Yogyakarta, 2 October 2026 – Genetic renewal is a crucial factor supporting the sustainability of chicken farming and breeding. With rigorous selection methods, genetic resources introduced into a population can be utilized to improve the quality and productivity of chickens through hybridization. This is done to mitigate the impact of an increased inbreeding coefficient caused by mating within the population. Therefore, the Gama Ayam Grant Team of the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), through the Promoting Research and Innovation through Modern and Efficient Science and Technology Parks (PRIME STeP) UGM Innovation Development Grant, initiated the procurement of Arab chicken breeding stock at the Gama Ayam Research Team facility. A total of 1 male and 2 female Arab chickens were acquired from an Arab chicken breeder, Ayam Arab Bryan, in Wonosari, Klaten.

This Arab chicken procurement activity involved Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., Dian Sartika, M.Sc., Prananda Imammuddin Dzaki, and Yusuf Febrianta, following team coordination. The Gama Ayam Grant Team conducted surveys at several locations to select Arab chicken breeding stock that met the Gama Ayam Research Team’s standard criteria. After finding suitable breeding stock, the Gama Ayam Grant Team subsequently transferred them from Klaten to the quarantine facility in Tanjungtirto, Berbah, Sleman. Quarantine is an essential part of introducing external genetic resources into a population. It aims to prevent the transmission of diseases that may not be visibly apparent. This 6-hour activity successfully secured a supply of vital genetic resources for the continuation of chicken research and breeding activities.

The activities carried out by the Gama Ayam Grant Team align with the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are the shared aspirations of the global community. This activity is an implementation of SDGs 1, 2, 9, and 12. Goal 1 (No Poverty) is implemented through the empowerment of local farmers for the procurement of breeding stock. Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) is implemented through the development of selectively bred local chickens to support food independence. Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) is implemented by strengthening the production chain of local laying hen innovations. Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) is implemented through the procurement of chickens for breeding purposes by utilizing local genetic resources and enforcing quarantine to prevent the spread of diseases. The implementation of these SDG points is expected to support a better and more sustainable life.

Yogyakarta, 1 October 2026 — The Gama Ayam Grant Team of the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), through the UGM PRIME STeP (Promoting Research and Innovation through Modern and Efficient Science and Technology Parks) Innovation Development Grant, conducted a visit and review of one of the MAHAR chicken development sites at the Teaching Farm of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (FKH) UGM in Playen District, Gunungkidul. The visit and review were a continuation of the collaboration between the Faculty of Biology and FKH UGM, which began in July 2025 through the provision of superior germplasm developed by researchers from the Faculty of Biology UGM for further development at the FKH UGM Teaching Farm. This collaboration is expected to strengthen synergy within UGM in the field of appropriate technology innovation and its application. Meanwhile, one of the factors influencing the success of collaboration in the application of innovation is the commitment of the human resources involved. Therefore, visits and field reviews such as this are important to ensure the successful implementation and sustainability of the collaboration.

The Gama Ayam Team’s visit and review involved Prof. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., Prananda Imammuddin Dzaki, and Yusuf Febrianta, following prior coordination with the team and representatives of FKH UGM. The Gama Ayam Team was welcomed by Mr. Danang, followed by an orientation of the chicken breeding site within the FKH UGM Teaching Farm. According to the field operator, Mr. Iswondo, approximately 20 adult male and 40 adult female MAHAR chickens have successfully been developed at the site. During the visit, the Gama Ayam Team also met with Mr. Antok Suhardjono, S.I.P.. Discussions and an orientation of the site and its surrounding area were subsequently conducted with Mr. Antok, including discussions on the potential for continuing and expanding the collaboration.The visit lasted approximately one and a half hours before the Gama Ayam Team concluded the activity and returned to the Faculty of Biology UGM.

