At the beginning of 2023 the Biotechnology Laboratory of the Faculty of Biology UGM has accepted 2 level 8 students from the TechnoNatura Jogja International Madrasah, namely Ata Nufayl An Nabih and Zufar Syahardyan to carry out Plant Tissue Culture internships. The two students were very serious about following the material from Mrs. Prof. Dr. Endang Semiarti, M.S., M.Sc. The Head of the Biotechnology Laboratory and carries out the practice of Plant Tissue Culture Engineering accompanied by Mr. Eka Mega Sampurna as the Biotechnology Laboratory technician.

Level 8 MI TechnoNatura Jogja Mentor: Della Rosiana Ningtias, S.Si stated that this internship was one of the learning activity programs at entrepreneur week at the TechnoNatura International Madrasah. In general, internships have the goal of providing an overview, insight, knowledge, and direct experience to students. In addition, internships provide work experience in accordance with the interests and talents of students or better understand the business processes that run in companies/institutions, so that they can be given the opportunity to learn directly from the source and get real world work experience. In this internship activity, the two students received material from Prof. Endang about the basics of plant tissue culture techniques in general and the advantages of using these tissue culture methods for plant propagation/mass production of plant seeds, uniform in nature and in a relatively short time. This is certainly very promising to be developed in the industrial/agribusiness world. For practice, the students carry out the practice of the stages of plant tissue culture starting from making media, preparing plants as donor plants to be developed, namely orchid plants as an icon of the Biotechnology Laboratory which is known as the UGM Orchid Laboratory and carrying out subculture/transfer of plant seeds/thinning of plant seeds resulting from tissue culture from 1 full culture bottle to new medium from another culture bottle in the form of orchid plant seeds. The sterile phalaenopsis appeared to be growing well. Even though the duration was very short, in just 3 days, Ata and Zufar, the two students seemed to really enjoy and enthusiastically participate in all the activities given by Ms. Prof. Endang and Mr. Eka. On the 2nd and 3rd day, 2 more students (Yafi and Ardan) were sent from TechnoNatura Jogja MI to take part in the internship, both of them were also very enthusiastic about participating in this Plant Tissue Culture Internship activity.

On the last day, the students showed the results of their activities, in the form of growing media they made, then they took the Post Test which was given as the basis for their work assessment. TechnoNatura Jogja MI presented a Certificate for the Biotechnology Laboratory as an expression of gratitude that their two students had been allowed to carry out an internship, gain knowledge and work experience in tissue culture engineering to Ata and Zufar, their students. Ms. Della stated that by participating in this internship it was hoped that the knowledge gained by the two students would be useful for their future and hopefully they could become future scientists in Indonesia.

Wednesday, 25 January 2023, the Faculty of Biology UGM held a ceremony for the Postgraduate Program Period II 2022/2023 graduates solemnly held face-to-face, at the Tropical Biology Auditorium Building, Faculty of Biology UGM. The event was opened directly by the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM (Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc). The event was also attended by the Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs (Rina Sri Kasiamdari, S.Sc., Ph.D.), Vice Dean for Finance (Dr.Niken Satuti Nur Handayani, M.Sc), Deputy for Research, Community Service and Cooperation (Dr. Eko. Agus Suyono, S.Sc., M.App.Sc), Head of the Masters Study Program (Dr.rer.nat. Andhika Puspito Nugroho, S.Sc., M.Sc), Head of the Doctoral Study Program (Dr. Bambang Retno Aji, M.Sc.), research advisory and all the committees involved in the event.

The ceremony started at 13.00 WIB, opened directly by the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. followed by singing the national anthem Indonesia Raya, the Gadjah Mada Hymn, Mars Biology UGM, the accompaniment of the traditional Bajidor Kahot dance performed by doctoral and master student namely Khusnul Qonita Maghfiroh, S.Si and Hayu Swari Allimi, S.Si followed by a graduation report by Dr.rer.nat. Andhika Puspito Nugroho, S.Sc., M.Sc as Head of Masters Study Program, Faculty of Biology UGM. The Ceremony for Period II 2022/2023 has graduated 2 graduates of the doctoral program namely Dr. Evi Mintowati Kuntorini, M.Si with a GPA of 3.99 and Dr. Junaidi, S.P., M.Sc., Ph.D with a GPA of 3.90 who is a double degree student in the doctoral program with L’Institute Agro Montpellier, Université de Montpellier, France. Meanwhile, for the master program in this period, 16 graduates have graduated with the title of Master of Science (M.Sc.) with 1 graduate with good predicate, 9 graduates with excellent predicate and 6 graduates with cumlaude predicate and from the master program, Della Blatama, M.Sc has the highest GPA among all graduates with 3.94 GPA. Up to this period, the UGM biology postgraduate program has succeeded in graduating 125 doctoral students and 1,522 masters students.

