In anticipation of Indonesia Emas 2045, it’s crucial to prepare a high-quality, competent, and competitive young generation. Encouraging active innovation and research in the fields of science and technology among the youth is a step towards this goal. Support from the government, private sector, and other stakeholders is essential, involving substantial research funding incentives, downstreaming research products, and recognizing successful young researchers or scientists.

Merck, a leading science and technology company, hosted the Merck Young Scientist Award (“MYSA”) on November 23, 2023, at Hotel ASTON Priority Simatupang Hotel & Conference Center in Jakarta. This award for young researchers has been held since 2018 and occurs every two years. This time, the organizing committee successfully selected 136 young researcher candidates from across Indonesia. Out of these candidates, 12 of the best young researchers were chosen to participate in the award event in Jakarta. The participants underwent rigorous selection by a panel of judges chaired by Prof. Dr. Apt. Edy Meiyanto, M.Si., from Universitas Gadjah Mada. Other jury members included Prof. Dr. Taufiqu Rohman, M.Eng., from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN); Iman Hidayat, Ph.D., from BRIN; Dr. Riza Arief Putranto, D.E.A., from The Indonesian Society for Bioinformatics and Biodiversity; and Ilma Equilibrina, Ph.D., from PT Merck. Those who made it to Jakarta went through another selection phase, presenting scientific posters and research findings. Among the 12 selected candidates in Jakarta was Sigit Dwi Maryanto, representing the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada. In this opportunity, Sigit aimed to showcase his best in front of the jury and researchers from across Indonesia. Sigit presented an innovative research on the efficiency of fertilizing oil palm plants using a molecular marker-based plant breeding approach. The ultimate aim of this research was to produce “Efficient Nutrient Superior Oil Palm” plants, which could potentially enhance the welfare of Indonesian oil palm farmers, aligning with the SDGs 2030 through science and technology. However, the jury named the best researcher as Dr. Eng. Sjaikhurrijal El M., S.Si., M.Eng., from BRIN, awarding him a prize of IDR 50,000,000.

Devy Tri Nurmala, the Head of the Merck Young Scientist Award (“MYSA”) Committee, expressed appreciation to the 12 best candidates who participated in MYSA. She expressed hope that young researchers would continue their work, generating research products beneficial for the nation’s progress.

On Friday, November 17th and Friday, November 24th, 2023, a Guest Lecture on Animal Ecophysiology was conducted online through a Zoom meeting. The Animal Ecophysiology course is a compulsory course in the functional interest field (animals), taught by professors in the Animal Physiology Laboratory. Dr. Amir Hamidy, M.Sc., an alumnus of the Faculty of Biology UGM, participated as the speaker. Currently, Dr. Amir Hamidy, M.Sc. works as a Senior Researcher at the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) and holds the position of Director of the Secretariat for Biological Diversity Authority at BRIN. During the first session, Dr. Amir Hamidy discussed topics related to the eco-physiology of amphibians and reptiles in Indonesia. The explanation aimed to provide insights to students in both Regular and IUP classes regarding the research field pursued by Dr. Amir Hamidy. After the presentation, a discussion and Q&A session took place. The students actively participated by asking questions and discussing various aspects presented by the speaker. This discussion provided students with the opportunity to clarify and deeper understanding of the topics discussed.In the second session, government policies related to the utilization of genetic resources for animal research, analysis of opportunities and challenges in animal ecophysiology research, and procedures for obtaining research permits for wild and protected animals in Indonesia were explained.

This Guest Lecture provided students with profound insights into the biodiversity richness in Indonesia and the potential research that can be conducted in the field of animal ecophysiology. Moreover, it facilitated interaction between students and experts, aiming to open opportunities for future knowledge development and collaborations. As a follow-up, there’s an expectation for further activities or in-depth workshops related to the presented material. This could offer students opportunities for deeper engagement in research and application of animal eco-physiology concepts in real-world contexts. In its implementation, this initiative is also expected to support Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 15 (Life on Land), which focuses on the protection and conservation of terrestrial biodiversity.

