On Tuesday, 11 April 2023, the Faculty of Biology UGM received a visit from Prof. Elizabeth van Volkenburgh, Professor of Plant Science at the Department of Biology, University of Washington (UW), USA. The visit was received at the KPTU Meeting Room on the 2nd floor by the 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.Si., M.Sc. and Lecturer from the Plant Physiology Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, Prof. Dr. Kumala Dewi, M.Sc.St.

The visit began with an introduction to the Faculty of Biology and Gadjah Mada University in general by the UGM Faculty of Biology leadership. In the meeting, a collaboration plan was discussed between the University of Washington and the UGM Faculty of Biology such as student exchanges, summer courses, visiting professors and general lectures. At the meeting, Prof. Elizabeth really appreciated the “International Summer Course on Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development” which this year will be held in early August 2023. This activity is an annual activity of the UGM Faculty of Biology which offers exploration of biology learning related to biodiversity and tropical ecosystems for the survival of living things. “It is a very good opportunity for students to learn,” he said. Prof. Elizabeth also intends to offer this opportunity to students in her department who are interested in studying ecology, the “ring of fire” and various research related to biology in the tropics.

The visit ended with a tour of the UGM Faculty of Biology, especially in the area of ​​the Plant Physiology Laboratory and the Plant Development Structure Laboratory. This visit is expected to increase cooperation between the Faculty of Biology UGM and the University of Washington, especially the Department of Biology.

Monday, April 17 2023, the Faculty of Biology, Gadjah Mada University, officially collaborated with the Indonesian Association of Parents with Thalassemia (POPTI) Magelang. The offline signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) took place at Tidar Hospital, Magelang City, at 09.30 WIB. The MoU document was signed by Dr Woro Triaksiwi Wulansari, Sp.A., M.Sc. as Chairperson of POPTI Magelang, while representatives from the Faculty of Biology UGM namely Dr. Niken Satuti Nur Handayani, M.Sc. from the Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding.

The collaboration between POPTI Magelang and the Faculty of Biology UGM was initiated to support the implementation of the Free Learning-Free Campus Program (MBKM) for research related to thalassemia and will support the screening program for thalassemia carriers for potential partners with thalassemia and Indonesian society in general. Thalassemia is a hereditary blood disorder that needs attention to suppress the emergence of new cases through a thalassemia screening program. dr. Woro as Chair of POPTI Magelang really hopes that this collaboration will not only be for MBKM Research activities but also community service activities, education and motivation for families with thalassemia and other activities that are beneficial to POPTI and the UGM Faculty of Biology, as well as the wider community.

This collaboration also collaborates with various related parties who can support both implementation and financing. In particular, the collaboration between POPTI Magelang and the Faculty of Biology UGM is expected to provide support through research related to thalassemia as well as contribute to the success of prevention programs and reducing the prevalence of thalassemia sufferers in Indonesia.

Monday, March 20 2023, the Faculty of Biology UGM received a visit from Western Sydney University (WSU) Australia to discuss plans to open a double degree program. WSU is ranked 1st in the world for the 2022 SDGs, while the School of Science, WSU is ranked 16th in the world and 2nd in Australia in the field of Ecology.

WSU was represented by Associate Professor Kamali Kannangara (Associate Dean of Global Engagement) and Augviera while from the Faculty of Biology UGM was attended by Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, Rina Sri Kasiamdari, Ph.D., Dr.rer.nat. Andhika Puspito Nugroho, Sukirno, Ph.D., Dr.rer.nat. Abdurahman Siregar, Emi Dwi Suryanti, M.Sc. and P2MKSA staff. The discussion discussed adjustments to the undergraduate study program curricula from the two institutions. It is planned that the type of program proposed is 2+2, namely 2 years at UGM and 2 years at WSU, which can be done at WSU Sydney Australia or WSU Surabaya. While participating in the program, double degree program students from the Faculty of Biology UGM can choose majors in Biology with minors in microbiology, infectious diseases, environmental health, conservation science and water for life at WSU. They can even take other majors, such as: environmental health, forensic science, sustainable environmental futures, zoology, and innovative foods during their studies.

It is hoped that in the near future the double degree program will be realized. Through this program, it shows that the quality of education and research at the Faculty of Biology UGM is recognized globally. This collaboration will also increase the reputation of the two institutions.

Wednesday (8/3/23) the handover and inauguration of the BiosHub Acaraki was held at the Faculty of Biology UGM. The event, which took place in the north hall of Building B, Faculty of Biology UGM, started at 9:00 a.m. and was attended by the Director and Founder of Acaraki, Jony Yuwono, M.B.A., Plant Manager of PT. Sinde Budi Sentosa, Drs. apt. Sri Wahyono, and Monster Group Operation Director, Ageng Budiharjo Wijaya, S.E., M.Sc., CFP. BiosHub Acaraki is a grant from Acaraki whose construction began in 2019 and was hampered by a pandemic.