The ceremony continued with reading the names of the graduates by the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM. In total, there are 18 graduates from this period, they are Dr. Evi Mintowati Kuntorini, M.Si, Dr. Junaidi, S.P., M.Sc., Ph.D, Raden Roro Risang Ayu Dewayani Putri, S.Pd., M.Sc, Ahmad Yani, S.Pd., M.Sc, Syaiful Adam Maulana, S.Sc., M.Sc, Ratna Azizah, S.Pd., M.Sc, Reva Suzana, S.Sc., M.Sc, Ahmad Saifun Naser, S.Sc., M.Sc, Muhammad Khoerul, S.Sc., M .Sc, Huliyatul Adzkiya, S.Sc., M.Sc, Sadiq Ali, BS.C., M.Sc, Lasmini Syariatin, S.Sc., M.Sc, Yunita Messe, S.Pd., M.Sc , Rahmatullah S.Sc., M.Sc, Dea Putri Andeska, S.Sc., M.Sc, Della Blatama, S.Pd., M.Sc, Wulan Rahmani Akmal, S.Sc., M.Sc, Irma Rohmawati, S.Pd., M.Sc. M.Sc. Della Blatama, M.Sc., as the representative of the graduates who gave remarks at the graduation ceremony, in her remarks expressed her deepest gratitude to the entire academic community of the Faculty of Biology UGM for the guidance and their facilities and hopes for the future that the graduates of the Faculty of Biology UGM will become excellent quality human resources who will contribute and benefit the nation and the country in the future. The ceremony continued with remarks by representatives of the parents of the graduates delivered by Ms. Masni Jafar S.Pd who is the mother of Della Blatama, M.Sc. She expressed her pride at the achievements of the graduates for their struggles to win an academic degree in the postgraduate program at the Faculty of Biology UGM and remarked thank you for the outpouring of guidance from the supervisor and the entire academic community to the graduates.

After the remarks, a symbolic pinning procession of KABIOGAMA membership was carried out, represented by Irma Rohmawati, S.Pd., M.Sc. and Dr. Junaidi, S.P., M.Sc., Ph.D by the Deputy Dean for Research, Community Service and Cooperation, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, S.Si., M.App.Sc. The last remarks were delivered by Prof. Budi Setiadi Daryono M.Agr.Sc. as the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM. He congratulated and was also happy for the graduation ceremony. He said, “Congratulations and we are happy for the graduation ceremony that has taken place, we also thank the parents for the support of their sons/daughters”. He gave a short poem “Eating Sushi tastes good in the morning when you are with your sweetheart, welcome to the graduates’ families at the green and sustainable Biology Faculty”. The Faculty of Biology made a new history with the graduation of Dr. Junaidi, S.P., M.Sc., Ph.D graduated from the double degree doctoral program, and hopefully it will become an initiation for other students to take the same steps and programs. Currently the Faculty of Biology has collaborated to sign an MoU with the Australian National University which is the first ranked university in Australia and with the Ministry of Finance’s LPDP Scholarship Program will prepare a double degree program for Masters and Doctoral degrees. He also said that the graduates came from various regions in Indonesia such as Lampung, West Java, Pakistan, Maluku, Kalimantan and other areas which indicated that the graduates of the postgraduate program were evenly distributed and came from various regions which were expected to contribute to Indonesia’s development. in the future. This year the Masters program is in the process of obtaining ASIIN accreditation and is the first Biology faculty in Indonesia. He expressed his gratitude to the teaching staff/lecturers and education staff who have guided the graduates and academic technical matters, as well as to the parents who have supported their sons/daughters to continue on the master’s program, and did not forget to thank KMP for providing a forum in terms of soft skills to become provisions in the future as a means of self-development apart from academic/GPA factors. Finally, he apologized for the lack from various aspects, be it lecturers, education staff, and others flaws that existed, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic to continue to adapt, he said that there was no success without prayer. He hopes that the graduates will become successful people, provide benefits to the surrounding environment and be beneficial to nature and the environment. Finally, he delivered a short poem “spinach with seeds on the river bank, sustainable greetings from the biology faculty”.