November 24-26, 2023 – The Faculty of Biology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) organized an Academic, Research, Community Service, and Scientific Expertise Workshop. The event took place at Queen Garden Hotel, Baturraden, Purwokerto, Central Java, and was attended by all faculty members of the Faculty of Biology at UGM.

After a 5 to 6-hour journey from Yogyakarta, the group arrived in Baturraden, and the official activities were inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., the Dean of the Faculty of Biology at UGM. Prof. Budi expressed, “This workshop serves as a highly beneficial platform for the academic development and enhancement of the quality of the Faculty of Biology’s lecturers. We hope that this activity can contribute positively to the advancement of knowledge and teaching in the field of biology and will be filled with discussions related to academics, research, community service, and the scientific expertise of the Faculty of Biology.”

On Saturday morning (11/25), the workshop began with an explanation of the OBA Simaster portfolio presented by Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, M.Sc., the Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs. Subsequently, Dr.rer.nat. Andhika Puspito Nugroho, M.Si., the Head of the Master’s Program at the Faculty of Biology, guided the completion of the OBA Simaster for faculty members in the Simaster system. OBA Simaster is an instrument prepared to measure Outcome-Based Learning (OBE) at UGM. The implementation of OBE is UGM’s effort to address the challenges of education in the era of Industry 4.0. OBA Simaster will serve as a facility for program managers and lecturers to process learning outcomes in accordance with the Semester Learning Program Plan (RPKPS). This workshop, organized by the Faculty of Biology, aims to assist faculty members in uploading and synchronizing portfolios in OBA Simaster.

The workshop continued with discussions on research and community service presented by Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Alumni. Dr. Eko provided information about the research and publications of Faculty of Biology lecturers, including the number of research projects, external and internal grant funding sources, research partners, and the latest information on the scopus index for Faculty of Biology lecturers. Dr. Eko emphasized the importance of collaboration in efforts to increase the number of research projects and publications, both among faculty members and with external partners, both domestically and internationally. The workshop also discussed the initiation of research group formation and the selection of villages supported by the Faculty of Biology at UGM. These research groups are expected to serve as a collaborative platform for research publications to enhance the quality and quantity of faculty research and publications.

The faculty mapping of expertise was presented by Abdul Razaq Chasani, Ph.D., the Head of the Tropical Biology Department, along with the analysis of the expertise of faculty members in each laboratory at the Faculty of Biology at UGM. Mr. Razaq mentioned that there are many intersections of interests and research topics among faculty members from different laboratories. This clearly indicates the potential for collaboration among laboratories to enhance the capacity and quality of faculty members in each laboratory.

This workshop is expected to serve as a bridge for the improvement of Human Resources quality, especially for Faculty of Biology lecturers, in implementing the three pillars of higher education. In addition, the activity is also part of the Faculty of Biology’s commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly inclusive education (SDG 4) and collaboration among faculty members (SDG 17) to enhance the quality and quantity of teaching, research, publications, and community service.

Biology undergraduate student team from the Faculty of Biology UGM class of 2022 namely Nur Farah Susilowati and Iqlima Safitri have achieved the second place in The Science Writing Competition “ Gebyar Ilmiah Science (GIS) 11th version 2023 held by Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science Surabaya State University with the final presentation held on October 15, 2023. The team took sum theme etnosains with the title “Local Wisdom as Action Means: Adapting Mane’e and Eha Traditions in North Sulawesi to Reduce Exploitation of Marine Natural Resources,” addressed the exploitation of marine ecosystems, particularly the excessive and environmentally unfriendly exploitation of marine resources. This exploitation often leads to habitat degradation and supports the extinction of species. Their scientific paper was aimed to analyze the utilization of the Eha and Mane’e traditions in addressing exploitation in South Sulawesi. Their goal was to adapt these traditions into other fishing methods and make them effective instruments in dealing with exploitation while integrating traditional knowledge and modern policies into a sustainable approach. Their intention was to aid in preserving the natural environment and strengthening community well-being.

