Arsip:
News Release
The Faculty of Biology UGM students, part of iGEM UGM team, Adhelia Intan Sabhira, Sofyan Maulana, and Ulfah Nur Azizah, once again made another achievement by winning a Gold Medal, Best Computational Project, and Best Human Centered Design, at the Global Open Genetic Engineering Competition (GOGEC) 2024, held online from February 23rd to 25th, 2024. Marks the first time a team from UGM has participated in the competition since its inception in 2021. The iGEM UGM team is a multidisciplinary group comprising 16 members from various faculties at Universitas Gadjah Mada In this competition, the iGEM UGM team was represented by nine out of sixteen students, including Adhelia Intan Sabhira, Sofyan Maulana, Ulfah Nur Azizah (Faculty of Biology); Farrel Alfaza Marsetyo, Nayaka Bagus Wahyu Agung Hertanto (Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing); Afra Majida Hariono, Kayla Queenazima Santoso (Faculty of Engineering); Melodia Rezadhini (Faculty of Agriculture Alumni); and Muhammad Bagus Sajiwo (Faculty of Agricultural Technology).
The Global Open Genetic Engineering Competition (GOGEC) 2024 is a prestigious international competition in Genetic Engineering, with 15 teams from 11 countries participating, comprising undergraduate students. GOGEC aims to create an easily accessible and affordable competition platform, allowing competing teams to focus on their projects. GOGEC also hosts a series of lectures on genetic engineering and synthetic biology, inviting experts.
In GOGEC 2024, the iGEM UGM team participated and presented a computational project titled “Novel Biodevice for Colorectal Cancer Screening using Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) with miRNAs as Biomarker.” The team further developed their previous project from the iGEM 2023 competition, where they engineered EcN bacteria to detect miR-92a and miR-21 as biomarkers for colorectal cancer cells and improved the sensitivity of Loop-Initiated RNA Activator (LIRA) through mathematical modeling and computer simulation. In developing their research project, the iGEM team engaged in discussions with researchers, stakeholders, and government agencies, as well as with rural communities and colorectal cancer patients. The team developed the LIRA sequence using available online datasets and implemented a kill switch as a biocontainment measure. Thus, through this research and community empowerment efforts, the team achieved the Gold Medal, the Best Computational Project and Best Human Centered Design awards. Information about the iGEM UGM team’s project can be access at: https://www.gogecconference.org/projects2024.
The achievements of the UGM-Indonesia team could not have accomplished without the support of Universitas Gadjah Mada, the Faculty of Pharmacy, the Faculty of Biology, the Faculty of Engineering, the Faculty of Agriculture, and the guidance provided by Dr. Yekti Asih Purwestri (Faculty of Biology) as the lead supervisor, along with Widhi Dyah Sawitri, Ph.D. (Faculty of Agriculture) and M. Saifur Rohman, Ph.D. (Faculty of Agriculture) as assistant supervisors, Setyowati Triastuti Utami, Ph.D. (Faculty of Pharmacy) as an instructor, and supported by faculty members from the Faculty of Biology: Dr. Niken Satuti Nur Handayani, Aries Bagus Sasongko, M.Biotech, Lisna Hidayati, M.Biotech, Indra Lesmana, M.Sc., and Matin Nuhamunada, M.Sc; Faculty of Medicine: Dr. Mohamad Saifudin Hakim, M.Sc., Ph.D. and Dewi Kartikawati Paramita, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D.; Faculty of Engineering: Ir. Agus Prasetya, M.Eng.Sc., Ph.D and Himawan Tri Bayu Murti Petrus, ST., M.E., D.Eng; Faculty of Agricultural Technology: Imam Bagus Nugroho, S.Si., M.Sc.; Biotechnology Study Program: Afif Pranaya Jati, S.P., M.Sc.; and alumni: Dr. Azzahra Asysyifa, Farhan Wali Bachtier, S.Si., Waffiq Maaroja, S.Kom, and Yustika Sari, S.Si., M.Res.; as well as various donors and sponsors who supported the team’s needs.
On Sunday, 25 February 2024 was held the Grand Launching of KSAT 2024, aimed to introduce the management of KSAT of the Faculty of Biology, also the current cabinet period. This event was held at Auditorium Biologi Tropika, invited 12 study groups in the Faculty of Biology as well as 5 organizations from various faculties, including IHMT (Association of Plant Protection Student), KMIT (Soil Science Students Family), ASC (Agritech Study Club), KMTA ( Association of Architecture Technique Students) and Forestation (Family of Forest Resource Conservation).
