The Faculty of Biology UGM is a faculty that continues to advance in conducting genomic and bioinformatic research. One of the lecturers in this faculty, Dr. Niken Satuti Nur Handayani, M.Sc. had the opportunity to take part in The Asia-Pacific (APAC) Population-Genomics, Informatics, and Interpretation Workshop 2023 in Thailand. Organized by Oxford Nanopore Technology, the workshop was held at the Thailand Science Park Convention Center, The National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Rangsit, Bangkok, Thailand, on March 15-16 2023. Led directly by the Chairman of the Satriabudi Dharma Setia Foundation (YSDS), namely dr. Vincentius S.W Budhyanto, Dr. Niken, together with Genomics Researchers from Airlangga University, Del Institute of Technology, YARSI University, Bandung Institute of Technology, and RSUPN Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo, left for Thailand with the full support of YSDS.

The workshop which invited genomic scientists and researchers from Asia-Pacific provided an excellent opportunity to understand the problems of long-read human genome sequencing with Oxford Nanopore Technology (ONT) and how to overcome these problems; understand the structure of ONT data and how it differs from short reads analysis; and preparing a workflow for the analysis of variation in the human genome, including analysis of Single Nucleotide Variant (SNV)/indels, Copy Number Variations (CNV) and Short Tandem Repeat (STR). In addition, the workshop participants had the opportunity to hear a presentation from NIVDIA, an American multinational technology company, about their support for large-scale genomics studies. On the 2nd day, workshop participants were invited to tour the NSTDA Innovation Cluster, one of which visited the NSTDA Supercomputer Center (ThaiSC) and saw the LANTA Supercomputer System. An important opportunity at the end of the activity is to discuss and benefit from the experience of the bioinformatics team from several institutions in Asia-Pacific so that later they can contribute together to the advancement of genomic research in Indonesia.

This training activity is a continuation of the “Socialization of Increasing the Quality and Quantity of Processed Food Products with Natural Dyes in Malangrejo Padukuhan” which was held on Saturday, March 11, 2023. This activity aims to increase the understanding of the Malangrejo community regarding the steps and requirements for obtaining an SLHS and SPP-IRT registration number for the product they own. In addition, the community was also given several recipes for diversifying food using natural dyes and vegetable plants from their yards. It is hoped that the diversification of food products by the people of Malangrejo can improve the quality and quantity of MSME products, so as to improve the people’s economy.

The training activity began with an opening, remarks from the Head of Activities, Wedomartani Village Head, Dukuh Malangrejo representing the partners, and KWT members. After the welcoming session, the activity continued with the presentation of training material and discussion by Mr. Gunanto, S.KM, M.Sc., as the Sub Coordinator of the Pharmacy and Health Food and Beverage Substance Group, Sleman Health Office with the topic “Technical Provision of SLHS and PIRT Permit Management for MSMEs”. This material contains, among others, several routes for registration of MSME products to obtain SPP-IRT or SLHS numbers, requirements that need to be prepared, as well as types of MSME processed products that can be registered according to their respective class codes. The discussion at the presentation went in two directions, several KWT members actively asked about the registration of their processed products. Furthermore, there was also a presentation of material and discussion by Ms. Lisna Hidayati, S.Sc., M.Biotech., as a Lecturer from the Biochemistry Laboratory, Faculty of Biology UGM with the topic “Diversification of Types of Food and Beverages with Natural Dyes”.

At the beginning of the activity and also at the end of the activity, a pretest and also a posttest were carried out to test the understanding of the community, especially KWT members, regarding the training that had been carried out that afternoon. From the results of the pretest and posttest, it was found that there was an increase (14%) in the community’s understanding of the debriefing material delivered by the resource persons. The training activity event was closed with a group photo of the participants involved in the training activity.