The activities conducted by the Gama Ayam Grant Team are part of efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) towards a better future. This visit and inspection are related to the implementation of SDGs 2, 9, 12, and 17. Goal 2 (Zero Hunger) is realized through the development of the MAHAR chicken as a superior genetic resource with the potential to support the supply of animal-based food and strengthen food self-reliance. Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) is achieved through the scaling up of MAHAR chicken innovations in the germplasm breeding area. Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) is achieved through the development of a sustainable MAHAR chicken production ecosystem and by ensuring the genetic quality of MAHAR chickens through the establishment of a multi-location population. Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) is achieved through collaboration among faculties and academic disciplines to support innovation and achieve food self-reliance. It is hoped that the achievement of these SDGs will contribute to creating a sustainable food system and support the realization of a better civilization for a brighter future.

To explore opportunities for collaboration and strengthen research networks in the field of sugarcane, the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) visited the Indonesian Sugar Research Institute (Pusat Penelitian Perkebunan Gula Indonesia/P3GI) in Pasuruan, East Java, on 1 October 2026. The visit was attended by two lecturers from the Faculty of Biology UGM, Ganies Riza Aristya, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D. and Prof. Dr. Yekti Asih Purwestri, S.Si., M.Si., along with two master’s students, Tiara Putria Judith, S.Si., M.Sc., and Denianto Agung Wicaksono, S.Si.

The Faculty of Biology UGM delegation was welcomed by Dr. M. Akmal Agustira, Head of P3GI, together with Aris Lukito, S.P., M.Si., Ari Kristini, M.Plant.Prot., S.P., Head of the Research Division, and members of the P3GI research team. The meeting served as an initial opportunity for both institutions to introduce their respective areas of expertise and research activities, while also discussing potential synergies for advancing sugarcane research in Indonesia.

P3GI is one of Indonesia’s long-established research institutions in the sugar industry, with a long history of research on sugarcane and sugar. Based in Pasuruan, East Java, P3GI conducts research and development related to sugarcane, sugar, and sweetener technologies and products, while also providing technical support to stakeholders in the sugar sector, including sugarcane farmers and sugar mills. The institute traces its history to 9 July 1887, when it was first established as Proefstation Oost Java (POJ).

Through this visit, the Faculty of Biology UGM and P3GI explored opportunities for collaboration to strengthen research, promote the utilization of sugarcane genetic resources, and advance science and technology in the field of sugarcane. The meeting is expected to serve as a starting point for broader collaboration between the two institutions in the future.

The Indonesia Research and Innovation Fair (IRIFair) was held this year from 21–24 September 2026 by the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) in collaboration with the Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP) as a platform for identifying and developing Indonesia’s research and innovation talents. IRIFair serves as a platform for the exploration, exhibition, and competition of talents in research and innovation through a series of activities encompassing competitions, talent development, and recognition of promising research works.

In 2026, IRIFair was part of the BRIN Goes to School and BRIN Goes to Campus programs, featuring several main activities, including B-CREATIVE (BRIN Competition for Advanced Research and Innovation). B-CREATIVE is a research competition for final-year projects conducted by master’s degree students, designed to showcase, explore, and develop their creativity and potential as research and innovation talents.

In the competition, Tiara Putria Judith, a Fast-Track Master’s student in Biology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), under the supervision of Ganies Riza Aristya, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., was selected as a finalist in the Life and Natural Sciences cluster with her research entitled “Characterization of Composition and Genomic Variation of Sugarcane (Saccharum hybrid) ‘Kidang Kencana’.” The B-CREATIVE assessment consisted of a Final Research Project Presentation, 3-Minute Research Pitch, and Research Poster Exhibition. Through these stages, Tiara won Third Place in B-CREATIVE at IRIFair 2026 with her research focusing on the genomic characterization of Indonesian hybrid sugarcane, particularly the commercial cultivar ‘Kidang Kencana’.

The research was motivated by the complexity of sugarcane genetic information resulting from a long history of breeding and genetic improvement. Meanwhile, molecular-level studies of sugarcane in Indonesia remain relatively limited, highlighting the need to further develop genomic resources for sugarcane cultivars adapted to Indonesian agroecosystems. In her research, Tiara utilized advances in sequencing technologies using both long-read and short-read approaches to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of the genetic information. The chloroplast genome was used as an initial step to characterize the genomic information of the ‘Kidang Kencana’ cultivar.

