Yogyakarta, 19 September 2023 – Faculty of Biology UGM held the 2023 Senate Open Conference at the Tropical Biology Auditorium with the title “Synergy in Innovation to Create Superior and Achievement Biology”. The Senate Open Conference was also part of of celebrations for the 68th Anniversary of the Faculty of Biology UGM. The meeting was attended by the entire academic community of the Faculty of Biology including senate ranks, deans, lecturers, staff and student representatives, as well as invited guests, alumni, colleagues and Dharma Wanita Faculty of Biology UGM.

Prof. Dr. Suwarno Hadisusanto, S.U. as Chair of the Faculty of Biology Senate opened the Senate Conference and continued with singing of national anthem “Indonesia Raya”, “Hymne Gadjah Mada”, and “Biology March” as well as a joint prayer led by Tyas Ikhsan Hikmawan, Ph.D. Prof. dr. Ova Emilia, M.Med. Ed., Sp.OG (K), Ph.D., Chancellor of Universitas Gadjah Mada also attended the Senate Open Conference and delivered her remarks. “There is great potential of biological sciences to support various sectors such as health, agriculture, food and other advanced products. “The presence of technology that disrupts life also influences and encourages various innovations, including new biotechnology and biomolecular studies,” said Prof. Ova in her speech (20/9). The Chancellor of UGM also said that the phenomenon of future technological development requires us to be open in scientific development so that collaboration across scientific disciplines as a necessity for innovation leaps in the future. The signing of the inscription for the inauguration of the MSIBC (Moeso Suryowinoto Indonesia Biodiversity Center) Building was then carried out. The signing was carried out by the Chancellor of UGM, Prof. Dr. Ova Emilia, M.Med. Ed., Sp.OG (K), Ph.D. and Dean of the Faculty of Biology, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., accompanied by Prof. Chairil Anwar from the Board of Trustees UGM and Prof. Dr. Suwarno Hadisusanto, S.U. as Chair of the Faculty of Biology Senate. Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. as Dean of the Faculty of Biology then delivered his remarks as well as the Annual Report of the Faculty of Biology UGM. He explained that the Faculty of Biology has demonstrated its position on the international stage, demonstrated by obtaining ASIIN accreditation since 2018 and successfully maintaining its position at 501-550 in the world for Biological Science, as well as the best in Indonesia based on the QS World Ranking. The Faculty of Biology has also carried out visitations for ASIIN reaccreditation for Bachelors and Masters as well as ASIIN Doctoral applications for 2024. As a follow-up to the ASIIN accreditation achievements, in 2019, Biology opened an International Undergraduate Program and in 2023 it has graduated their 3 students. “Biology as a branch of science continues to develop following the stages of the industrial revolution. One of the instruments is metaverse which relies on more complex system applications such as AI, virtual reality, augmented reality,” Prof. Budi added in his speech (20/9). He also highlighted the multi-dimensional crisis due to climate change and global political dynamics. The development of biology towards the metaverse will be a great hope in overcoming this problem. This is also in line with support for the achievements of the Sustainable Development Program (SDGs), especially in improving the quality of inclusive education (SDG 4), handling climate change (SDG 13), preserving ecosystems on land and water (SDG 14 and SDG 15). In his annual report, the Dean of the Biology Faculty also highlighted international exposure which was greatly increased during this period as an effort for the Biology Faculty to become internationally known and improve student experience. This is demonstrated by exposure in the form of student exchange activities and double degrees. Improving the quality of education in accordance with SDG 4 is also demonstrated by the plan to open Bachelor’s to Master’s Programs and Master’s to Doctoral Programs as well as the Life Curator Professional Study Program (PKKH). Prof. Budi also conveyed student achievements including 50 national level achievements and 4 international level achievements in this period, as well as the Faculty of Biology which has the first Biotechnology Competency Test Center (TUK) in Indonesia in collaboration with LSPS and BNSP. Also presented were financial reports, improvements in infrastructure and facilities including the MISIBC Building which was inaugurated on the same day as the Senate Open Conference, an organic waste management program which was participated in by various groups as an effort to create an environmentally friendly campus and support the implementation of SDGs, especially in improving the quality of healthy life (SDG 3). Furthermore, the achievements of the number of research studies, international publication achievements of Biology Faculty lecturers, and the development of journals published by the Biology Faculty include the Journal of Tropical Biotechnology and Biodiversity (JTBB) which is indexed by Scopus Q4 and the Biological Scientific Periodical which already has an ISSN. Community service and collaborations at both international and national levels, visiting professors and alumni activities were also presented. Prof. Budi also conveyed the implementation of the 7th National Seminar on Tropical Biology and the 6th International Summer Course on Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development which were attended by hundreds of participants from various institutions and countries. The next scientific speech was delivered by Prof. Dr. Pratikno, M.Soc.Sc., Minister of State Secretariat of the Republic of Indonesia and Chair of the BoUniversitas Gadjah Mada Trustee Council. “Biology studies have great potential, Indonesia is rich in natural resources, vast areas, extraordinary biological riches” Prof. Pratikno started his scientific speech (20/9). Prof. Pratikno highlighted future challenges of a food crisis and increasing food needs in line with the increase in population, especially in third world countries with population growth above one percent. Increasing food production capacity needs to be done to avoid hunger in the future, but this is faced with the challenges of decreasing the amount of agricultural land, climate change, long droughts, rising sea levels which can cause crop failure. He conveyed that the role of biology is very vital in the use of technology to overcome these challenges. The use of alternative energy, namely bio-energy such as bio avtur and bio diesel, is considered to be able to support a green economy to reduce emissions and environmentally friendly sustainable development. Prof. Pratikno then said that the contribution of biology to human health stems from the closeness of the study of biology to medicine at the time of its founding. The development of health science towards precision medicine, which aims to increase the accuracy of diagnosis for each individual, places biological science as central along with medical science. Initiation of the development of biomedical science as an initial embryo involving various scientific disciplines within it and continuing to develop towards leading technology including involving the use of AI, VR and management of Big Data in the form of a bio-repository. “Biology has a central role in developing research and knowledge in various fields, food, energy and biomedicine,” said Prof. Pratikno when ending his scientific speech. He stated that biology is a science that continues to develop and can become a vital science in Indonesia’s progress. The Senate Open Conference ended with a closing by the Chair of the Biology Faculty Senate, Prof. Dr. Suwarno Hadisusanto, S.U. It is hoped that the Conference as part of the celebration of the 68th Anniversary of the Faculty of Biology can trigger the enthusiasm of the academic community so that the Faculty of Biology can continue to develop and provide benefits to the nation and state.