The activity commenced with an opening by MC, Laras Ati (KSAT 2023) and Farah Adina (KSAT 2023). Following the opening, the activities proceeded with an opening prayer and the singing of the Indonesia Raya, Universitas Gadjah Mada Hymne, and Biology March. Next, there was KSAT profile video viewing. The event continued with remarks from Anggi Nada (KSAT 2021) the chairperson of KSAT and Dyah Ekawati (KSAT 2021) the chief organizer of the event.
Subsequently, the event proceeded with the introduction of the Magnolia Cabinet by Anggi Nada (KSAT 2021), followed by an explanation from the KSAT chairperson. Next, there was an explanation of the work program starting with the vice-chairperson by Dyah Ekawati (KSAT 2021), general secretary by Kotimah (KSAT 2022), general treasurer by Mashanda Zahrah (KSAT 2022), scientific division by Laksita Chesarina (KSAT 2021), media and communication division by Dewi Nindya (KSAT 2022), creative division by Nabil Putra (KSAT 2022), entrepreneurship division by Johs Carlo (KSAT 2022), Human Resources Development division by Kamilia Hana (KSAT 2022), and household division by Mirmastu Lintu (KSAT 2022), this was followed by a Q&A session. Additionally, the Grand Launching event included an Ice Breaking session through games from the quizizz platform. This was followed by the delivery of messages and impressions by the invited guests. The event concluded with a closing prayer and documentation.
The Grand Launching of KSAT in 2024 proceeded smoothly and punctually. With the successful implementation of the Grand Launching of KSAT Biology UGM, it is hoped that external parties can deepen their understanding of KSAT Biology UGM. Furthermore, it is hoped that KSAT can take root firmly and penetrate civilization, becoming a study group that is beneficial both within the academic community and to the wider society.
The Faculty of Biology UGM held a gathering on Wednesday, 28 February 2024, at Auditorium Biologi Tropika from 11.00-13.00 WIB, aimed to strengthen the companionship and a sense of family among civitas Faculty of Biology UGM, especially staff and lecturers.
The gathering commenced with an opening by MC Faya Nur Annisa Damantya, A.Md.Sek., followed by a welcome address from the Dean of the Faculty of Biology, Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc, who provided guidance and motivation to all attendees. The activity proceeded with a socialization from Bank Muamalat, delivered by Heni Lestari, S.E., as Branch Manager of Bank Muamalat UGM Branch.
Next on the agenda was the introduction of the new study program at the Faculty of Biology UGM, The Profession of Curator on Biodiversity Study Program (PKKH) by Rina Sri Kasiamdari, S.Si., Ph.D. The PKKH Study program has been prepared by the team since 2021, with support from various parties, both internal and external UGM and international support. This study program is scheduled to commence enrollment in the odd semesters of the academic year 2024/2025 with a quota of 30 students. It hoped that through this introduction, the civitas of the Faculty of Biology UGM can understand the history, vision, and mission of the program’s establishment and help promote the PKKH study program to the community.
This event was enlivened by a Line dance performance titled “Taman Pung Kisah” presented by Bio Line Dance Group. The gathering concluded with a shared lunch. This event reflects the support of the Faculty of Biology in its commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) No. 17, which is Partnership for the Goals, and SDG No. 16, which is Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. This is reflected in promotion collaboration among various parties, such as Bank Muammalat, to achieve common goals.
Yogyakarta, on Saturday, 24 February 2024 Entomology Study Group (KSE) held a work meeting of the KSE cabinet entoanantara 2024 as well as launching of the new cabinet, aimed to introduce the new cabinet and discuss the work program of each division for one year administration. The event was held at room IV B, The Faculty of Biology UGM, took place from 08.00 WIB – 11.00 WIB and guided by Muhammad Syahrul Firdaus (KSE XXIV) and Fadhilla Eka Diannova (KSE XXV), and was attended by active members of KSE and representatives of the study groups in the Faculty of Biology UGM.
The event commenced with remarks from Sheva Rimma Dhanty, as KSE chairperson, and Drs. Hari Purwanto, M.P., Ph.D. as KSE advisor. Following that, all attendees sang Indonesia Raya, Universitas Gadjah Mada Hymne, Faculty of Biology Mars, and KSE Mars. The activity continued with presentation of work program of each division within KSE by each division head, namely research division, knowledge division, curriculum division, media and information division, network division, human resource division, entrepreneurship division, secretary division, treasurer division, and the last was the chairman who also explained the vision and mission, the philosophy of cabinet name and cabinet logo. The presentation of the work program was followed by a question and answer session for each division. The activity concluded with a documentation.