The event started with remarks by the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. Furthermore, the signing of the Minutes of the Handover Event between the Faculty of Biology UGM was carried out by the Dean, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc and the Director of Acaraki, Jony Yuwono, M.B.A. After the signing process, a memento from the Faculty of Biology UGM was handed over to the Director of Acaraki.

Before the event ends, there were a prayer by Asrindon, S.I.Kom and the ribbon cutting by the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM and the Director of Acaraki. After a series of handover events and the inauguration of BiosHub, the Dean and the Director of Acaraki and their team visited the Sawitsari research station, Butterfly Park and the Biology Museum managed by the Faculty of Biology UGM.

On Friday 10 February 2023, the Faculty of Biology UGM received a visit from the Faculty of Science and Technology UIN Walisongo Semarang. The guests who attended from UIN Walisongo Semarang included the Dean, Dr. H. Ismail, M.Ag., Deputy Dean for Student Affairs, Cooperation and Alumni, Dr. Hj. Nur Khasanah, M.Kes., several teaching staff, and one alumni from the Faculty of Biology, Ms. Tara. The visit was held at the KPTU Meeting Room. this meeting also attended by the Dean of the 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. Niken Satuti Nur Hadayani, Head of Department, Dr. Slamet Widiyanto, S.Sc., M.Sc., Secretary of the Department, Abdul Razaq Chasani, S.Sc., M.Sc., Head of Bachelor Program, Sukirno, S.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D. , Head of Doctoral Study Program, Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, S.Si., M.Sc.,

This meeting was to strengthen relations between the Faculty of Biology UGM and the Faculty of Science and Technology UIN Walisongo by signing a Cooperation Agreement especially in the fields of education, research and community service.

In his remarks, the Dean of the Faculty of Science and Technology UIN Walisongo wanted to learn a lot from the Faculty of Biology UGM, because the Faculty of Biology UGM is the oldest biology faculty in Indonesia that has achievements both domestically and abroad, and has been accredited by ASIIN. Collaborations that have been carried out with the Faculty of Biology UGM include seminars, workshops, delivery of Masters studies, student exchange activities, research assistance, and MBKM.

The Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM said he was very happy and grateful for the collaboration that had been carried out, hopefully in the future this collaboration will have a positive impact on both parties. In October 2017, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.SC once attended an invitation from UIN Walisongo Semarang to become a guest speaker for a seminar. Until now there are 11 UINs that have collaborated with the Faculty of Biology UGM, including UIN Maulana Malik Ibrahim, UIN Alauddin Makassar, UIN Sunan Kalijaga, UIN Sunan Gunung Djati, UIN Sultan Maulana Hasanuddin, and UIN Sultan Thaha Saifuddin

On Thursday 2 February 2023 the Dean, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. and Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Alumni, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., joined leadership agenda of Universitas Gadjah Mada to the BINUS University Alam Sutera campus, Tangerang City, Banten.

In this occasion, the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, was able to learn from BINUS University in the academic field, research management, management of information technology systems and other innovative programs that can improve the academic quality of students and lecturers.

These programs include the use of IT for the learning process that makes it easy for lecturers and students to interact, integration of IT systems at all academic levels, human resources and infrastructure, apprenticeship programs that are connected to the career development of students after graduation, study program promotion systems with more millennial program names and an efficient staffing structure.

In this occasion, an agreement was made for collaboration in the development of BINUS University’s biotechnology study and research programs with the Faculty of Biology UGM.

Thursday on 2 February 2022, the Research Team for the Independent Learning Campus Program (Lit MBKM) of the Faculty of Biology UGM, chaired by Dr. Rarastoeti Pratiwi M.Sc. with Pratama Atha Nafi, Diani Nur Dzakiyah, Lutfi Maulana and Cintya Angelina, have carried out an initial visit at CV Pradipta Paramita, Karanganyar, Central Java. The visit was warmly welcomed by Dra. Agnes Heratri M.P., as the Main Director of CV Pradipta Paramita, along with several managerial staff. In his remarks, he said that CV Pradipta Paramita was very open to the partnership that would be forged with the UGM Faculty of Biology. According to Mrs. Agnes, she is very happy with this collaboration, because as an alumni of the 1982 batch of the Faculty of Biology UGM, she hopes to provide more benefits to her alma mater.

