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.

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.