Their scientific paper was composed using a literature review approach aimed to analyze the topic and issues through a descriptive case study analysis. The Mane’e and Eha traditions highly uphold prohibitions against exploitation by considering harvest seasons and using simple fishing tools called Sam’mi. Involving the community in utilizing the Mane’e and Eha traditions not only preserves local wisdom but also ensures the sustainability of natural resources for future generations. The collaboration between the government, community, and other relevant stakeholders is crucial to ensure the effective and sustainable implementation of these traditions in supporting the quality and yield of natural resources. [Authors: Nur Farah Susilowati, Iqlima Safitri]

The Faculty of Biology at Gadjah Mada University, together with the Indonesian Biology Consortium (KOBI), attended the preparation of Vocational and Academic Supplements initiated by the Independent Accreditation Agency for Natural Sciences and Formal Sciences (LAMSAMA). The event, held on November 24-26, 2023, aims to develop Accreditation Supplements in line with the implementation of Regulation No. 53 of 2023 by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia. These Accreditation Supplements, proposed by LAMSAMA, will become part of an Automated Accreditation system based on the Higher Education Database. Article 81 of Regulation No. 53 of 2023 by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia explains that the automation mechanism involves reaccreditation without assessment by assessors, by monitoring and evaluating the quality of study programs and higher education institutions based on data and information in the Higher Education Database.

For the event of drafting Vocational and Academic Supplements, LAMSAMA invited various associations in the academic and vocational fields, including KOBI, the Indonesian Chemical Society, MIPANet, AMLI, Bandung State Polytechnic, University of Indonesia, Padang State University, and Malang State University. Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr. Sc., as the Chairman of KOBI, delegated Dr. Annawaty, S.Si., M.Si. (Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Tadulako University) and Zuliyati Rohmah, S. Si., M. Si., Ph.D. Eng. (Faculty of Biology, Gadjah Mada University) for this task. This activity aligns with the commitment of the Faculty of Biology at Gadjah Mada University to support Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in enhancing inclusive education quality (SDGs 4) and fostering good partnerships (SDGs 17) to improve the quality of education in Indonesia. The event will be followed by the finalization of instruments scheduled for November 27, 2023.

On Saturday, October 28, 2023, coinciding with the commemoration of Youth Pledge Day, the Department of Social Affairs of the Biology Student Executive Board (BEM Biologi UGM) alongside the Biology Orchid Study Club (BiOSC) held a Youth Pledge Day commemoration through the ‘Project Kindness’ activity. The Project Kindness initiative is a social affairs program aimed at sharing kindness with those in need. The event included food distribution, a sharing session about Youth Pledge Day, and concluded with affixing stickers on distributed posters. Project Kindness took place at several locations around UGM, namely at the Biology Forest Roundabout, Selokan Mataram, Sekolah Vokasi, and Gejayan.

The event was organized by a team of 21 individuals, comprising 14 members from BEM Biologi and 10 from BiOSC. Additionally, there were 40 participants of various ages, ranging from adults to seniors. Project Kindness 2023 was conducted from 5:20 PM to 8:00 PM WIB. The opening commenced at 6:00 PM WIB, led by Aulia Robiatul as the Field Coordinator. The event began with greetings, introductions, and an opening prayer. It proceeded with groups moving from the faculty to their respective target locations, dividing into 3 groups, each accompanied by representatives from BEM Biologi and BiOSC, distributing food to those in need around UGM. Following this, there was a sharing session commemorating Youth Pledge Day, discussing aspirations for the young generation of Indonesia. The event concluded with a group documentation session involving both participants and organizers. The conclusion of this event aims to provide kindness to those in need and stands as a social initiative by BEM Biologi and BiOSC in commemorating Youth Pledge Day. [Author: BEM]

The Faculty of Biology’s is initiating and establishing collaboration with Pukyong National University (PKNU) at South Korea, as one of commitment to increasing international cooperation, as outlined in its support for Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 17) and the enhancement of inclusive and high-quality education (SDG 4). The aim is also to compete with the world’s best institutions world wide.