The findings are expected to contribute to the enrichment of genomic resources for Indonesian hybrid sugarcane. This information provides a foundation for supporting the development of more precise, genome-based sugarcane breeding toward Smart Targeted Breeding, while strengthening the utilization of Indonesia’s sugarcane genetic resources for future research and breeding efforts.

Yogyakarta – The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), continues to strengthen the role of biological sciences in addressing the challenges of sustainable development. This commitment was highlighted during the 71st Anniversary (Dies Natalis) celebration of the Faculty of Biology UGM, held at the Biologi Tropika Auditorium on Monday, September 21, under the theme “Sustainable Bioenergy, Going Global through Excellence.”

The event was opened by the Chair of the Faculty of Biology UGM Senate, Prof. Endang Semiarti, M.S., M.Sc., followed by an address from the Rector of UGM. The Rector expressed appreciation for the Faculty of Biology’s achievements, including the improvement of the Biology Study Program’s position in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, from the 550–600 range to 501–550 worldwide.

In addition, the Faculty of Biology continues to develop education and professional competencies through the establishment of the Professional Study Program in Biodiversity Curation in 2024, the development of the Integrated Genome Factory (IGF), and the establishment of a Competency Testing Center (TUK) in 2022, which is currently the only Biotechnology TUK collaborating with the National Agricultural Professional Certification Agency (LSP Pertanian Nasional).

Following a prayer led by Dr. Arief Muammar, M.Sc., the event continued with a report by the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM. Various achievements were presented, ranging from “Unggul” accreditation for the Undergraduate, Master’s, and Doctoral programs to the development of student mobility and double-degree programs with partner universities, including the University of Leeds, Leiden University, Australian National University, and Dai Yeh University.

The Faculty of Biology has also continued to strengthen its facilities and resources, including the construction of the KPTU Building corridor and the addition of laboratory equipment. The Faculty currently has 16 Professors. In research, the Journal of Tropical Biodiversity and Biotechnology (JTBB) is indexed in Scopus (Quartile 3), while the Journal Biologi Indonesia (BIB) is Sinta 4-accredited.

Activities such as Research Day, BIOENTRI, and community engagement programs, which have reached 10 regencies/cities across 9 provinces, have also helped strengthen the Faculty’s broader societal impact.

The Faculty of Biology’s international network now spans 18 countries and 49 institutions, including through 9 double-degree programs. The Faculty has also developed BIOCAPTURE (Biology Career Preparation for the Future) as part of its efforts to prepare students and alums for the professional world.

The series of events continued with a scientific lecture delivered by Dr. Abdul Hakam Naja, M.Si., Chair of the Supervisory Board of LAZISKU KBPII. Addressing the same overarching theme, he discussed the challenges posed by climate change, sustainable development, green jobs, and the bioeconomy, as well as the importance of biological research to industrial development. Collaboration among universities, research institutions, and industry was also highlighted as an important aspect of the lecture.

On the same occasion, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Faculty of Biology UGM and Institut Teknologi Del in the fields of education, research, and community engagement. The 71st Anniversary celebration was subsequently closed by the Chair of the Faculty of Biology UGM Senate, Prof. Endang Semiarti, M.S., M.Sc.

Through the theme “Sustainable Bioenergy, Going Global through Excellence,” the Faculty of Biology UGM continues to strengthen its contributions through education, research, community engagement, and collaboration in support of the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 13 (Climate Action), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), while promoting sustainable development at both national and global levels.

Kulon Progo, August 25th 2026 – The Community Service (PKM) Team of the Faculty of Biology at Gadjah Mada University (UGM), chaired by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr. Sc., once again held a community outreach event as part of its ongoing commitment to the program titled “Empowering the Hargowilis Community Through Modern Native Chicken Breeding and Rearing Technology Based on a Circular Economy as a Self-Sustaining Core-Plasma Model,” which began last June. Funded through the 2026 BIMA Grant from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemdiktisaintek) under the Community Partnership Empowerment (PKM) Scheme, this program is implemented in collaboration with the Reka Amartani Livestock Group in Hargowilis Village, Kokap Subdistrict, Kulon Progo Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta.