On February 24 2024, the Postgraduate Student Society KMP) of the Faculty of Biology UGM held a Postgraduate Student Gathering (TAKSA) at the Tropical Biology Auditorium, Faculty of Biology UGM. The event aimed to strengthen the bond between postgraduate students, alumni, and lecturers at the Faculty of Biology UGM. Furthermore, this activity also serves to broaden perspectives and understand the continuity between the Master’s and Doctoral academic realms, and their continuation into the professional world after graduating from the graduate program at the Faculty of Biology, UGM.
The event started at 08.00 WIB, opened by the MCs Zakaria S.Pd. and Ni Kadek Dewi Permata Sari S.Pd. The offline remark was given by Alexander Tage S.Si. representing the chairman of the Biology KMP. Followed by online remarks by the Head of The Master in Biology Study Program, Dr. rer. Nat. Andhika Puspito Nugroho, S.Si. M.Si.
Subsequently, the event continued with a Talk Show guided by the moderator, Puji Lestari, S.Pd. The Talk Show featured inspiring speaker Basith Kuncoro Adji, S.Si., M.Sc., an alumnus of the Faculty of Biology UGM, who conveyed the balancing focus between academic and non-academic activities. He also shared insights into opportunities and challenges as a postgraduate student and his ongoing projects.
Next, there was a sharing session, where new postgraduate students were divided into groups based on their study interests and guided by KMP members. The sharing session provided a platform for new students to inquire about academic and non-academic activities in the postgraduate program. One participant, Nurul Hidayah S.Pd., said that during the discussion, there was a sense of camaraderie among students from different cohorts and study interest groups, gained valuable information about the academic activities, thus getting to know the academic community of the Postgraduate Program of The Faculty of Biology UGM better.
Following that, there was a laboratory tour activity, where participants toured Buildings A and B to get acquainted with the laboratories and the research areas covered in each laboratory. New postgraduate students were divided into groups, each accompanied by KMP members. During the laboratory tour, participants were also introduced to the library facilities in Building B, such as the Book Collection Room, Study Room, and Electronic Thesis and Dissertation (ETD) Room. After returning from the laboratory tour, participants were directed back to the Auditorium for a Q&A session regarding the tour activities. One participant, Ainun Mardiah S.Pd., asked about the differences between the Seminar Proposal course and the Comprehensive Exam.
The activities continued with intergroup games using the Quizizz ,a spin game, and a biology quiz game. The winner of the entire game round ends with the awarding of prizes. The closing of TAKSA ended with a prayer by Safril S.Si. and photo documentation.
Yogyakarta, 23 February 2024 – Faculty of Biology UGM held a guest lecture featuring two professors from the Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney (UTS) Australia, they are Professor Wilhelmina Huston and Distinguished Professor Alaina Ammit. The lecture took place in the Auditorium of Tropical Biology, Faculty of Biology UGM and was attended by more than 200 students and lecturers from the Faculty of Biology UGM.
The public lecture was opened by Tyas Ikhsan Hikmawan, M.S., Ph.D. and continued with an opening speech by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. as Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM. He stated that the implementation of the guest lecture was part of the collaboration between the Faculty of Biology UGM and the Faculty of Science UTS. He also added that the double degree program collaboration with UTS will be realized in the near future so that students who are interested in pursuing study opportunities in Australia can prepare themselves.
Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc as Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration and Alumni Affairs, who acted as guest lecture moderator, invited Prof. Wilia and Prof. Alaina to present their research.
Prof. Alaina gave a lecture entitled “Combating inflammation in chronic lung disease”. She introduced the Woolcock Emphysema Center where she works together with other researchers in overcoming Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) through early diagnosis, and better treatment.
Prof. Wilia then explained her research with the title “The reproductive tract microbiome and chlamydial disease”. She began her lecture with an explanation of Chlamydia trachomatis and its transmission. She also explained the role of each microbiome in the female organs in protecting the organs from infections including Chlamydia bacteria, as well as his research studying each microbiome using next generation sequencing.
The lecture closed with a question and answer session guided by Dr, Eko. Prof. Alaina and Prof. Willa showed the important role of a biologist in the medical field so that they can expand the potential output of biological research in improving the quality of health.
This public lecture was part of a collaboration between the Faculty of Biology UGM and the Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney. This collaboration also shows the Faculty of Biology’s commitment to expanding connections and collaboration with various partners to improve the quality of education, in line with its support for the Sustainable Development Goals for improving education and expanding cooperation (SDG 4 and 17), and of course improving community health and welfare better through renewable research (SDG 3).