Pukyong National University (PKNU) is a national university located in Busan, South Korea, with two campuses in Daeyeon-dong and Yongdang-dong, near the coastal district of Nam-gu. PKNU focuses on fisheries science and other marine-related fields, boasting extensive facilities for Marine and Technology studies. The College of Fisheries has long been a driving force in advancing fisheries science and aquaculture since its establishment in 1941. The Faculty of Fisheries Science has globally contributed to the progress of fisheries science through research and theoretical and technological studies covering all aspects of the field. This potential has motivated the Faculty of Biology at UGM to collaborate with PKNU.

The delegation from the Faculty of Biology at Gadjah Mada University (UGM), which included Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., Dean of the Faculty of Biology at UGM, Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, and Dr. Slamet Widiyanto, M.Sc., Vice Dean for Finance, Assets, and Human Resources, visited Pukyong National University (PKNU) on November 20, 2023. The delegation was hosted by Prof. Wong Gyu Park, Ph.D., Dean of the College of Fisheries, and Prof. Sang Gil Lee, Ph.D., Vice Dean for Academic Affairs. The meeting began with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and continued with the exchange of souvenirs. The purpose of the visit was to identify opportunities and sign agreements in the fields of education and research between the Faculty of Biology at UGM and the College of Fisheries Science at PKNU. The main focus of this collaboration includes student mobility, joint publications, research cooperation, double degrees, and other forms of collaboration. The Faculty of Biology delegation toured PKNU’s advanced research facilities, gaining a deep understanding of the potential for research collaboration.

Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, Dean of the Faculty of Biology, stated, “We are delighted with the opportunity for collaboration through this visit and believe that this partnership can bring significant benefits to both institutions.” Dr. Bambang Retnoaji added, “The signing of this MoU is a crucial first step in strengthening the relationship between the Faculty of Biology at UGM and Pukyong National University. We hope to develop joint initiatives that can enhance the quality of education and research at both universities.” Dr. Slamet Widiyanto also mentioned that this collaboration is expected to open new opportunities for students and researchers at both universities, broadening their knowledge through the exchange of information and experiences.

The Faculty of Biology at UGM received a benchmarking visit from the Master in Environmental Management Study Program, Syiah Kuala University on Thursday, November 23, 2023, in the context of the ASIIN (Accreditation in Engineering Computer Sciences Natural Sciences Mathematics) accreditation for master program. The visit was conducted in the Senate meeting room at the Faculty of Biology, UGM, and was attended by Prof Dr. Ichwana, ST., MP as the head of The Master in Environmental Management Study Program, Syiah Kuala University and team. From the Faculty of Biology, UGM, there was Dr.rer.nat. Andhika Puspito Nugroho, S.Si., M.Si. as the head of the Master in Biology Study Program and Zuliyati Rohmah, M.Si., Ph.D. Eng. the Head of the Quality Assurance Unit Faculty of Biology, UGM.

The delegation from the Master in Environmental Management Study Program, Syiah Kuala University visited with the aim of benchmarking ASIIN accreditation at the Faculty of Biology to enhance the quality of education at their institution. The Faculty of Biology at UGM has been accredited by ASIIN since 2023 for the Master in Biology Study Program. Furthermore, the Faculty of Biology has been elevating the quality of education and teaching on an international scale through collaborations with various world institutions for programs such as student exchange, double degree programs, and research cooperation.