The ceremony then continued with the presentation of mementos from the graduates of period II 2022/2023 represented by Sadiq Ali, B.Sc., M.Sc, to the dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, and the event was closed with a prayer led by Mr. Sumarno , S.Sc., M.Sc and ended with a group photo. This graduation procession proves that the graduation ceremony is a very important moment that can still be held smoothly and sacredly even though it is carried out virtually.

At Saturday, January 7 2023, the Regional Executive Board of the Indonesian Orchid Association (DPD PAI) DIY in collaboration with the Biotechnology Laboratory of the Faculty of Biology UGM has held a DIY PAI Members Meeting in the Auditorium Room of the KPTU Building, Faculty of Biology UGM. This meeting is the first Meeting Agenda since the COVID19 emergency condition was implemented, where for 2 years meetings have been held online. The event for this first meeting was filled with lectures on “Tips for Success in Orchid Business”, inviting a practitioner from the industry, Ir. Joko Asad (Sales & Marketing Manager PT Ekakarya Graha Flora). Besides being attended by members and administrators of PAI DIY, it was also attended by collaborators from tertiary institutions, such as the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, the Dean of the Faculty of Biotechnology at Atma Jaya University Yogyakarta, the Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture Janabadra, and the Chairman of KAGAMA ORCHIDS, attended by a total of 115 people.

The event began by singing the Indonesia Raya song and the Orchid Flower song, which is the PAI DIY Mars Song, led by Ms. Uminurida (DIY PAI secretary). The next event was a welcome speech from the chairman of PAI DIY, Prof. Dr. Endang Semiarti, M.S., M.Sc. who also report the activities of PAI DIY in 2022. Then followed by remarks from the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M. Agr. Sc which also officially opened the activity. The main event regarding tips for success in the orchid business was delivered by Ir. Joko Asad (Mr. Jack’s nickname) with moderator Dr. Ixora Sartika Mercuriani, M.Sc. Deputy Chairperson of PAI DIY. In his presentation, Mr. Jack said “there are 4 strategies in dealing with market opportunities, such as market potential, production considerations, market considerations, and networking. These four things help in the decision-making process.” Then Mr. Jack also said that in the orchid business, it is important to pay attention to the 3Q aspects namely Quality, Quantity and Continuity.

In the discussion session the participants were very enthusiastic about asking questions related to the material presented by Mr. Jack, so that the session was very interactive. One of the participants who attended this event asked about the superior technique in orchid cultivation, cloning or hybrid. Mr. Jack answered that the plant cloning technique is considered to have advantages as well as promise in the orchid business. The clones had uniform quality, flowering time and growth pattern between individuals with the same plant source. In the discussion session, Mrs. Dr. Ex. Mursyanti-Dean of the Faculty of Biotechnology at Atma Jaya University also asked Mr. Jack about the possibility of collaboration in the form of student internships with PT. Ekakarya and the possibility of collaboration in the form of teaching practitioners in the Independent Learning Program learning scheme. Mr. Jack also said that PT. Ekakarya accepts student internships, within a limited quota. After the discussion session was over, the event continued with the door prize distribution session in the form of orchid plants and Liquid Organic Fertilizer (POC) “DR. S” (Prominent POC product Dr. Sukirno Head of Biology Study Program, Faculty of Biology UGM) for lucky DIY orchiders. Especially for guests from Kagama Orchids, Mr. Yoppie et al. were given a prize in the form of POC “DR S”.

The seminar was also enlivened by stands of attractive orchid products to buy. Innovative merchandise products with orchid nuances such as tumblers, key chains, enamels, hats and tote bags are sold by the BiOSCorp BiOSC student group. Meanwhile, cultivated orchid plants, such as Phalaenopsis, Vanda, and Dendrobium, both hybrids and species, are sold by several orchid nurseries in Yogyakarta.