Yogyakarta, 22-23 February 2024 – The Faculty of Biology in collaboration with the Faculty of Pharmacy and the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Public Health, Universitas Gadjah Mada received a visit from Prof. Dr. Herman Spaink from Leiden University of the Netherlands and as Adjunct Professor at the Faculty of Biology UGM and Dr. Christopher James Hall from Auckland University New Zealand. The visit was a follow-up to the collaboration between the Joint Research Center and Expertise in developing zebrafish as an animal research model for collaboration between Leiden University and three faculties at UGM. Prof. Herman and Dr. Chris visited the zebrafish research station at the Integrated Research Center Laboratory (LPPT) Universitas Gadjah Mada, before leaving to Bali to take part in the 2024 Asian Conference on Fish Models for Disease.
The development of zebrafish as a research animal model has become one of the research focuses at Universitas Gadjah Mada in recent years. Its application as a model animal for the study of diseases including diabetes, tuberculosis, and so on is expected to accelerate research in Indonesia. The Faculty of Biology played a role in this collaboration in collaboration with other researchers at Universitas Gadjah Mada and partners from Leiden University.
Visit of Prof. Herman and Dr. Chris will be followed by a workshop on gene editing of zebrafish embryos and sequencing which will take place in early March. It is hoped that this activity can accelerate the skills of UGM researchers, especially in animal model research, especially zebra fish for the study of this disease.
Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. as Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration and Alumni Affairs, Faculty of Biology UGM said that the agenda was a follow-up to the collaboration between the Faculty of Biology UGM and the Faculty of Science Leiden University and was part of the activities of Prof. Herman Spaink as Adjunct Professor, Faculty of Biology, UGM. Furthermore, this collaboration also shows the Faculty of Biology’s commitment to expanding connections and collaboration with various partners to improve the quality of education, in line with its support for the Sustainable Development Goals for improving education and expanding cooperation (SDG 4 and 17), and of course improving health and better social welfare through renewable research (SDG 3).
Yogyakarta, 22 February 2024 – Faculty of Biology UGM received a visit from two professors from the Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney (UTS) Australia; Professor Wilhelmina Huston and Distinguished Professor Alaina Ammit. The visit was received in the KPTU Meeting Room, Faculty of Biology UGM and was also attended by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. as Dean of the Faculty of Biology, Wiratni, S.T., M.T., Ph.D. as Secretary of the Directorate of Global Partnerships and Relations of UGM, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. as Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration and Alumni Affairs, Sukirno, M.Sc., Ph.D. as Head of the Undergraduate Study Program, Dr.rer.nat. Andhika Puspito Nugroho as Head of the Masters Study Program, and Tyas Ikhsan Hikmawan, M.S., Ph.D. as Secretary of the Office of International Affairs, Faculty of Biology, UGM.
Prof. Budi warmly welcomed the presence of the two professors from UTS Australia. He said the visit was a continuation of the initiation of collaboration between the Faculty of Biology and the Faculty of Science UTS, last October 2023. Mrs. Wiratni further added that UGM had also collaborated with UTS so that the discussion with UTS was a good follow-up to the extension of UTS’s Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UGM. Mrs. Wiratni also mentioned the potential for research and academic collaboration through KONEKSI (Knowledge Partnership Platform Australia-Indonesia) and LPDP scholarships.
Dr. Eko as Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration and Alumni Affairs of the Faculty of Biology then gave an explanation regarding the profile of the Faculty of Biology and potential collaboration that could be implemented with the Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney. The explanation regarding the curriculum and undergraduate and master’s study programs was then also presented by the Head of the Undergraduate Study Program and the Head of the Master’s Study Program, Faculty of Biology, UGM.
Prof. Willia and Prof. Alaina expressed their enthusiasm for the potential for collaboration, especially in the double degree program in the field of biomedical science which can be supported by LPDP scholarships and research collaboration through KONEKSI. Prof. Alaina also conveyed UTS’s advantages in the field of environmental science as well as disease understanding and diagnosis in the biomedical field. Apart from that, the agreed collaboration is regarding the International Summer Course through the New Colombo Plan Program.
The visit continued with a tour of various buildings and facilities at the Faculty of Biology UGM and continued with a visit to the Integrated Research Center Laboratory (LPPT) Gadjah Mada University guided by Prof Yusril Yusuf. Prof Wilia and Prof Alaina also visited the Butterfly Park belonging to the Faculty of Biology which is located in the Wisdom Park area of Universitas Gadjah Mada.