Discussions regarding ASIIN accreditation continued with the presence of Zuliyati Rohmah, M.Si., Ph.D. Eng. the Head of the Quality Assurance Unit at the Faculty of Biology to address ASIIN in general, as well as Outcome Based Education (OBE) and assessment, where ASIIN assessment focuses on student-centered learning processes. This visit is expected to support strong collaboration between the Master in Environmental Management Study Program, Syiah Kuala University and the Faculty of Biology, UGM, in line with the institutions’ commitment to supporting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for inclusive quality education (SDG 4) and fostering good collaboration (SDG 17) to enhance the quality of education in Indonesia.

Wednesday, 22 November 2023 The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, held a Graduation Ceremony for the Bachelor Program 2023/2024 period I at the Tropical Biology Auditorium, Faculty of Biology. This ceremony was held at 01.00 p.m. and was opened by the Dean of the Faculty of Biology Prof. Dr. Budi Setyadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. and continued singing Indonesia Raya, Hymne Gadjah Mada, and Mars Faculty of Biology.

Then, there is a report of graduates by the Head of Undergraduate Study Program by Mr. Sukirno, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D. In his report he said that there were 45 graduates in this period with the academic title Sarjana sains or Bachelor of Science with Honours. Then, the highest GPA was obtained by Bunga Finovel Angellya, S.Si. with a value of 3,90. One of graduates who received the Bachelor of Science with Honours title is Faizah Diah Retnowati B.Sc Hons.

Next, there is a reading of the graduates graduation results. Furthermore, there was a speech by representatives of the graduates Bunga Finovel Angellya, S.Si. . She congratulated their fellow graduates and encouraged them to reminisce about their college days.Followed by remarks from the parents’ representatives by Bunga Finovel Angellya, S.Si. Parents. He expressed gratitude to the professors and the entire staff who accompanied them throughout the learning process. He also conveyed to the graduates the importance of not just being spectators in the future but being active participants.

The continued with pin awarding as a sign of membership in the Faculty of Biology Family by the Head of the Tropical Biology Department, Abdul Razaq Chasani, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D., represented by graduates Angga Bintang Narzassi, S.Si., and Faizah Diah Retnowati, S.Si., followed by other graduates. Following that was a speech by the Dean, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. In his speech, he conveyed that education is the primary tool to change the world. He also expressed that UGM Biology graduates are equipped to pursue careers, further studies, or other endeavors. The Dean concluded by thanking the committee for the success of the graduation ceremony and shared a message wishing success to the graduates in their future endeavors. Towards the end of the event, graduates presented mementos to the Dean. Before concluding the event, a prayer was recited by Dimas Cahyo, S.Psi. The ceremony was then closed by the Dean at 14:50 WIB. [Author: Della Thasya Liona Safitri]

Colon cancer originates from the longest part of the large intestine. Its incidence ranks third worldwide, and it is projected to increase by 63% by 2040. However, current treatments for colon cancer, including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, tend to cause high toxicity and yield unsatisfactory results. Developing a safer treatment for colon cancer with minimal side effects remains a challenge. This issue motivated five UGM students, part of the PKM-RE Team that qualified for PIMNAS 2023—Atikah Nurunnissa’, Anisa Dewi Rahayu, Lathief Al Umami, Ilma Tazkiya, and Dwi Ardyan Syah Mustofa from the Faculty of Biology, along with their supervising lecturer, Woro Anindito Sri Tunjung, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., to explore natural substances as a safer alternative for colon cancer treatment.

Anisa explained that pineapples are abundant in Indonesia, ranking fourth among the world’s largest pineapple producers. The core, skin, and crown of pineapples contribute 50% of the total weight of the fruit. Surprisingly, these parts contain phenolic compounds, terpenoids, and bromelain enzymes with potential anti-cancer properties. The application of pineapple core, skin, and crown for anti-cancer purposes involves a fermentation process to break down complex compounds into derivative compounds. Rhizopus.oryzae is used as a fermentation starter to enhance the value and content of anti-cancer compounds, specifically targeting colon cancer. Successful fermentation processes have demonstrated the production of more specific derivative anti-cancer compounds. [Author: Anisa Dewi Rahayu]