This outreach activity focused on discussing the types of diseases that can potentially affect chickens and appropriate prevention techniques. The event began with a warm welcome for the residents of Hargowilis and the completion of the participant attendance list. Before moving on to the technical presentation, the community was guided through a pre-test to assess their initial understanding of livestock health management.

The presentation session began with a topic on disease risks in poultry and preventive measures, featuring Dr. Eng. Atikah Fitria Muharromah, S.Si., M.Eng. In her presentation, Dr. Atikah discussed various types of pathogens that cause diseases in poultry, including those triggered by viral infections such as Newcastle Disease, Avian Influenza, Fowl Pox, and Marek’s Disease, as well as those caused by bacteria such as Chronic Respiratory Disease (CRD), Snot, and Fowl Cholera. Furthermore, Dr. Atikah emphasized the importance of implementing strict biosecurity and coop sanitation management to break the chain of disease transmission. “To achieve optimal livestock success, hygiene and disease prevention are crucial,” Dr. Atikah stated.

The next session was presented by Ms. Zuliyati Rohmah, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D.Eng., who explained the chicken egg hatching process and its supporting components. To optimize chicken embryo development, several factors must be considered, including temperature, humidity, ventilation, and egg rotation.

After the presentation session ended, the UGM Faculty of Biology’s Community Service (PkM) team invited the partner community members to move to the home of Mr. Sukaryono, Chair of the Reka Amartani Livestock Group, to observe the use of a dual-input incubator. This session was led directly by Ms. Zuliyati Rohmah, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D.Eng., using an incubator produced by Mandiri Farm, a poultry farming group based in Cilacap. “This dual-input incubator is well-suited for areas with an unreliable electricity supply because it has two heat sources with an automatic energy-source switching system,” explained Ms. Zuliyati as she demonstrated how the machine works. During this session, the community members observed and were guided step-by-step through the process of using the incubator, from the initial placement of the eggs until they finally hatched.

Next, a symbolic distribution of modern native chicken breeding packages, consisting of 2 roosters and 3 hens, was held for three participants: Mrs. Suyati, Mr. Mohari, and Mrs. Parmawati. The entire series of outreach activities officially concluded with the signing of the Asset Handover Minutes (BAST) by the Chair of the Reka Amartani Poultry Group, Mr. Sukaryono.

Through this activity, the PkM team successfully gathered comprehensive data and field experience as a sustainable step in implementing the community partnership empowerment program. Collaboration among academics, industry, livestock farmers, and the community is expected to promote and support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) through the development of practical and sustainable technological innovations in modern native chicken farming.

This activity was fully supported by the Community Engagement (PkM) team of the UGM Faculty of Biology, which involved students from various academic levels, including Adib Fakhruddin Yusuf (Doctoral Program), Vida Rahma Latifah (Master’s Program), as well as Yusuf Febrianta, Prananda Imammuddin Dzaki, Avriena Lintang Aulia Riefa’i, Azra Belva Naprilian, Intan Nur Aprilia, Ziyan Fareysa Abharani, Nadhifa Aghmia Zain, and Nur Fatimah Ratna Handayani (Undergraduate Program).

On Thursday to Friday, August 20–21, 2026, the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), successfully organized the Biology Career Preparation for the Future (BIOCAPTURE) Attended by approximately 140 active students and young alumni, this forum was initiated to equip participants with strategic career insights across the industrial, entrepreneurship, and research/academic sectors to address future workplace challenges.