Yogyakarta, September 19, 2023 – The Faculty of Biology at Gadjah Mada University (UGM) celebrated its 68th Dies Natalis with a meaningful event. The occasion began warmly with an opening speech by the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., who also led the soft launching of the Moeso Suryowinoto Indonesia Biodiversity Center (MSIBC) building.

The MSIBC building stands as a symbol of the Faculty of Biology UGM’s commitment to biodiversity conservation and biomedical in Indonesia. In his address, Prof. Budi explained the history of the building’s development and emphasized that it embodies the spirit of the UGM Faculty of Biology community to continue the mission of the late Prof. Ir. Raden Mas Moeso Suryowinoto, the founder of Indonesia’s first plant biotechnology laboratory in 1974. Prof. Ir. Raden Mas Moeso Suryowinoto was a dedicated figure in the development of plant biotechnology through tissue culture. The MSIBC building will also serve as the office for the Center for Tropical Biodiversity (Centrobio). The inauguration of MSIBC was guided by Angellia Melliana Pramesthi, S.Si., and attended by various important guests from the Faculty of Biology’s partners, as well as the family of Prof. Ir. Raden Mas Moeso Suryowinoto. The atmosphere was filled with emotion during this moment, as a tribute to the long journey in advancing the field of biology in Indonesia. Following the inauguration, the event continued with a prayer and a ceremonial at the Auditorium of Tropical Biology in the Faculty of Biology UGM, led by Faya Nur Annisa Damantya, A.Md.Sek., and Asrindon, S.I.Kom. Subsequently, mementos were presented to retiring faculty members and education staff as a token of appreciation for their contributions to the development of the faculty. The event proceeded with the announcement of scholarship recipients from the profits of Jasmine Corner, a canteen managed by the Dharmawanita of the Faculty of Biology UGM. Two fortunate students received these scholarships as support for their education. Additionally, awards were given to outstanding students and the best education staff who have made extraordinary contributions to campus development. The 68th Dies Natalis competitions at the Faculty of Biology UGM were also successfully held, and winners from various categories such as solo vocal, lively movements, and short films were proudly announced. As part of the celebration, the Satriabudi Dharma Setia Foundation (YSDS) made a valuable contribution of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) equipment and consumables worth 2 billion Indonesian Rupiahs. This marks a significant step in accelerating genomic and biomedical technology in Indonesia, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of achieving good health and well-being (SDG 3), quality education (SDG 4), and industry, innovation, and infrastructure (SDG 9). Notably, the Indonesian Orchid Association (Perhimpunan Anggrek Indonesia or PAI) from Bangka Belitung also contributed by providing 150 Vanda hookeriana orchid seedlings, endemic to Bangka Belitung, to be nurtured within the Faculty of Biology UGM, contributing to the preservation of Indonesia’s flora diversity (SDG 15). The highly anticipated moment came with the distribution of door prizes to lucky participants, with a total of 99 door prizes prepared. All participants came together in a warm and harmonious atmosphere during the closing moments of the event. The 68th Dies Natalis of the Faculty of Biology UGM was not just a celebration but also a reminder of the strong commitment to contribute to biodiversity preservation, the advancement of biological sciences, and quality education. Happy 68th anniversary, Faculty of Biology UGM! May the spirit and vision for a better future continue to thrive.