During the meeting, it was also conveyed about the activities and various products that have been produced by CV Pradipta Paramita, including in the form of supplements and probiotics to support the health of livestock and fish, various organic plant fertilizers, as well as biological agents to control horticultural plant pests. CV Pradipta Paramita also produces various herbal-based health drink products. The company also has an experimental garden where product prototypes are tested to be applied to horticultural crops. Product marketing from this CV covers various cities in Indonesia.

After listening to an explanation from CV Pradipta Paramita, then followed by a discussion between the MBKM Lit team at the Faculty of Biology UGM. The discussion began with some questions from students, starting from the beginning of the establishment of CV Pradipta Paramita, to becoming the Biotechnology Industry. Mrs. Agnes explained about the many problems that arise in society, starting from the health, agriculture, fishery and environment sectors. In fact, Indonesia has extraordinary biological wealth, which can be used to overcome these problems. The various products produced by CV Pradipta started with the results of research, observation and field tests, data analysis and then made products that have been tested and registered with the relevant agencies to be traded.

The MBKM Research Team also conveyed the theme of the research that would be carried out jointly, namely regarding the development of butterfly pea plants as a health drink and anti-pest product for cultivated plants. The butterfly pea plant (Clitoria ternate) is the choice, because based on a literature review, the butterfly pea flower has properties as an antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic and anti-depressant. In addition to its distinctive color, blue to purple, butterfly pea flowers can be combined with various other herbs and nutrients, so that they can be made into health drinks. In addition, the eggplant also contains compounds that can be used as insecticides, hence that it can be developed into a biological agent for controlling pests in horticultural crops.

During the visit, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Faculty of Biology UGM and CV. Pradipta Paramita signed by the Main Director, Dra. Agnes Heratri, M.P., with the Dean, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. This collaboration is expected to be expanded and improved again for the next five years. The visit ended with mementos in the form of several health drink products from CV Pradipta Paramita.

Sunday at 29 February 2023, the UGM Faculty of Biology Team consisting of the Dean, Deputy Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation and Alumni, Head of Office and Administration, Head of Administration, Finance and General Affairs Section and The Faculty of Biology UGM Collaboration Staff section visited the Ajibarang Hospital to take part in a series of activities for the 16th Anniversary of Ajibarang Hospital in 2023.

The series of activities for the anniversary of the Ajibarang Hospital began with remarks and submission of reports from dr. Noegroho Harbani, M.Sc.,Sp.S. as the Director of Ajibarang Hospital and continued with the reading of the prayer, then followed by the opening of the event by Ir. Ahmad Husein as Regent of Banyumas, Line Dance, tree planting assistance from the Faculty of Biology UGM, Inauguration of the BPJS KRIS Under Standard Seagull Treatment Room, Ajibarang Hospital Anniversary Celebration which was enlivened with several competitions and door prizes, and ended with the signing of the MoU and PKS (Cooperation Agreement)  between the Faculty of Biology UGM and Ajibarang Hospital.

The Faculty of Biology UGM has donated walnut tree seedlings (100 trees), avocado trees (2 trees), Super Sleman longan trees (4 trees), longkong trees (1 tree), and blackboard trees (1 tree) to be planted in the Ajibarang Hospital development area.

The symbolic planting was carried out by the Banyumas Regent, Chairperson of the Banyumas Regency DPRD, Director of the Ajibarang Hospital and Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM by planting avocado and walnut trees which followed by mass planting by all Ajibarang Hospital employees on Friday, 3 February 2023 with the hope that in the next five to ten years Ajibarang Hospital will become a green-hospital to increase the comfort and quality of the hospital environment.

The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and Cooperation Agreement (PKS) between the Faculty of Biology UGM and Ajibarang Hospital was held in the Director’s room of Ajibarang Hospital, attended by officials and doctors of Ajibarang Hospital.The scope of the collaboration includes cooperation in the fields of education and training, research and scientific publications, community service, the Independent Learning Campus (MBKM) program, and cooperation in the 2023 Matching Fund grant with Prof. Purnomo, M.S. (Professor of Plant Systematics at the Faculty of Biology UGM) as the chief proponent for the development of milk gourd cultivation and processed products in improving public health in Ajibarang District, Banyumas Regency, Central Java.

“Ajibarang Hospital almost feels like our home because the welcome was so warm and friendly. Planting a tree means planting a life because when a tree is planted there will be many other lives that will be present. Hopefully one day representatives from the Ajibarang Hospital can also visit the Faculty of Biology UGM so that I can take you on a tour of the Sawitsari Research Station and Porok Beach, Faculty of Biology UGM,” said the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM.

Director of Ajibarang Hospital, dr. Noegroho Harbani, M.Sc., Sp.S also expressed his gratitude and hoped that with this collaboration apart from transferring seeds, the Faculty of Biology UGM can also transfer knowledge, especially for stunting management programs in the Ajibarang area.