Overall, this event ran smoothly and was lively. The next DIY PAI meeting will be held in the next 2 months at the orchid nursery or other collaborator universities. It is hoped that members will continue to be able to attend future meetings, because apart from being able to strengthen communication and friendship relations between members of PAI DIY, they can also develop knowledge about orchid cultivation. Greetings Everlasting Orchid Indonesia!

The Gadjah Mada University Thalassemia Research Group, which is a collaboration between the Faculty of Biology, the Faculty of Public Health Medicine and Nursing, the Faculty of Psychology, and the UGM Integrated Research and Testing Laboratory, is holding blood drives, educational seminars and thalassemia screening, which is a joint activity with PT. Astra Daihatsu through CSR programs. Blood Donation and Thalassemia Education Seminar is the first agenda of a series of activities.This activity was held on Saturday 17 December 2022 at the Tropical Biology Auditorium, Faculty of Biology UGM with resource persons dr. Alexandra W.S Pangarso M.Sc., Sp.A. from the Dept. Pediatric Health Sciences FKKMK UGM/ Dr. Sardjito Hospital and Moderator dr. Nur Imma Fatimah Harahap, Ph.D. from the Dept. Clinical Pathology and Laboratory Medicine FK-KMK UGM. Blood donation was held with the help of facilities from Red Cross Indonesia Sleman Regency. The Coordinator who is also Chair of the UGM Thalassemia Research Group, Dr. Niken Satuti Nur Handayani, M.Sc. stated that UGM students, lecturers and staff, Astra Daihatsu employees and the general public, even students from other universities, such as UNY; UIN Sunan Kalijaga, STPN Yogyakarta participated in the blood donation.

The Regional Head of the Astra Daihatsu Central Java Area, Mr. Ferry, in his remarks said that Daihatsu Astra has committed to supporting programs that benefit the community in five areas which are health, education, environment, entrepreneurship and technology, and has provided support to the thalassemia program over 11 years. This remarks received a response from the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr Sc. In his remarks the Dean provided support and appreciation to Astra Daihatsu which has a Thalassemia Care Program. He hopes that the synergy of companies such as Astra Daihatsu with educational institutions, such as UGM, will continue to be improved to provide wider benefits to society.

One series of activities in this program is the thalassemia screening which will be held at the Clinical Pathology Laboratory of FKKMK UGM on 19-21 December 2022. Screening participants consisted of UGM lecturers, staff and students, high school students, prospective brides and grooms, employees of Astra Daihatsu Yogyakarta and the general public. Screening activities need to be carried out because it is the main strategy in preventing the increase in the number of people with diseases caused by genetic disorders. Screening aims to find out whether the subject is a carrier or not, hence if the subject is detected as a carrier, education can be given regarding the risks of marrying to another carrier. Thalassemia is one of the monogenic diseases with the highest prevalence in Indonesia and is the fifth largest BPJS expense after heart disease, cancer, stroke and kidney failure. The latest data in 2021 showed that there were 10,973 thalassemia patients in Indonesia.

Therefore, in 2022 through the UGM Chancellor’s Decree No. 788/UN1.P.II/KPT/HUKOR/2022 has been officially established by the UGM Thalassemia Research Group. The Research Group is expected to become a center of excellence and become a national reference in thalassemia diagnostics. One of the goals of this research group is to try to build a national collaboration network, and also to initiate a collective movement between research institutions, regional governments, and also the central government in realizing the National Program for Compulsory Thalassemia Screening.

The Faculty of Biology UGM held Research Day 2022. Through this event, the results of collaborative research from lecturers, partners and students in the fields of research and community service are exhibited in the form of posters. A total of 43 research posters and 16 community service posters were exhibited in this activity. The research day lasts for two days, which was on Tuesday until Wednesday (20-21 December 2022). This activity was carried out in Lecture Rooms 1 and 2 Building B, Faculty of Biology UGM.