Yogyakarta, September 18, 2023 – In commemoration of the 68th anniversary of the Faculty of Biology at Gadjah Mada University (UGM), a special edition public lecture was held with an inspiring theme: “The Role of Kabiogama Alumni in Advancing Community Empowerment in East Kalimantan.” This event successfully attracted more than 200 enthusiastic participants who engaged in a discussion rich with experiences and insights.

The event began with a warm welcome from Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., the Dean of the Faculty of Biology at UGM. Prof. Budi Setiadi Daryono expressed his gratitude to Drs. Lalu Fauzul Idhi, M.Si., an alumnus of the Faculty of Biology at UGM from the class of ’80 and the founder of Woody Park Borneo, who also serves as the Chairman of KAGAMA East Kalimantan. Prof. Budi mentioned, “This is a special guest lecture because tomorrow morning we will be celebrating the anniversary of the Faculty of Biology at UGM, and if it weren’t for his love for his alma mater, it would have been difficult to invite Mr. Fauzul Idhi due to his busy schedule.” In this inspiring guest lecture, Drs. Lalu Fauzul Idhi, M.Si., explained the crucial role of Kabiogama alumni in developing community empowerment in East Kalimantan. He elaborated on various initiatives and projects undertaken by alumni of the Faculty of Biology at UGM in the region. One of the primary efforts is to support the achievement of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ranging from addressing poverty to creating partnerships for sustainable development. UGM alumni in East Kalimantan have been actively involved in various activities, including Inclusive Villages, the EcoPrint Academy, the Indonesian Water Harvesting Movement, grape cultivation, bamboo cultivation for ecotourism, coffee cultivation, and much more. All of these activities are carried out with the goal of developing villages and local communities, including the establishment of a Tempat Uji Kompetensi (TUK) for agriculture. In conclusion, Mr. Fauzul Idhi shared the motto that inspires UGM alumni: “Garda Terdepan Beramal Nyata, Benteng Negara Indonesia.” This reflects their commitment to being active agents of change in advancing society and the nation. This public lecture served not only as a platform for sharing experiences and inspiration but also as a moment to celebrate the 68th anniversary of the Faculty of Biology at UGM. The enthusiasm and increased participation of alumni in community development and environmental conservation further solidify the Faculty of Biology at UGM as an institution that supports sustainable development and environmental preservation. Happy 68th Anniversary, Faculty of Biology at UGM! May this spirit of change continue to burn brightly in the hearts of alumni and students.

Yogyakarta, September 16, 2023 – Sarasehan Kabiogama, an event aimed at strengthening the connections among the extended family of alumni from the Faculty of Biology at Gadjah Mada University (UGM), was successfully held on September 16, 2023. The event was attended by 30 participants representing students and alumni from various regions.