The event officially opened on Thursday (20/8) in the Auditorium by the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Prof. Dr. Budi S. Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., hosted by Masters of Ceremony Rima Arvisya Natania Putri and Syarifathunnisa Iryanti. In his opening remarks, the Dean expressed his appreciation for the organization of BIOCAPTURE 2026 and conveyed his sincere gratitude to the alumni for taking the time to share their career prospects and insights with the students. “We hope that Biology  students  can  begin  planning their careers early. Furthermore, we hope our students can answer the prevailing question out there about what Biology graduates can become,” added Prof. Budi.

The first day’s talk show sessions were divided into three parallel rooms: the academic cluster in the Upper Meeting Room of Building A with Dini Astika Sari, S.Si., M.Biotech. (Executive Vice President of Operations, Indonesian Coffee and Cocoa Research Institute) and Prof. Dr.rer.nat. Andri Frediansyah, S.Si., M.Sc. (Research Professor at BRIN); the entrepreneurship cluster in Room KPTU 2 with Martin Pardi Saputra, S.Si. (Owner of MU Petshop) and Mohammad Iqbal, S.Si. (CEO & CMO of PT Nusa Tropical Indonesia); and the industrial cluster in the Auditorium with Ramdhan Nugraha, S.Si. (Branch Head of PT Kalbe Farma) and Yandia Ayu Risma, S.Si. (Quality & Food Safety Lead at PepsiCo Indonesia), before concluding in their respective rooms.

On the second day, Friday (21/8), career discussions continued by featuring Dyah Subositi, M.Sc. (Researcher at the Health Research Organization, BRIN) and Dr. Bramantyo Wikantyoso, S.Si., M.Agr. (Researcher at the Research Center for Applied Zoology, BRIN) in Room X (academic), Edi Dwi Atmaja, S.Si., M.Psi. (Founder & CEO of Katamata Coffee & Roastery) and Muhammad Zusron, S.Si., M.Sc. (CEO of PT Algaepark Indonesia Mandiri) in Room KPTU 2 (entrepreneurship), and Esti Sri Lestari, S.Si., M.Sc. (Researcher at PT BISI International Tbk) and Saevul Amri, S.Si. (Branch Manager of BYD Arista Bandung) in the Auditorium (industrial). The series of events was officially concluded in the Auditorium by the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Prof. Dr. Budi S. Daryono, M.Agr.Sc.

This event actively supports the commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through sustainable collaboration and knowledge transfer with alumni. (Nelson Joseph Dharmawan)

Balikpapan, July 31, 2026 – A research team from the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), conducted a field survey and evaluation at the MAHAR Gama Gemilang Chicken Farm in North Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, as part of the 2026 PRIMESTEP Innovation Development Grant activities. The activity aimed to evaluate the breeding and propagation system of MAHAR Chicken final stock as a foundation for providing superior breeding stock for development in various regions of Indonesia.

The activity was led by Zuliyati Rohmah, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D.Eng., Head of the 2026 PRIMESTEP Innovation Development Grant, together with Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM and inventor of Gama Ayam. The team was welcomed by Drs. Fauzhul Idhi, Director of CV Mitra Pesona Sejahtera, the partner in the development of MAHAR Chicken, together with two field farmers, Sultan and Jibran, who manage the farm operations.

During the activity, the team recorded the population of each chicken line being developed and evaluated egg production, the breeding system, and farm management. In addition, the team reviewed the independently formulated feed used at the farm, including the composition of raw materials, the mixing process, and feed supply strategies, as an effort to improve production efficiency while maintaining chicken performance quality.

The evaluation also covered animal health and farm biosecurity. The team discussed the implementation of husbandry management, farm sanitation, disease management, and the recording system used during population development. The observations showed that health management places greater emphasis on good farming practices, biosecurity, and husbandry management as part of a sustainable production system.

According to Zuliyati Rohmah, this activity represents an important stage in ensuring that the development of MAHAR Chicken is not only oriented toward increasing the population, but is also supported by a standardized and data-based breeding system. Meanwhile, Prof. Budi Setiadi Daryono emphasized that final stock plays a strategic role in maintaining genetic quality and ensuring the sustainable availability of superior breeding stock to support the development of MAHAR Chicken in various regions, including the Nusantara Capital City area.