On March 18, 2023, a presentation on the Business Plan ENVIROTECH 4.0 innovation by PT Pertamina Hulu Indonesia was held with the sub-theme of organic solid waste management, as well as commemorating World Waste Recycling Day. The STARGAZE team fronted by Eva Yunizar Reza Permana Putri, Fanny Najmi Faza, and Fika Zulfiani participated in the competition. The title raised was “MoldtoPlast” Product Innovation of Aspergillus niger Spore Suspension as a Biodegradation Agent for Plastic Packaging Waste” under the assistance of Dr. Miftahul Ilmi, S.Si., M.Sc.

The use of plastic, especially plastic packaging, is increasing. This of course has a bad impact on the environment because plastic waste has a long recycling period. The STARGAZE team looks at the potential for microorganisms that have the ability to degrade plastic, one of which is mold, which is an alternative in the biodegradation of plastic waste made from Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE). The innovative product in the form of Aspergillus niger Spore Suspension is packaged in powder form and environmentally friendly paper packaging. This product is targeted to a wide range of markets due to its effectiveness and environmental friendliness.

The Biology Research Genetics Student Forum (FORMASIGEN) in collaboration with the Genetics and Breeding Laboratory of the Faculty of Biology UGM has held the Formasigen 2023 Training of Trainers (TOT) activities on 8 – 10 & 14 – 15 March 2023. TOT is a laboratory training activity related to basic techniques in genetics for Formasigen members. The purpose of implementing this activity is to help all Formasigen members to improve laboratory skills which are lacking due to the disruption of learning and practicum activities during the pandemic in the last few years.

In this training, trainers present material in the form of explaining the basic principles of DNA extraction and selecting techniques based on the type of sample used. In addition, the participants directly carried out each step of DNA extraction, preparation of the PCR mixture, and electrophoresis. There is also the use of MEGA 11 software for DNA Barcoding and phylogenetic tree creation, as well as MVSP (Multivariate Statistical Package) for clustering analysis.

Through the implementation of the Formasigen 2023 Training of Trainers (TOT) activities, it is hoped that all Formasigen member students will obtain basic competency fulfillment as preparation for data collection and analysis in thesis research. Apart from that, it is also hoped that there will be a continuation of the activity as a forum for Formasigen members to better contribute to genetic research activities

Two staff from the Surabaya Plantation Plant Seed and Protection Center attended Basic Bioinformatics Training on 16-17 March 2023 at the Genetics and Breeding Laboratory. The two staff members are Fathul Mukaromah, S.P., M.P. and Asri Maria, S.P. The resource persons at the training were Dra. Tuty Arisuryanti, M.Sc., Ph.D. and Ganies Riza Aristya, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D.

The material provided in this training includes an introduction to how to trace sequence data in GenBank; introduction to the theory of consensus sequence and alignment of sequences (alignment), identity, similarity, and polymorphic sites; practice of using GeneStudio and BioEdit programs to compile consensus sequences, practice of using BLAST and Identification Engine for identification, practice of using MEGA, Mesquite and DnaSP programs to calculate genetic distances, genetic variation and phylogenetic tree reconstruction.

It is hoped that the materials provided can be applied by the two BBPPTP staff in carrying out analyzes of research results and explaining their interpretations.

On Saturday, April 1 2023, a Small Group Discussion 2 of Landscape Ecology were carried out online via a zoom meeting platform. In SGD 2 this Ecoscaping is in the form of teaching by the Sub-Division of Landscape Ecology on Ecosystems and Sampling Techniques. The purpose of holding this Ecoskap Small Group Discussion 2 is to increase Seedling’s knowledge and skills regarding ecosystems and sampling techniques. The SGD 2 Landscape Ecology activity began with the opening by Dana Abruri (KSAT 2020). The presenter explained about landscape ecology which includes tropical rain forest ecosystems, aquatic ecosystems, energy flows, sampling methods, and sampling tools. Then proceed with the division of Seedling into 7 groups in the breakout room. In the breakout room, joint discussions were held accompanied by the Sapling of the Landscape Ecology Scientific Sub-Division in each breakout room, namely Adelia Adriani, Anis Rahmatillah, Dyah Ekawati, Syafa Erista Hidayah, Maximus Jonathan Salim, Zahra Fitri Annisa, and Anggi Nada Khoirul Ummah ( KSAT 2021). The SGD 2 Landscape Ecology KSAT activities in 2023 went smoothly and on time. It is hoped that by holding this activity, knowledge and skills regarding ecosystems and sampling techniques will be increased for the Seedling KSAT.

