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.

On Friday, July 7, 2023, the Biolecture Series #24 was held as part of the regular webinar activities organized by the Faculty of Biology, Gadjah Mada University (UGM). The event focused on the theme “Physiology, Cultivation Techniques, Pest and Disease Control of Potato Plants” and was attended by 52 enthusiastic participants with a keen interest in agricultural development.

The webinar featured three expert speakers in their respective fields. The first speaker was Prof. Dr. Kumala Dewi, M.Sc.St., from the Plant Physiology Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, UGM. She presented on the topic of “Physiology of Potato Plants (Solanum tuberosum L.)” with the aim of understanding the physiology of potato plants and the factors that influence their growth and development, such as potato seeds, temperature, light, soil type, humidity, and nutrition.

The second speaker, Miftahul Huda, S.P., from Nusantara Farming Indonesia, discussed “Potato Seedling: Potentials and Challenges.” In his presentation, Miftahul Huda explained the strategies and technological advancements in potato seedling cultivation, as well as the challenges faced in potato farming, including the issues of Plant Pests and Diseases (PPD) that pose a major challenge in potato cultivation.

The final session was presented by Iswadi Prasetyo from PT. Corteva Agriscience, who addressed “Control of Major Pests and Diseases in Potato Plants.” Iswadi Prasetyo discussed effective pesticide application techniques for controlling pests and diseases in potato plants, emphasizing the importance of proper pest and disease management practices to ensure optimal growth and harvest yields.

The webinar took place from 08:30 AM to 11:00 AM (WIB) and was moderated by Dr. Siti Nurbaiti, S.Si., a young lecturer at the Faculty of Biology, UGM. Following the presentations by the speakers, a discussion and question-and-answer session provided participants with the opportunity to interact directly with the speakers and gain a deeper understanding of the topics discussed.

The event was concluded by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., the Dean of the Faculty of Biology, UGM, who expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the speakers for their informative presentations and exceptional experiences, which contributed to the understanding of fundamental science and plant physiology in potato cultivation techniques and PPD control strategies.

“On this date, the Biolecture is celebrating its third anniversary. Hopefully, the Biolecture activities will continue to develop and serve as a source of knowledge and insights for all of us,” expressed Prof. Budi, expressing his hope for the ongoing success of the Biolecture activities.

The event is expected to provide significant benefits for the development of the agricultural sector, particularly in potato cultivation in Indonesia.

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.

On Saturday, June 3, 2023, the PCM MBKM-2023 team that includes students of Faculty Biology UGM, namely Rahmi Qurrota Aeni, Nala Azkiya, Lena Mardiana, Nurrisma Ika Lestari, and Kanya Nabila Febrirani with supervisor Mrs. Dwi Umi Siswanti, S. Si., M.Sc. has carried out the implementation of Independent Learning Campus Merdeka (MBKM) activities in the Klayar Tourism Village. This program was carried out to improve the economy of the Klayar Farmer Group in Kedungpoh Village, Nglipar Gunung Kidul, together with Mr. Didik Purnomo as the MBKM partner. This activity continues last year’s community service program on organic chrysanthemum cultivation. However, this year, we use shallots as plants to be cultivated.

This activity began with consolidation with Mr. Didik Purnomo to prepare for needs in organic shallot cultivation. After that, the Pkm MBKM-2023 student planted and trained for planting shallots. During the shallot planting training activities, students were guided by Mr. Didik and the Klayar Farmers Group to grow in the fields and the greenhouse. Students are taught how to plant shallots starting from preparing the seeds to how to produce them. This activity will continue with other programs, such as outreach to the Klayar Farmers Group regarding shallot processing to increase the community’s economic value.

The University of Edinburgh is a leading institution located in Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom. Established in 1582, it has become one of the oldest and most renowned higher education institutions in the world. The University of Edinburgh has a strong reputation in academia and research, offering a wide range of comprehensive study programs across various disciplines.

The profile of the University of Edinburgh includes numerous faculties and schools, such as the Faculty of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences; the Faculty of Science; the Faculty of Medicine and Health; and the Faculty of Informatics, among others. The university is also well-known for its prestigious research centers, including those focused on Biological Science.

Overall, the University of Edinburgh has an excellent international reputation and is consistently ranked among the top universities worldwide. According to the QS World University Rankings 2022, it is ranked 20th globally, while the THE World University Rankings 2022 place it at 30th.

In an effort to strengthen and expand academic and research collaborations, a delegation from the Faculty of Biology at Universitas Gadjah Mada, 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, and Collaboration, visited the University of Edinburgh on Wednesday, June 7, 2023.

During the visit, the delegation engaged in discussions with Prof. Tom Bruce, M.Sc., Ph.D., Dean of International Students, College of Science & Engineering, University of Edinburgh, and Dr. Parvez Alam, Senior Lecturer and Researcher. The aim was to establish closer and sustained partnerships and explore new opportunities for collaboration between the two universities.

Research collaboration and publications between the Faculty of Biology UGM and the University of Edinburgh have been ongoing since 2008. Starting with collaborative visits and research projects with Dr. Parvez Alam, the partnership has resulted in five international publications.

One successful outcome of this collaboration is the improved quality of research collaboration and joint publications between the Faculty of Biology UGM and the University of Edinburgh. During this meeting, the deanery teams agreed to continue and enhance the collaboration by conducting more in-depth research collaborations and encouraging joint publications in leading biology journals.

Furthermore, the Faculty of Biology UGM is committed to developing and enhancing the quality of its human resources, particularly young lecturers who have not yet completed their doctoral programs. Through collaboration with the University of Edinburgh, these young lecturers will have the opportunity to study in a high-quality academic environment and gain valuable international experience. This is expected to enhance their research and teaching capabilities.

Moreover, the Faculty of Biology UGM plans to implement student and staff mobility programs with the University of Edinburgh. These programs will include student exchanges through the International Integrated Study and Mobility Program (IISMA) and independent exchanges. Additionally, they will invite visiting professors and keynote/invited speakers from the University of Edinburgh to provide lectures at International Conference on Biological Sciences (ICBS) and International Summer Course on Tropical Biodiversity & Sustainable Development, organized by the Faculty of Biology UGM.

Both universities also agreed to implement Double Degree programs for undergraduate and postgraduate programs. These programs will provide opportunities for students from both universities to obtain dual degrees, enhancing the quality of education and providing valuable international experience.

During the meeting, the deanery teams also discussed other potential collaborations, such as the development of joint curricula, joint seminars and workshops, and collaboration in submitting research proposals and developing new programs in the field of biology.

Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc, Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, expressed hope that the discussed and decided collaborations during the visit will be promptly followed up, contributing to the realization of UGM as a locally rooted and globally respected institution.