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.

In order to accelerates collaboration with the best universities from Singapore, Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), represented by Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. as Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation and Alumni and Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, M.Sc., as Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, participated in the Republic of Indonesia – Singapore University Network (RI SING UN) in Denpasar, Bali on 12-14 June 2023. From Indonesia, UGM, ITB, IPB, ITS, and UI attended while from Singapore were attended by their top rank universities, namely: National University Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technology University (NTU), Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS), Singapore Management University (SMU), and Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD). The event was opened by the Indonesian Director General of Higher Education, Prof. Nizam and Deputy Secretary (Higher Education & Skills) of Singapore, Ms. Melissa Khoo.

Programs planned and approved upon with NUS are Joint Research and publication on field center carbon capture and biodiversity, initiation of a double degree program, NUS Overseas College (NOC), a mobility program for 3 to 6 months internship in entrepreneurship. Info session will be held on October-November 2023 for the NOC program, summer course, Master Program in Venture Creation, also NUS will provides 2 full scholarships and 10 study awards. Programs that will soon be implemented with NTU are Summer Course program in July-August 2023 (4 students and 1 professor from NTU as participants and resource persons) and the initiation of double degree program in biodiversity. The programs initiated and approved upon with SMU are the 4+1 (plus one) master program and student exchange while SUTD approved student exchange and 1+1 master program. The approved collaboration with SUSS are a plus one program on master of digital marketing, master of finance (fintech program), and master of IP and innovation management, impact start up challenges program, venture builder program (3 months programs to build a business), industrial internship program, and talent development (socio & technopreneurship) program while the collaboration with SIT are the initiation of short programs/summer courses in technology related, social innovation projects (SIP), 2-3 weeks summer school programs, and joint research on sustainable energy.

The matchmaking meeting is a concrete step from Faculty of Biology UGM in implementing commitment to building useful international collaborations in academic and research fields.

The team of Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), represented by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc as Dean and Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. as Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation and Alumni made a visit to the University of Coventry and University of Warwick on Friday (9/6/2023). This visit aims to initiate collaboration with the School of Life Sciences Coventry University and the School of Life Sciences Warwick University.

The School of Life Sciences Coventry University consists of Biomedical Science, Sport and Exercise Science, Food and Nutrition, also Sports Therapy and Forensic Science. This faculty offers study programs of high quality and provides education and research that is directly applicable to society and industry. During the visit to The School of Life Science, The Faculty of Biology Team discussed with Prof. Derek Renshaw (Academic Director) and Dr. Craigh Blyth to initiate cooperation in double degree programs for Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral and mobility program for students and staffs.

After visiting Coventry University, the team visited Warwick University’s School of Life Sciences. About 90% of the research developed by this faculty is rated as ‘internationally excellent’ or ‘world leading’ and is a dynamic and growing place for research in biological sciences. These achievements are supported by the latest research facilities, especially in the fields of molecular biology and imaging biology.

During a visit to Warwick University’s School of Life Sciences, the Faculty of Biology Team was welcomed by Professor Miriam Gifford, Head of School and Professor Jose Gutierrez-Marcos, Professor of Functional Genomics and Epigenomics. The collaboration agreed is student and staff mobility, international summer courses, visiting professors, joint supervision and publications, research collaborations and initiation of the double degree program.

Dean of Faculty of Biology, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. hopes that the quantity and quality of international cooperation at the Faculty of Biology UGM will increase, especially with University of Coventry and University of Warwick.

In an effort to strengthen the existing cooperation, a delegation from the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), represented by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc as the Dean and Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc as the Vice Dean of  Research, Community Service, Collaboration, and Alumni visited the University of Leeds and the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom on Thursday (June 8, 2023). The purpose of this visit was to explore collaboration opportunities with the University of Nottingham and to strengthen the existing partnership between the Faculty of Biology UGM and the University of Leeds.

The Faculty of Biological Sciences at the University of Leeds is one of the prestigious higher education institutions in the UK, renowned for its excellence in the field of biology. It is ranked in the top 100 in the world for Life Sciences (Times Higher Education World University Rankings) and top 100 in the world for Sports according to the QS World University Rankings. The faculty offers high-quality study programs and is equipped with advanced research facilities. During the visit to the University of Leeds, the Faculty of Biology UGM delegation held discussions with Prof. Ian Wood, Professor of Molecular Neuroscience, to expand the collaboration in the Double Degree program for Master’s and Doctoral degrees.

Meanwhile, the Faculty of Science at the University of Nottingham also have a strong reputation in the field of natural sciences. The faculty offers comprehensive study programs and provides a dynamic academic environment. During this visit, the Faculty of Biology UGM delegation explored research and academic collaboration opportunities with the Faculty of Science at the University of Nottingham. Some forms of collaboration being explored include Students And Staff Mobility, Visiting Professors, and Double Supervision for the Double Degree Program.

During the visit to the University of Nottingham, the Faculty of Biology UGM delegation was welcomed by Dr. Nigel Mongan, Ph.D., FHEA., FRC.Path (Director of Global Engagement Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences), David Ouchterlonie (Associate Director Global Engagement External Relations), and Rachel Jessop (Senior Strategic Projects and International Manager Faculty of Science).