The Chairman of the Senate of the Faculty of Biology at UGM, Prof. Dr. Suwarno Hadisusanto, and other faculty leaders, including the Dean of the Faculty of Biology at UGM, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., Dr. Slamet Wijayanto, M.Sc. (Vice Dean for Finance, Assets, and Human Resources), Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. (Vice Dean for Research, Community Engagement, Cooperation, and Alumni), and Sukirno, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D. (Head of the Undergraduate Program at the Faculty of Biology), were present at the event. They provided significant support in building networks between alumni and students. The event began with a welcome address by Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., Vice Dean for Research, Community Engagement, Cooperation, and Alumni. It was followed by remarks from Drs. Heri Susanto, S.Si., MM., the Secretary-General of the Central Executive Board (PP) of Kabiogama, guided by Dra. Hj. Yundaru Nurantini. The core of the event consisted of a discussion led by Drs. Lalu Fauzul Idhi, M.Si., Chairman of KAGAMA East Kalimantan, Drs. Ario Setra Setiadi, MM., Ph.D., CPM., ACIM., Chairman of the PP of Kabiogama, Drs. M. Husain Kassim, M.P., Head of the Organization Division of the PP of Kabiogama, and Yusril Ihza Farhan Wijaya, S.Si., Chairman of the Graduate Student Family of the Faculty of Biology at UGM. The discussion addressed the crucial issue of building relationships between Kabiogama and actively enrolled students who are also future potential Kabiogama members. This effort is not only aimed at strengthening the alumni network (SDGs 17) but also at enhancing the potential of students in managing and improving their capabilities during their academic journey and after graduation. Kabiogama emphasized the importance of Background Checking in the job application process. The involvement of alumni in programs organized by students, and vice versa, will support students in their future job searches. This is a vital step in bridging the gap between the world of education and the job market, which often presents its own set of challenges. Furthermore, this event also encouraged current students to start developing relations and networks outside of the Faculty. This will assist them in broadening their horizons, gaining valuable experiences, and preparing for post-graduation employment and economic growth in line with SDGs 8. This year’s Sarasehan Kabiogama serves as tangible evidence that the alumni community of the Faculty of Biology at UGM is deeply concerned about education and the development of students. With a collaborative spirit between alumni and students, every career development activity for students in the future will always be guided and supported by Kabiogama.

Yogyakarta, 12 September 2023 – The Faculty of Biology in collaboration with the National Center University (NCU) and the National Health and Research Institute (NHRI), Taiwan held a Mini Symposium and Scholarship Interview, at the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada. The arrival of the NCU and NHRI delegation was received in the KPTU Meeting Room, Faculty of Biology UGM. The delegation are Prof. Chien-Chia Wang, Prof. Shen-Liang Chen, Prof. Yueh-Hsia Luo, Raden Aditya Aryandi, M.Sc. from NCU, as well as Prof. Tsung-Hsien Chuang, Prof. Jyh-Lyh Juang, Prof. Hsiu-Jung Lo, Prof. Ya-Hui Chi, Prof. Hsien-Jen Cheng from NHRI, Taiwan. From the Faculty of Biology attended by, Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, M.Sc. as Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. as Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration and Alumni Affairs, and Arief Muammar, S.Si., M.Sc. from the Microbiology Laboratory.