On the first day the activity starts at 09.00 WIB. This activity begins with the registration of participants. The activity continued with the opening of the event by Faya Nur Annisa Damantya, A.Md. sec. and Asrindon, S.Kom as the MC. The opening of Research Day 2022 was conducted by Ignatius Susatyo Wijoyo, M.M. as UGM Deputy Chancellor for Research, Business Development, and Cooperation. In his remarks he said that good research is research that can be published and applied to society. Through the dissemination, it was hoped that these activities will become a stimulus to be able to conduct even better research in the coming year. In this activity, Biotimbre and traditional dance performances were also enlivened by students of the Faculty of Biology UGM. This activity continued with a tour, research evaluation, and community service posters by lecturers, students and exhibition visitors until 15.00 WIB. The assessment is carried out based on the appearance of the poster and the completeness of the information on the poster including the name of the researcher, the activities that have been carried out and the names of the partners.

On the second day, exhibition activities started at 09.00-13.45 WIB. The activity was continued with remarks as well as closing by Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. as Deputy Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation and Alumni of the Faculty of Biology UGM. He explained that the Faculty of Biology had succeeded in increasing the amount of research and community service from year to year. This year, the ratio of lecturers who publish their publication is 1: 1.2, which means that each lecturer has produced more than 1 publication this year. The activity continued with the announcement of the best poster and awarding of prizes. Research poster category won by Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono, S.Si., M.Sc., Drs. Hari Purwanto, M.P, Ph.D., and Dr. Tri Rini Nuringtyas, S.Si., M.Sc. while the community service posters category won by Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono, S.Sc., M.Sc., Dr. Niken Satuti Nur Handayani, M.Sc., and Drs. Ign. Sudaryadi, M. Kes. This activity ended at 14.50 WIB. Through this event, it is hoped that it can provide new enthusiasm for lecturers and students in developing various research and applications in the field of biology, hence they can have a positive impact on the surrounding communities.

Students of the UGM Faculty of Biology Masters Study Program conducted a thesis research proposal seminar for Class 2021 Even students on Tuesday, December 27 2022. The activity was carried out in the Auditorium room of the Faculty of Biology as the opening ceremony and will be divided into four rooms when entering the main event. The research proposal seminar was attended by the Dean, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., Head of the Master’s Study Program, Dr.rer.nat. Andhika Puspito Nugroho, M.Sc., and the thesis advisors. The series of events consisted of opening and core activities, namely the presentation of proposals by students. The event was opened at 08.00 by host sisters Fanny Sukma Sundari and Rizal Muhammad Rifa’i from the odd 2022 batch. Furthermore, the activity continued with remarks from the Head of the Biology Masters Study Program, Dr.rer.nat. Andhika Puspito Nugroho, M.Sc. This proposal seminar was taken by 47 students guided by 22 thesis supervisors. From this activity, students can get input from supervisors and other colleagues to support the research to be carried out. Furthermore, students are also expected to be able to take comprehensive exams and thesis trials immediately.

The official opening was carried out by the Dean of the Faculty of Biology, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. Writing a research proposal is one of the crucial stages during the master’s education process. The proposal seminar activity is a follow-up to the proposal writing. The Dean advised students to follow up on the seminar proposal activities immediately by carrying out a comprehensive exam in semester 3. All students are expected to be able to take a comprehensive exam from January to March, provided that they have met the specified requirements, namely TPA and TOEFL. The implementation of the proposal seminar is expected to improve the quality of master’s education at the Faculty of Biology UGM, with input that enhances the research plan and the output provided can be in the form of a publication LoA.

Next, students presented their proposals divided into four rooms, namely in the Tropical Biology Auditorium with Dr. Wiko Arif Wibowo, S.Si as moderator, upper courtroom with Dr. Fajar Sofyantoro, S.Si., M.Sc., lecture hall 6 with Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono, S.Si., M.Sc, as moderator and lecture room 7 with Akbar Reza, S.Si., M.Sc as moderator. In general, the purpose of the proposal seminar is to find out how much students understand the research that will be carried out. In addition, inputs and improvements are expected to be received and added to the composition of the proposals that have been written. Each student delivered their presentation for 10 minutes, followed by a question-and-answer session. The audience was allowed to ask questions at the end of the discussion. Finally, each supervisor gave conclusions on the urgency of the research and clarified the results of the query and answer session. Activities ended at 12.00 in each room. [Khusnul Qonita Maghfiroh]

The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada participated in the International Collaboration Forum 6.0 activity organized by the Division of Community and International Networking of Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) on November 11 2022, online via zoom meeting at 14.30-17.00 (MYT). The event collaborated with several universities including De La Salle University, Philippines, Nanhua University, Taiwan, Gadjah Mada University, Indonesia, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Malaysia, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Malaysia, Vtrox Academy, Malaysia.

