mutant variants to achieve the “Indonesia Zero Thalassemia Major” target.

Dr. Vincentius Simeon Weo Budhyanto, as the Chairman of Satriabudi Dharma Setia Foundation, stated that this cooperation is an important step in the development of genomic knowledge and health in Indonesia. He hopes that through this cooperation, research in the field of genomics and health can advance further and make a significant contribution to the Indonesian society.

Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., warmly welcomes this cooperation and the ideas presented by Dr. Vincentius Simeon Weo Budhyanto. Prof. Budi hopes that this cooperation will be a tangible step in advancing genomic research technology and developing the usefulness of research results for the Indonesian society.

The signing event concluded with a tour of the laboratories at the Faculty of Biology UGM to introduce the research support facilities and develop plans for constructing a Biomedical Research Building at the Faculty of Biology UGM.

In an effort to strengthen the collaboration between Nottingham University UK and the Faculty of Biology UGM, a discussion was held on Wednesday 28 June 2023 at the UGM University Center as a follow-up to UGM’s visit to Nottingham University in early June 2023. In the discussion, Nottingham University was represented by Ms Shannon Baverstock, Global Engagement Manager (UoN ) and the Faculty of Biology UGM was represented by Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, Deputy Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation and Alumni.

The University of Nottingham was founded in 1798 to become a university college in 1881 which is divided into 10 faculties. The university has around 32,000 students with 4,000 international students from more than 100 countries. Her bioscience field is in the top 10 in the UK for research quality and is in 3rd in the UK for research strength according to an analysis by Times Higher Education. Thus the research conducted in the field of Bioscience is classified as ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’.

The results of the agreement made with the Faculty of Biology UGM include Nottingham University will send lecturers and students to the International Summer Course which is regularly held by the Faculty of Biology starting next year and this year will send Prof. Sir Martyn Poliakoff as one of the teachers in this International Summer Course. In return, students from the Faculty of Biology UGM will be given the opportunity to take part in a student exchange for 1 to 2 semesters at Bioscience Nottingham University with a tuition fee waiver. Nottingham University will also send visiting professors to the Faculty of Biology. The collaboration that will be developed is a 2+2 program for bachelor programs and 1+1 for master programs, especially for the Jakarta campus master program.

This collaboration is a concrete step by the Faculty of Biology UGM in implementing its commitment to building international networks that are useful in improving the quality of research and academics with its international partners.