The Faculty of Biology, Gadjah Mada University (UGM) is holding an Academic Workshop “Academic Rules and ASIIN Preparation” on April 11-12 2023 in the Tropical Biology Auditorium Room, Faculty of Biology UGM. The workshop started at 09.00 WIB and was attended by all lecturers from the Faculty of Biology UGM. This event was held to increase understanding of academic rules and preparation for ASIIN accreditation at the UGM Faculty of Biology.

The Academic Workshop program “Academic Rules and ASIIN Preparation” consisted of two days, with the main agenda on the first day including presentations on SI-MONI, academic rules, and ASIIN visitations. The event was opened by the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM who was then represented by the Deputy Dean for Academic and Student Affairs. The first material presentation was delivered by Prof. Dr. L. Hartanto Nugroho, M.Agr. which explains about SI-MONI, an instrument for monitoring the learning process. Next, Dr. Prof. .D.Eng. which explains the ASIIN visitation activities which will take place in May 2023.

The first day of the workshop was closed by the direction of the Dean of the UGM Faculty of Biology, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. He emphasized the importance of the synergy of all elements (lecturers, students, and students) in implementing changes to the academic rules of the university and ASIIN visits so that they can run well.

The second day included presentations related to the IUP program by Ms. Zuliyati Rohmah, S.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D.Eng., presentation on academic guidelines for the Bachelor and Masters Programs by Mr. Sukirno, S.Sc., M.Sc. , Ph. D. and Dr. rer. nat. Andhika Puspito N, S.Si., M.Sc. as well as a presentation regarding PPSMB-Pioner by Dr.rer.nat Abdul Rahman Siregar, S.Si., M.Biotech. The Academic Workshop “Academic Rules and ASIIN Preparation” at the Faculty of Biology UGM is expected to increase understanding of academic rules and preparation for ASIIN accreditation

Thursday (30/3/23) at the Tropical Biology Auditorium, Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, a handover ceremony was held for the Vice Dean of the Faculty of Biology, for the 2021-2026 period. The position handover which was held online via YouTube and offline in the auditorium was attended by all lecturers, educational staff, and student representatives. The handover ceremony began with the reading of the Rector’s Decree regarding the Vice Dean at the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Interim Substitutes for the Period 2021-2026. Next, the signing of the position handover document was carried out from the old official to the New Official. The first signing was carried out by Rina Sri Kasiamdari, S.Sc., Ph.D., Caretaker Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada as the Old Official and Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, S.Sc., M.Sc., Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Interim Substitute for the 2021-2026 Period as the new official. The signing of the handover document was then carried out by Dr. Niken Satuti Nur Handayani, M.Sc., Caretaker Vice Dean for Finance, Assets and Human Resources, Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada as a former official and Dr. Slamet Widiyanto, S.Sc., M.Sc., Vice Dean for Finance, Assets and Human Resources, Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada Interim Substitute for the 2021-2026 Period as New Official.

Next, the remarks of the Old Officials Representative were delivered by Rina Sri Kasiamdari, S.Sc., Ph.D and the remarks from the representatives of the New Officials were delivered by Dr. Slamet Widiyanto, S.Si., M.Sc. The third speech was delivered by the Dean of the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Prof. Dr. Budi S. Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. The Dean on behalf of the Faculty of Biology thanked the Vice Deans for the previous period, who according to him had finished their duty very well.