Dr. Eko as Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration and Alumni Affairs delivered a profile of the Faculty of Biology. The presentation related to the history of the Faculty of Biology, achievements, study programs offered, facilities, and collaborations that have existed between the Faculty of Biology UGM and various institutions, companies and universities throughout the world. Next, Prof. Chien-Chia Wang, Head of Department of Life Science, National Central University expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to collaborate with the Faculty of Biology. He explained NCU and NHRI focus on biomedicine and developing innovations around bioinformatics to the use of AI in biology. The Mini Symposium was held in Lecture Rooms 1 and 2, Building B, Faculty of Biology UGM. The event was hosted by Indah N Fauziah, Postgraduate student at the UGM Faculty of Biology, as the host. “Our collaboration with NCU has been established since years. “We’re confident to continue the strength collaboration,” said Prof. Budi as Dean, in his speech (12/9). Prof. Budi also said that many UGM Biology graduates had continued their studies and research at NCU. The speech was continued with the opening of the Mini Symposium by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. Prof. Wang as Head of Department of Life Science delivered his remarks along with a presentation on the profile of National Central University, especially the Department of Life Science. He conveyed that his department’s research focus is in the biomedical and there is a Department of Medical Engineering which develops research related to medical equipment and the development of bioinformatics and AI innovations. The speech was continued by Prof. Yes Hui Chi, as Chief of Student Affairs Office, NHRI. He conveyed NHRI’s focus on health issues in collaboration with various universities and the government. The main session of the mini symposium was guided by Tyas Ikhsan Hikmawan, M.Sc., Ph.D. as moderator. The first presentation was delivered by Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. who delivered material entitled “Integration of Biorefinery Concept in Biofuel Production from Microalgae”. The second presentation was delivered by Prof. Tsung-Hsien Chuang of NHRI. Prof. Chuang delivered material regarding his research on Immune Response and TLR (Toll Like Receptor). The next presentation was delivered by Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, M.Sc who delivered material related to his research on ‘Wader’ Fish Cultivation. Prof. Yueh-Hsia Luo from NCU delivered the next presentation. Prof. Luo delivered material on the Interaction of Microbiota and Immunity. Next, a presentation was delivered by Dr.rer.nat. Abdul Rahman Siregar, S.Si., M.Biotech. who delivered material entitled “Recombinant Systems and Reporter Viruses for Primate Simplexviruses”, and continued with a presentation by Prof. Hsiu-Jung Lo of NHRI. Prof. Lo explained material related to research centers under NHRI which focus on research in the biomedical field, including Industry Innovation Research, Public Health and Policy Advocacy, and Basic and Translational Medical Research. The mini symposium presentation closed with a material presentation by Wahyu Aristyaning Putri, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D. regarding the detection of the Quasispessies variant of the Hepatitis B Virus in Indonesia. The next Scholarship Interview will be held at the KPTU Building, Faculty of Biology. The interview was attended by undergraduate and postgraduate students from the Faculty of Biology who were interested in continuing their studies and research in Taiwan, especially at NCU-NHRI. The next collaborative discussion was held in the KPTU Meeting Room. The Faculty of Biology initiated Double Degree collaboration for master and doctoral study programs as well as collaboration between UGM, NCU and NHRI in plans to establish a Biomedical Center at UGM. Prof. Wang welcomed the initiation of this collaboration and hoped that he could participate in increasing the quantity and quality of research at UGM, especially at the Faculty of Biology. The collaboration of the Faculty of Biology with NCU and NHRI in holding the Mini Symposium and Scholarship Interview shows the commitment of the Faculty of Biology in its role in sustainable development in accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely healthy living (SDG 3), good quality education (SDG 4), and partnerships for the goals (SDG 17).>/div>

Yogyakarta, 7 September 2023 – The Faculty of Biology UGM collaborates with the Faculty of Agriculture, Udayana University within the scope of implementing the Independent Campus Learning Program (MBKM). This collaboration was formalized in the signing of the Cooperation Agreement (PKS) which took place in the Senate Room of the Faculty of Biology UGM. The agenda was attended by partners from Udayana University including Dr. Ida Ayu Putri Darmawati as the Head of the Agrotechnology Undergraduate Study Program, Prof. Dr. Ir. Rindang Dwiyanti, M.Sc. as the MBKM Supervisor Lecturer and 4 students who will participate in MBKM internship at the Faculty of Biology UGM for the next 4 months. From the Faculty of Biology attended by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. as Dean, Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, M.Sc. as Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Dr. Slamet Widiyanto, M.Sc. as Vice Dean for Finance, Assets, and Human Resources Affairs, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. as Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration, and Alumni Affairs, Sukirno, S.Si, M.Sc., Ph.D. as the Head of the Biology Undergraduate Study Program, and Prof. Dr. Endang Semiarti, MS., M.Sc. from the Biotechnology Laboratory.