It is hoped that the discussion and visit will be a good follow-up step in the collaboration between the Faculty of Biology UGM and the Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney. This collaboration also shows the Faculty of Biology’s commitment to expanding connections and collaboration with various partners to improve the quality of education, in line with its support for the Sustainable Development Goals for improving education and expanding cooperation (SDG 4 and 17).
On Sunday, February 18, 2024, the Inauguration of the Daily Management and Syuro Council (Supervisory Board) of the Congregation of Biology Muslim Student, Universitas Gadjah Mada (JMMB UGM), was held at the Al-Hayat Mosque, Faculty of Biology, UGM. The event was attended by Muhammad Ihsanuddin Al Abror, representing Dr. rer. nat. Abdul Rachman Siregar S.Si., M.Biotech, as the Trustee of JMMB UGM, representatives of the Study Clubs of the Faculty of Biology UGM, as well as representatives of the Campus and Faculty Da’wah Management at Universitas Gadjah Mada.
The activity was guided by the MC, namely Denianto Agung Wicaksono as the Staff for the Public relation and Media at JMMB UGM.The event began with a Working Meeting, where the Daily Management presented their annual work program followed by discussions as a forum for aspirations for all members of JMMB UGM 1445 H. The event continued with the Grand Launching of the cabinet, opened by the MC and followed by the recitation of Holy Quran by Rafli Nur Muhammad Fahrezi. Furthermore, reading of the Pledge of the Inauguration of the Daily Management and the Syuro Council of JMMB UGM, led by Muhammad Ihsanuddin Al Abror. After that was remarks from Muhammad Luthfi, the general chairman of JMMB UGM Period 1445-1446 H, continued with the Grand Launching of the “Ar-Rabbii’ud Daafi” Cabinet as the new JMMB UGM cabinet for the 1445-1446 H period.
The name “Ar-Rabbii’ud Daafi” means “Warm Spring”, where “Spring” symbolizes renewal and new spirit after the emergence of light, restoring JMMB as the center of Da’wah in the Faculty of Biology, and “Warm” symbolizes this resurgence accompanied by efforts to enhance brotherhood and religious guidance, making JMMB a comfortable and warm religious community and family. Now is the time for the dawn of revival with the warmth that is dreamed of as in the past. The warmth of the past means realizing Islamic brotherhood and providing a third home for all Muslim academics of the Faculty of Biology, UGM. This is in line with our Vision, which is to restore the function of JMMB as a center for the development of Islamic values for students of the Faculty of Biology, UGM (maintaining faith, piety, and Islamic brotherhood) and as an agent of Da’wah. The Grand Launching and Working Meeting were concluded with a forum for impressions and messages, as well as documentation.
Yogyakarta, 21 February 2024 – Faculty of Biology UGM received a visit from Dr. Shukum Ruangchai as Assistant Dean for International Relations and Communication of Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University (KKU), Thailand. Located in the KPTU Faculty of Biology Meeting Room, Dr. Shukum was warmly welcomed by Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration and Alumni Affairs, Faculty of Biology UGM. Visit of Dr. Shukum is aims to initiating collaboration between Khon Kaen University and Universitas Gadjah Mada, especially the Faculty of Biology.
Dr. Eko as Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration and Alumni Affairs of the Faculty of Biology then gave an explanation regarding the profile of the Faculty of Biology and the potential for collaboration that could be implemented with the Faculty of Science KKU. He also mentioned the ongoing collaboration with other universities in Thailand, including Kasetsart University and Prince Sonkla University, through participation in the 2023 International Summer Course.
Dr. Shukum also introduced KKU, especially the Faculty of Science, which has bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs in biology, both regular and international classes. He also mentioned the lack of interest among Thai students in continuing their education to master’s and doctoral levels. It is felt that the potential for double degree collaboration for bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs that can be initiated with the Faculty of Biology UGM can attract the interest of students in Thailand and UGM students in Indonesia to continue their education. Dr. Shukum is also enthusiastic about being able to invite lecturers and students to participate in the International Summer Course at the Faculty of Biology.
It is hoped that the discussion and visit will be a good follow-up step in the collaboration between the Faculty of Biology UGM and the Faculty of Science Khon Kaen University Thailand. This collaboration also shows the Faculty of Biology’s commitment to expanding connections and collaboration with various partners to improve the quality of education, in line with its support for the Sustainable Development Goals for improving education and expanding cooperation (SDG 4 and 17).