As a follow-up to this collaborative visit, it was announced that several professors from the University of Leeds and the University of Nottingham have agreed to become keynote/invited speakers at the 6^th International Summer Course on Tropical Biodiversity & Sustainable Development, an upcoming program organized by the Faculty of Biology UGM in July 2023. This program will provide an opportunity for students and academic staff to gain insights and new knowledge from renowned experts in the field of tropical biology.

Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., expressed his delight with the progress of this collaboration. He hopes that the quantity and quality of international cooperation in the Faculty of Biology UGM will continue to increase, particularly with several universities in the UK.

The visit by the Faculty of Biology UGM delegation to the University of Leeds and the University of Nottingham is a concrete step in implementing the commitment of the Faculty of Biology UGM to build beneficial international cooperation in the academic and research fields.

Thursday, May 11 2023 Gala Dinner was held between Faculty of Biology UGM and Faculty of Science Universiteit Leiden at Sasanti Restaurant, Yogyakarta. The Gala Dinner was attended by Prof. dr. Paul J. A. Kessler (Director of Hortus Botanicus, Universiteit Leiden), Dean of the Faculty of Biology, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., Deputy Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation and Alumni, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., Deputy Dean for Asset Finance and HR, Dr. Slamet Widiyanto, S.Si., M.Sc., Deputy Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, S.Sc., M.Sc., Head of the Tropical Biology Department, Abdul Razaq Chasani, S.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D., Head of the Bachelor Study Program, Sukirno, S.Sc., M. Si., Ph.D., Head of the Doctoral Study Program, Dr. Endah Retnaningrum, M.Eng., Head of Office of International Affairs, Faculty of Biology, and Dr.rer.nat. Abdul Rahman Siregar, S.Si., M.Biotech.

Gala Dinner is intended to strengthen good collaboration relation between two parties, Faculty of Biology UGM and Faculty of Science Universiteit Leiden after Tuesday, May 9 2023, the MoU was extended regarding collaboration in joint research programs, visiting professorships, resources for exchange, joint seminars , workshops, double degree programs, educational scholarships and various other scopes of collaboration between Faculty of Biology and Leiden University

Gala Dinner occured with small talk and shared experiences through comparisons between Indonesia in general and the Faculty of Biology UGM in particular with Universiteit Leiden in the Netherlands, such as cultural differences, regulations, education and teaching curriculum, research, and so on. Prof. Paul also went down to share about the teaching system at Universiteit Leiden and the Netherlands, both from the development of human resources, functions and publications, connections with various parties, one of which is the United Nations, to how it affects to the development of education, especially within the university sphere.

The implementation of this Gala Dinner is a form of strengthening both working and personal relationships with the collaboration partners of the Faculty of Biology. It is hoped that good collaboration can continue between Faculty of Biology and Faculty of Science Universiteit Leiden.

Tuesday, May 9 2023, Faculty of Biology Gadjah Mada University received a visit from Faculty of Science, Universiteit Leiden, The Netherlands. There are Prof. dr. Jesper Knoester (Dean of the Faculty of Science), Professor of the Computer Science Program, Prof. Dr. M. M. Marcello Bonsangue (Professor of Bioinformatics), Prof. dr. Paul J. A. Kessler (Director of Hortus Botanicus), Prof. dr. Erik H. J. Danen, and Yun Tian. The visit was received at the KPTU Meeting Room by the Dean of Faculty of Biology, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation and Alumni, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., Vice Dean for Asset Finance and HR, Dr. Slamet Widiyanto, S.Si., M.Sc., Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, S.Sc., M.Sc., Head of the Tropical Biology Department, Abdul Razaq Chasani, S.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D., Head of Bachelor Study Program, Sukirno, S.Sc., M. Si., Ph.D., Head of Masters Study Program, Dr.rer.nat. Andhika Puspito Nugroho, S.Sc., M.Sc., Head of Doctoral Study Program, Dr. Endah Retnaningrum, M.Eng., Head of Office of International Affairs, Dr.rer.nat. Abdul Rahman Siregar, S.Sc., M.Biotech., Mukhlis Jamal Musa Holle, S.Sc., M.Env.Sc., and Nur Indah Septriani, S.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D.

The visit began with an introduction to the Faculty of Biology and Gadjah Mada University in general by the Head of Faculty of Biology UGM and profile of Universiteit Leiden, especially Faculty of Science, was presented by Prof. dr. Jesper Knoester as the Dean. Furthermore, there was discussion regarding the MoU and the implementation of collaboration between Faculty of Biology UGM and Faculty of Science Universiteit Leiden including the mobility program for undergraduate students (IISMA, internship, student exchange), educational scholarships, and double degree program between Faculty of Biology UGM and Leiden University.

Collaboration between Faculty of Biology Gadjah Mada University and Faculty of Science, Universiteit Leiden has been established since 2016 with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) regarding cooperation in joint research programs, visiting professorships, resources for exchange, joint seminars and workshops, PhD programs and post-doc training. During the visit, of MoU extension was signed to continue the collaboration that had taken place before. This visit is expected to enhance collaboration between the Faculty of Biology UGM and the Faculty of Science, Leiden University.