In the class A parallel session with the theme Environmental in Innovating Higher Education, the UGM Faculty of Biology was represented by the Dean of the UGM Faculty of Biology, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr., Sc., who is also the Chair of the Indonesian Biology Consortium (KOBI). In addition, also represented by Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, M.Sc. as head of the Doctoral Program Study Program, Faculty of Biology UGM.

Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, M.Sc. delivered the theme Domestication of Indonesian Native Fish an Integrative of Natural Resources Management and Innovation in Higher Education. On this occasion he said that wader populations in nature had begun to decline due to invasive species, and the development of water body management that paid little attention to the balance of the ecosystem. This problem is solved by developing technology for wader cultivation, supplying larvae, collaborating with local farmers for mass cultivation, developing post-harvest products, collaborating with the local government and also the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, and making quality feed formulations. In terms of innovation in Higher Education, native fish research and database establishment, research and development of fish farming technology, problem-based learning for teachers and students, innovation and implementation for commercial and economic (bio-entrepreneurship) and community education for conservation will continue to be carried out in higher education environment, especially by UGM.

In the event, Prof. Budi and Mr. Bambang invited participants of the International Collaboration Forum 6.0, especially the younger generation, to continue to collaborate in developing ideas related to environmental preservation. This event is very useful and interesting especially in order to reduce the ecological footprint which is the impact of human activities on the environment which is needed to meet human needs and lifestyle.

On Wednesday, November 2, 2022, at the KPTU Meeting Room, KPTU Building, Faculty of Biology, UGM, a briefing and release was held for students who will take part in Student Exchange activities at Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM). The briefing was attended by the Dean of the UGM Faculty of Biology, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc, Caretaker Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Rina Sri Kasiamdari, S.Si. Phd., Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation and Alumni, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc, Head of Undergraduate Program, Sukirno, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., IUP Manager, Zuliyati Rohmah, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D ., Eng., OIA Manager, Nur Indah Septriani, S.Si., M.Sc. Ph.D., as well as staff and eight students participating in the Student Exchange.

In the meeting, Prof. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr. Sc. as the Dean of the Faculty of Biology, UGM, explained to students that the cooperation between UGM and UTHM, Malaysia was not a collaboration that had only been going on for a while. The founders of UTHM were UGM alumni including alumni from the Faculty of Biology, UGM. Students should be grateful and proud because they were selected as Exchange participants at UTHM, one of Malaysia’s best universities. Furthermore, Mrs. Rina Sri Kasiamdari, S.Si. Ph.D. also added that students should support each other while at UTHM. Further, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. explained that the students were not only representatives of Universitas Gadjah Mada but also representatives of Indonesia. Therefore, students are expected to be able to maintain the good name of the country and institution while participating in the Exchange activities. Regarding academics, Mr. Sukirno, S.Si., M.Sc. Ph.D., as the Head of the Undergraduate Program at the Faculty of Biology, said he was ready to help convert marks ​​from UTHM to UGM which might delay.

Of the eight students who attended the briefing, there were six students who and were ready to leave, which are Ghina Alyaa Khairunnisa Purnomo, Divkha Amanda, Mayland Muhammad Hanbal, Tsabitah Putri Asmalda, Adiva Aphrodita, and Zidni Meirizka Utami. Meanwhile, Delvi Sari and Rajendra Regaputra, they are still waiting for the visa process to be completed.

The event was then closed with the hope that the Student Exchange activities could run smoothly according to plan. The students are scheduled to depart the next day on Thursday, November 03, 2022. The students arrived safely and were greeted by UTHM representatives.[aa]

Thariq Rahman Aly is Biology student from year 2019 and he’s willing to be an environment scientist in the future. This year, Thariq got the chance to joining IISMA (Indonesian International Student Mobility Awards).