Dr. Ida Ayu and Prof. Rindang conveyed that their visit to the Faculty of Biology was not only to sign the collaboration but as well as to accompanied the 4 students who would carry out the MBKM Internship and Sit-In Class at the Faculty of Biology UGM for the next 4 months until 5 January 2023. The MBKM was also an implementation of the collaboration that was forged between the Faculty of Biology UGM and the Faculty of Agriculture, Udayana University. Dr. Eko as Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration, and Alumni Affairs, welcomed the visit of Dr. Ida Ayu, Prof. Rindang, as well as students who will carry out MBKM internships at the Faculty of Biology. He also said that the Faculty of Biology is a diverse campus with many students from various regions including student exchanges from domestic and abroad universities. Dr. Bambang as Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs and Sukirno, Ph.D. as the Head of the Undergraduate Biology Study Program then conveyed their welcome to the four students who would participate in learning activities. Intern students will be facilitated to be able to carry out lectures and internships effectively and comfortably while at the Faculty of Biology UGM. Prof. Endang from the Biotechnology Laboratory who supervised the four Udayana University students at the Faculty of Biology said that the students brought orchid specimens from Bali to be studied and developed at the Faculty of Biology. It is hoped that this collaboration will also be a good collaboration between the Faculty of Biology UGM and the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Udayana and produce research outputs and academic collaborations that can be useful in the future. This collaboration is a form of the Faculty of Biology’s commitment to supporting sustainable development in accordance with the Sustainable Development Targets (SDGs), including good quality education (SDG 4) and partnership (SGD 17).

Yogyakarta, 7 September 2023 – Center for Tropical Biodiversity (Centrobio) Faculty of Biology UGM held a seminar entitled “Conservation Youth Agent: Chatting A-Z about Biodiversity”, which was held in a hybrid: online via zoom meeting and offline at the Tropical Biology Auditorium, Faculty of Biology UGM. The seminar was attended by two speakers. There are Ardiantiono, Ph.D. (Cand) from the Durrell Institute of Ecology and Conservation, University of Kent, United Kingdom, and Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono, S.Si., M.Si. from the Faculty of Biology UGM, and guided by Akbar Reza, S.Si., M.Sc., and also attended by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. as Dean, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. as Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration and Alumni Affairs, and Abdul Razaq Chasani, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D. as Head of the Department of Tropical Biology, Faculty of Biology. The seminar was attended by more than 200 participants from various universities and institutions in Indonesia.

Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration and Alumni Affairs, Faculty of Biology, gave his speech. Dr. Eko said, this seminar was a great opportunity to invite young people to participate in biodiversity conservation. He also hopes that contributions to conservation and biodiversity will not stop here but will continue and continued by the youth in the future. Prof. Budi as Dean then also gave his speech (7/9), “Centrobio as a Center for Conservation and Biodiversity Studies produces young people who are aware of conservation and biodiversity.” Prof. Budi also conveyed how the Indonesian Biology Consortium (KOBI) collaborated with Centrobio in supporting biodiversity conservation and preservation also continued with the opening of the seminar. The next discussion session was hosted by Akbar Reza, S.Si., M.Sc., with the first speaker being Ardiantiono, Ph.D. (Cand). who presented material entitled “Research Trends of Mammal Populations in Indonesia: Gaps and Future Directions”. He explained the threats to biodiversity in the Anthropocene Era, including high human pressure, threats to biodiversity and significant population decline, as well as defaunation due to human activities which cause threats to ecosystems and human life itself, coupled with a lack of attention to these threats which have an impact on climate change and biodiversity loss. Ardiantiono then explained animal population trends in Indonesia and reviewed literature related to animal conservation and biodiversity, both the number and trends of publications and the distribution of publications throughout Indonesia. The gaps that occur in the scope of research and publications are further explained as indicated by species bias, uneven distribution of studies, limited studies with good methods and analysis, lack of long-term population studies and language and cost limitations in publications at the international level. The next speaker is Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono, S.Si., M.Si. who presented “Fighting Wildlife Crime with Forensic DNA”. Dr. Sendi opened the material by explaining the phenomenon of illegal trading of protected animals as well as abuse of wild animals which still occurs to this day. The role of DNA Wildlife Forensics is important in investigations of wild animals and endangered species. He explained that every living creature has unique DNA and DNA analysis works by reading the code in the organism’s body to match it to a database. This analysis would be vital when identifying incomplete specimens, animal morphology that is very similar, or tracing the origin of animals. The analysis process from specimen collection, identification, and lab analysis and storage was explained by Dr. Sendi and also about the possible contamination should be anticipated. At the end of his presentation, Dr. Sendi said that Forensic DNA analysis of Wildlife will continue to develop in the future and requires the role of today’s young biologists to participate in the conservation of biodiversity. The discussion continued with questions and answers with the two speakers. The participants who attended were very enthusiastic in listening and asking interesting questions during the seminar. It is hoped that the seminar will be a great step, especially in inviting young people to participate in the scope of biodiversity conservation. The seminar about conservation and biodiversity showed the commitment of the Faculty of Biology in its role in sustainable development in accordance with the Sustainable Development Targets (SDGs), namely good quality education (SDG 4), action to deal with climate change (SDG 13) and conservation of biodiversity which has an impact on life on water and land (SDG 14 and SDG 15).