Zebrafish is one of the important model organisms in the study of disease in humans. The Asian Conference on Fish Models for Disease 2023 is one of the venues for holding discussions between researchers and students who use zebrafish as the main object of research. This conference took place at the Hyatt Yogyakarta Hotel from 30 January to 2 February 2023. The advisory board of this conference came from various international institutions including Leiden University (Netherlands), National University of Singapore (Singapore), Monash University (Australia), Mie University (Japan ), Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine (Singapore), Soochow University (China), and the Hongkong University of Science and Technology (Hongkong). UGM’s involvement in organizing this activity was represented by lecturers and students from the Faculty of Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, and FKKMK as committee members.

This conference is one manifestation of the collaboration between Leiden University and UGM to support the acceleration of the use of zebrafish as research model animals at UGM. Prof. Herman Spaink from Leiden University, as coordinator of the advisory board of this conference, is a strategic partner of the Faculty of Biology in research and education development. During the three days of implementation, researchers and students from various countries discussed the application of zebrafish as a model in the study of diseases such as diabetes, tuberculosis, growth disorders, etc. The Faculty of Biology sent 9 delegates for this activity, namely Prof. Budi S. Daryono (Dean), Dr. Eko Agus Suyono (Deputy Dean for P2MKSA), Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, Dr. biol. hom. Nastiti Wijayanti, Dr. Tri Rini Nuringtyas, Donan Satria Yudha, M.Sc., Lisna Hidayati, M. Biotech, Nur Indah Septriani, Ph.D., and Dr. Fajar Sofyantoro. As one of the speakers, Prof. Budi S. Daryono presented a topic related to the involvement of the Indonesian Biology Consortium (KOBI) in the preparation and application of the Indonesian Biodiversity Index (IBI). Prof. Budi also emphasized the importance of collaboration between countries to ensure that the rate of extinction of biodiversity in the world can be suppressed. This appeal received a positive response from the participants who attended this conference. On the 2nd day, Dr. Bambang Retnoaji participated as a speaker with a theme related to the potential of wader fish and its opportunities to be used as animal models. In his presentation, Dr. Bambang also conveyed the contribution of the Faculty of Biology in developing artificial spawning techniques to support wader fish conservation.

The conference closed on Wednesday, 1 February 2023 with a dinner attended by Prof. dr. Ova Emilia, M.Med.Ed., Sp.OG., Ph.D. as Chancellor of UGM. Delivered to all advisory boards, researchers, and students attending the 2023 Asian Conference on Fish Models for Disease, the Chancellor of UGM hopes that research at UGM related to zebrafish can accelerate well in the future.

The Faculty of Biology is participating in the UGM Team for the Development of Collaboration with Partners in Australia which starts on 28 November to 1 December 2022. The UGM team, which was led directly by the Chancellor and consisted of the Secretary to the Chancellor, the Director of KUI along with the Head of the Office of International Cooperation and the Head of the Office of Quality Assurance, also included the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM (Prof. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., Ph.D.) and WD P2MKSA (Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc.) along with the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering (Prof. Selo), Dean of FMIPA (Prof. Kuwat Triyana) and WD AKM FMIPA (Prof. Roto) and Dean of the UGM Vocational School ( Dr. Ir. Agus Maryono).

The plan to develop cooperation with partners in the Australian region is based on various considerations to strengthen and follow up various discussions related to increasing the output of cooperation in the field of tridharma with partners in Australia in Sydney and Melbourne, namely The University of New South Wales (UNSW), University of Technology Sydney (UTS), Western Sydney University (WSU), The University of Melbourne (UniMelb) and Monash University.

On the fourth day of their visit (Thursday, 1 December 2022) to Monash University, the UGM delegation was welcomed by Professor Rebekah Brown (Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) and Senior Vice-President), Mr Paul Sabo (Director, Research Engagement and Impact, Office of DVC (Research) Engineering), Professor Scott Tyo (Head of Department, Electrical & Computer Systems Engineering), Professor Hai Vu (Associate Dean (Research), Faculty of Engineering), and Ms Shameera Salahudeen (Senior Project Coordinator, Office of DVC (Global Engagement).

UGM – Monash has collaborated since 2005 with various output activities such as staff & student mobility and research collaboration. UGM is the organizing partner for the Monash University Global Immersion Guarantee (GIG) activity in November 2022 with 64 Monash University students participating.

On this occasion the Faculty of Biology plans to send its students to take part in the IISMA (Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards) Program at the Faculty of Science, Monash University which will begin its implementation in 2023. Besides that, opportunities to take part in International Exposé include student exchange and mobility for students and lecturers and opportunities for research collaboration in the field of climate change and the environment.