Through collaboration between the Faculty of Biology UGM and CV Mitra Pesona Sejahtera, this activity is expected to further strengthen the downstream implementation of university research outputs while supporting the development of superior local chickens as a source of animal-based food for the nation. The program is aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), through synergy among universities, industry, and communities in building a sustainable poultry production system.

The Plant Structure and Development Laboratory (SPT), Faculty of Biology, Gadjah Mada University (UGM), held a Plant Microtechnics Training for lecturers and staff at the Faculty of Biology, Jenderal Soedirman University. The eight-day training (July 6-15, 2026) was part of an inter-institutional academic collaboration to improve human resource competency in plant anatomy, particularly microscopic slide preparation techniques.

Three participants from the Faculty of Biology, Jenderal Soedirman University, participated in the training: Dian Palupi, S.Si., M.Sc., Riska Desi Aryani, S.Si., M.Sc., and Indrariningrum, A.Md. During the training, participants attended a series of lessons that combined theory with intensive laboratory experiments, providing hands-on experience applying various plant microtechnics commonly used in educational and research activities.

The training was officially opened by Dr. Maryani, M.Sc., Head of the Plant Structure and Development Laboratory at the Faculty of Biology, Gadjah Mada University. In her remarks, she stated that mastery of plant microtechniques is a crucial basic competency for lecturers, researchers, and laboratory assistants in supporting learning and research activities in plant biology. Good preparation techniques will produce high-quality microscopic slides capable of providing accurate, scientifically reliable data on plant anatomy and development. She also hoped that this training would serve as a platform for sharing experiences, strengthening academic networks, and strengthening collaboration between the Faculty of Biology, Gadjah Mada University (UGM), and the Faculty of Biology, Jenderal Soedirman University (UNS).

The training material was delivered through lectures and practical sessions by the teaching team from the Plant Structure and Development Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, Gadjah Mada University (UGM), consisting of Dr. Maryani, M.Sc., Prof. Dr. L. Hartanto Nugroho, M.Agr., Dr. Utaminingsih, S.Si., M.Sc., Dr. Wiko Arif Wibowo, S.Si., and Novita Yustinadiar, M.Si. During the practicum, in addition to the presenters, the participants were also accompanied by PLP Mrs. Prapti. Drawing on their respective experiences and expertise, the speakers guided them from understanding basic concepts to directly applying preparation techniques in the laboratory.

During the training, participants learned various plant microtechnique methods widely used in teaching and research activities, including whole-mount techniques, squash techniques, pollen preparation, non-embedding and embedding techniques, maceration techniques, micrometric techniques, and the use of Optilab for documenting and analyzing microscopic slides. In addition to understanding the principles and procedures of each method, participants also gained skills in selecting preparation techniques appropriate to sample characteristics and research objectives, thus producing optimal microscopic slides.

The training series was concluded by the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Alumni of the Faculty of Biology, UGM, Prof. Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.Sc., in his remarks, expressed his appreciation to all speakers, participants, and the committee for the successful implementation of the training. He emphasized that developing human resource competencies through laboratory training is a crucial strategy for improving the quality of higher education and research. It is hoped that activities like this will serve as the initial step towards broader collaboration between the Faculty of Biology, Gadjah Mada University (UGM), and the Faculty of Biology, Jenderal Soedirman University (UNS).

Through this training, participants are expected to implement various plant microtechniques at their respective institutions to support practicums, research, and laboratory development. In addition to enhancing technical competency, this activity also strengthens academic networks and encourages sustainable research collaboration between the two universities.

The implementation of this Plant Microtechniques Training also supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 4 (Quality Education) through improving the quality of higher education and strengthening the competency of lecturers and education staff, SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) through strengthening research capacity and mastery of laboratory technology, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through strengthening partnerships between universities in improving the quality of human resources, encouraging innovation, and developing research that benefits society.