Yogyakarta, 5 September 2023 – The Faculty of Biology received a visit from alumni of the Faculty of Biology class of 1973 and the Teratai Association consisting of retired lecturers, to reminisce and strengthen ties. The alumni visit was welcomed 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, Collaboration and Alumni Affairs at the Tropical Biology Auditorium, Faculty of Biology, UGM. The visit was also attended by active lecturers from the Faculty of Biology including Dr. Dra. Rr. Upiek Ngesti Wibawaning Astuti, DAP., M.Kes., Drs. Hari Purwanto, MP, Ph.D., Dr. Siti Sumarmi, Prof. Dr. Suwarno Hadisusanto, S.U., and Prof. Dr. Tjut Sugandawaty Djohan, M.Sc.

The Dean of the Faculty of Biology, conveyed his warm welcome to the 1973 alumni visit. “We are honored to be able to welcome back the 1973 alumni at the Faculty of Biology and our task now is to continue the faith of the alumni,” said Prof. Budi in his speech (5/9). Furthermore, remarks were given by Prof. Jusup Subagja as Chairman of the Teratai Association. Teratai itself is a group to accommodate relation between retired lecturers from the Faculty of Biology UGM, it is hoped that Teratai will be able to tie kinship ties even after retirement. Prof. Harini Muntasib then delivered her remarks as Coordinator of the 1973 Alumni. Prof. Harini expressed her appreciation and happiness for holding the alumni meeting that day as well as hoped that the meeting would become an extraordinary momentum for ties relationship between alumni. The visit was followed by the handover of books from the 1973 alumni to the Faculty of Biology which were handed over by Dr. Enny Yuniwarti to Dr. Dra. Rr. Upiek Ngesti Wibawaning Astuti, DAP., M.Kes. Furthermore, the handover of merchandises from the 1973 alumni was carried out to the Faculty of Biology and the Teratai Association. These merchandises were conveyed by Dra. Titin Agustina to Dr. Dra. Rr. Upiek Ngesti Wibawaning Astuti, DAP., M.Kes as a representative of the Faculty of Biology and Prof. Jusup Subagja from the Teratai Association. There was also a submission of donations from Dra. Siti Fatimah to the Teratai Association. The donation is expected to be useful for the needs of the Teratai Association.

Yogyakarta, August 8, 2023. The Faculty Biology Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) organized a Socialization Event for the Student Exchange Program to Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM). This event aims to provide a comprehensive overview to students about the planned student exchange program, scheduled to take place in October at UTHM Malaysia.

The event was conducted virtually (Zoom meeting), starting from 1:00 PM to 2:15 PM WIB, and was directly moderated by Sukirno, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., the Chair of the Undergraduate Biology Program at UGM. More than 65 students from the 2021 batch, both regular and IUP (International Undergraduate Program), participated in the event. The socialization began with an address by Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Alumni Affairs of the Faculty of Biology at UGM. In his speech, Dr. Eko highlighted several benefits of participating in the student exchange program, including academic experiences that would be recorded in the transcript of grades, enhancement of one’s CV portfolio for scholarships or job applications, the strengthening of international networks, and the experience of different cultures and ways of life, as students would need to learn and adapt to diverse cultural settings. read more

On Thursday, August 10, 2023, the Department of Tropical Biology organized the Dissemination of PhD Research Findings event. This event was attended by 5 lecturers of Biology UGM who successfully completed their PhD studies between 2022 and 2023. The purpose of this Dissemination was to provide Faculty members with an overview of the research conducted by their colleagues and to offer constructive feedback for the advancement of their academic field.

The event took place at the Tropical Biology Auditorium and commenced at 09:30 AM local time. In his opening remarks, Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, M.Sc., Vice Dean for Academic Affairs and Student Affairs, conveyed that this Dissemination event could serve as a platform to express and enhance scholarly capacities. He also expressed hope that this activity would be dynamic and interactive, fostering productive responses from the audience. Abdul Razaq Chasani, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D., serving as the moderator, also mentioned that this event could potentially uncover compelling research topics that might be realized through collaborative efforts. read more