“I felt grateful like never before. It made me contemplate and be grateful for all the things I’ve experienced throughout my life and all the people that supported and helped me. They made me the way I am now to be able to achieve this milestone,” he said, to express his gratefulness to be selected for joining this program.

In this opportunity, he managed to choose University of Queensland, Australia to be his host university as it offered courses that pursue his dream in contributing to maintain the global environment. At UQ, Thariq found courses that specifically would fulfil his ambitions and interest the most, there are Analysis of Scientific Data, Environment and Society, Design for A Better World, and Media and Society. The courses supported him in shaping his perspective, deepening his knowledge, and improving his skills. He believes that environmental issues under biological contexts are inseparable from anthropological dynamics. It is an ongoing discourse that requires the perspectives of a diverse community. For Thariq, these courses offer the opportunity for discussions, lectures, and intercultural exchange of perspectives needed to dive into that world.

At his first time arrived at UQ, he was quite surprised by how diverse the students are, because there is a melting pot of various cultures and ethnicity. It was harder for him to spot a native Australian than finding international students. Besides, UQ St Lucia Campus has beautiful views with its connection with the natural environment. Walkways are surrounded by trees and plants, seated with various colourful birds. The view is at its most beautiful during spring when the purple jacaranda trees start to bloom.

Thariq perceived that UQ is holding its academic integrity to the utmost importance. Throughout his study, Thariq received modules that educate students about academic integrity comprehensively and the consequences if they do not follow it. At first, it made him feel a little bit tense but it also gave him the positive learning experience that inspired and motivated him to study better.

Thariq spent his time at Brisbane, where he can enjoy the various awesome views and the connected natural environment within the city. He also participated on various events while living at Brisbane, such as student gatherings and festivals. Other than that, Thariq enjoyed casual walks and outings with his fellow IISMA awardees and new friends he made there. He also found quite remarkable diving spots just offshore Brisbane. He dived several times together with the UQ diving community and it was an irreplaceable experience to gain. He felt much livelier than ever.

IISMA is not just a program to further enrich skills and knowledge, but also utilize it to solve current global issues. Thariq hopes that after finishing this program, he can further contribute back to Indonesia for the advancement of society and consequently improve the living environment for the sake of future generations. “Though I am going to need to finish my thesis first,” he closed his statement. (TRA/AS)

In the National Scientific Writing Competition, undergraduate Biology students once again made achievement by taking home, not only one, but three awards, including first place, best presentation, and best poster. The team consists of Umi Salamah, Maria Bening Wohingati Yarlantri Tamidiyono, and Wulan Usfi Mafiroh from Biology 2018 under the supervision of Dr. Ardaning Nuriliani, S.Si., M.Kes. This competition was held by Himpunan Mahasiswa Kimia Institut Pertanian Bogor (IPB), with the theme “Finding Untapped Potential of Indonesia Natural Resources for a Better Quality Life With Chemistry”. This event aims to express students’ innovations, inventions, and ideas in order to improve their capacity for scientific thinking.

This event was held in October 15, 2022 via online at Institut Pertanian Bandung (IPB) and was attended by students from universities throughout Indonesia. This competition was divided into four stages: abstract submission, paper evaluation, announcement of the top ten, and presentation of the work in front of the judges.

The team brought a scientific paper entitled “Optimizing the Potential of Krokot (Portulaca oleracea) Leaf Callus Extract with the Addition of Elicitors as an Alternative to T47D Breast Anticancer Agent”. According to the team. the idea was inspired by the high prevalence of breast cancer cases both globally and in Indonesia. There are treatments to heal breast cancer. However, those treatments have many sides effect that reduce patient’s quality of life. The team therefore tried to explore natural sources that can be used to treat cancer. One of the natural sources that has anticancer potential is Krokot or Purslane (Portulaca oleracea).

The team prepared presentation materials a week before the online presentation. They practiced routinely so they are able to explain the papers clearly. The team was able to clearly deliver their ideas and respond to the jury’s inquiries. “This was clearly the result of our hard work and everyone’s support” they said.

From this competition, they really hope to provide enthusiasm and support other students who has interested in scientific skills. Other than that, they hope they can bring Faculty Biology’s name on the national scene. [US]