The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), hosted the International Conference on Nusantara Spices and Biodiversity (ICNSB) 2026 in conjunction with the 10th National Seminar on Tropical Biology (SNBT) on Wednesday, 1 July 2026, at the Tropical Biology Auditorium, Faculty of Biology UGM. Carrying the theme “Reviving the Glory of Nusantara Spices through Biodiversity Research and Sustainable Innovation,” ICNSB 2026 was organized as part of the 71st Anniversary Celebration of the Faculty of Biology UGM.

The conference served as a platform for scientific exchange among academics, researchers, students, and practitioners to discuss recent developments in biodiversity, Nusantara spices, and sustainable bioresource-based innovations. Participants represented various institutions, including universities, the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), and industry sectors. A total of 114 participants attended the event, including 38 presenters who shared their research findings during the ICNSB sessions.

ICNSB 2026 featured seven major thematic areas reflecting a multidisciplinary approach to spice and biodiversity research: Biodiversity and Systematics; Phytochemistry and Bioactive Compounds; Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering; Genomics, Transcriptomics, and Metabolomics; Medicinal and Pharmacological Potential; Sustainable Cultivation and Smart Agriculture; and Ethnobotany, Traditional Knowledge, and Bioeconomy. Through these themes, the conference aimed to strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration in supporting the sustainable utilization of Indonesia’s rich biodiversity.

The conference was conducted under the framework of the Indonesia–Netherlands University Consortium for Sustainable Futures (INUCoST), a collaborative network involving Universitas Gadjah Mada, Universitas Mulawarman, and Leiden University. In addition, ICNSB 2026 was supported through the Indonesian Collaborative Research Program (Riset Kolaborasi Indonesia/RKI), involving several leading Indonesian universities, namely IPB University, Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), and Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS). These collaborations reflect a shared commitment to strengthening biodiversity research and the development of Indonesia’s biological resources through both national and international partnerships.

The conference featured Dr. Roderick Wiebe Bouman as the keynote speaker, presenting insights on the potential of biodiversity and scientific collections in supporting biological research and conservation efforts. The invited speakers included Prof. Chiharu Nakashima, Assoc. Prof. Yaya Rukayadi, and Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, who shared perspectives on plant pathology in spice crops, natural products and health applications of spices, as well as data and findings from Indonesian spice collections being developed through ongoing INUCoST and RKI projects to support the advancement of Nusantara spices and biological resources.

The Chair of ICNSB 2026, Dr. Wiko Arif Wibowo, S.Si., stated that the conference represents a tangible implementation of various research collaborations focused on Indonesian spices. According to him, Indonesia is widely recognized as one of the world’s centers of spice diversity; however, efforts related to documentation, characterization, management, conservation, and downstream utilization of research outputs still require stronger collaboration among stakeholders. “Indonesia possesses an extraordinary diversity of spices that form an important part of our history and national identity. Through this forum, we hope that spice-related research will not only contribute to scientific publications but also support the sustainable management of biological resources and generate broader benefits for society,” he remarked.

Appreciation for the successful organization of the conference was also expressed by Prof. Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Alumni Affairs of the Faculty of Biology UGM. He expressed hope that the conference would further strengthen research networks among universities, research institutions, and international partners while contributing to the revival of Nusantara spices through scientific approaches and sustainable innovation.

As part of the scientific program, the organizing committee also presented Best Presenter Awards in each parallel session to recognize outstanding presentation quality and scientific contributions. The awards are expected to encourage both early-career and established researchers to continue producing impactful research that advances scientific knowledge and promotes the sustainable utilization of Indonesia’s biodiversity.

Overall, the implementation of ICNSB 2026 and the 10th National Seminar on Tropical Biology contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) through the promotion of education and scientific exchange; SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) through biodiversity-based research and innovation; SDG 15 (Life on Land) through biodiversity conservation and sustainable utilization; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through strengthened national and international collaborations in research and biological resource development. Through this conference, the Faculty of Biology UGM reaffirms its commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and innovation that support the sustainable utilization of Indonesia’s biodiversity for future generations.