On Saturday, March 18 2023, a series of Seedling KSAT scientific material activities were carried out, namely Small Group Discussion 1 of Landscape Ecology (Ekoskap) online via a zoom meeting platform. In SGD 1 of this Ecosscape in the form of lectures on the Interaction and Distribution of Organisms delivered by the Landscape Ecology Science Sub-Division. The purpose of holding a Small Group Discussion 1 of this Plant Diversity is to increase Seedling’s knowledge regarding the interaction and distribution of organisms.

The SGD 1 Plant Diversity activity began with the opening by the MC, Putri Fredicia Marzuqoh (KSAT 2021). After the opening, the activity continued with an opening prayer and presentation. The material was delivered by Adelia Adriani (KSAT 2021) and Anis Rahmatillah (KSAT 2021). The presenter explained the basic science related to organisms, interactions between organisms and their environment, distribution and abundance of organisms, and examples of interactions and distribution. After the presentation, it was continued with games through the quizizz platform which was included in the Seedling assessment. After that, the SGD 1 Ecoskap activity was closed with a closing prayer and documentation.

SGD 1 Ecoskap KSAT activities in 2023 went smoothly and on time. It is hoped that by holding this activity it can provide a basic understanding of the interaction and distribution of organisms to Seedling KSAT. In addition, we hope that the KSAT can become more firmly rooted so that it is firmly rooted in penetrating civilization so that it can become a study group that has benefits for the academic community and the wider community.

Based on the results of the Faculty Level Achievement Student Selection (Pilmapres) at Universitas Gadjah Mada which was held on 25-26 February 2023 and taking into account the results of the meeting to determine the winner by the university jury team and the faculty jury team on 6 March 2023, the Director of Student Affairs appointed Adiva Aphrodita (Biology 2020 ) as the winner of the 2023 Faculty-Level Pilmapres at Universitas Gadjah Mada. The Pilmapres was held from 12 – 28 January 2023 as an initial stage of selection, namely registration and collection of committee files. These files include Outstanding Achievements (CU) which contain participant achievements, Creative Idea Papers (GK) for undergraduate category participants with the theme “Sustainable Development Goals” according to the participants’ fields of study, and English Language Certificates (TOEFL/ITP/IELTS/ ACEPT/TOEP/TOEIC). The files were then selected by the UGM Achievement Student Community (Kommapres) in the period 7-9 February 2023. The final pass announcement was made on 22 February 2023 which was then followed by the final stage on 25-26 February 2023. The final stage included interviews for Outstanding Achievements ( CU) and Creative Idea presentations (GK) based on the scripts made by each participant.

Adiva Aphrodita has been known as an active student both in academic and non-academic fields while being a student at the Faculty of Biology from semester 1 to semester 6. Adiva is active as a member and violinist in the Gadjah Mada Chamber Orchestra (GMCO) organization, which is one of the Units Activities of students engaged in the field of music. In 2021, Adiva became the committee for the Successful Learning Training for New Students (PPSMB) of the Faculty of Biology as a member of the Materials Division. In addition, Adiva became the representative for the Republic of Cuba in the field of Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) at the Model United Nations organized by Global Millennials and the representative for the Republic of Indonesia at the ASIA Youth Speak-Up Forum organized by the Korean National Committee for UN Habitat. Another achievement was that Adiva won 3rd place in the INHESION (International Health and Nutrition Symposium) International Scientific Essay Competition held by FK-KMK UGM. In January 2022, Adiva became one of the awardees in the Sakura Science Program which is a student exchange program between the Faculty of Biology and Yamagata University. In October 2022, Adiva became the awardee of the Biology Faculty student exchange program to Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM) for 1 semester until February 2023. Adiva’s other biggest achievement was that Adiva managed to lead one of the Biology Faculty’s PKM-RE teams and brought the team to the PIMNAS stage in December 2022 took place in Malang, East Java. At the PKM, Adiva and the team raised the topic of stunting prevention through the creation of the Sprouted Snack Bar.