The Biology Teachers’ Association (MGMP) of East Java Province, in collaboration with the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, successfully organized a laboratory-based teacher competency enhancement program through a practicum entitled “Chromosome Studies in the Cell Cycle through a Cytogenetic Approach” on Monday, June 15, 2026, from 09.00–12.00 WIB at the Genetics and Breeding Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, UGM. The activity, attended by 35 biology teachers from Madrasah Aliyah (MA), provided a research-based and hands-on laboratory learning experience that enabled participants to gain a deeper understanding of cytogenetics, the cell cycle, and plant chromosome analysis through direct practice and microscopic observation.

The program began with opening remarks delivered by the Head of the Genetics and Breeding Laboratory, Ganies Riza Aristya, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D. In her remarks, she emphasized the importance of research-oriented biology education and laboratory experimentation as an effort to improve the quality of science education that is contextual, innovative, and oriented toward the development of scientific skills.

The first session focused on chromosome preparation practicum using shallot roots as the object for mitotic observation. The practicum was guided by instructor Denianto Agung Wicaksono, S.Si., together with laboratory assistants. During this session, participants conducted direct laboratory practice starting from root cutting, fixation treatment, maceration, chromosome staining using aceto-orcein, squash techniques, and microscopic observation of chromosome preparations. Through this hands-on laboratory approach, participants gained practical experience in observing cell division stages and understanding the fundamental principles of plant cytogenetic preparation.

During the microscopic observation session, participants successfully identified various stages of mitosis, including prophase, prometaphase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase in shallot root meristem cells. In addition to strengthening participants’ understanding of cell cycle dynamics, the activity also introduced cytogenetic methods commonly applied in genetics and plant breeding research.

The second session continued with demonstrations and hands-on practice in constructing chromosome karyotypes and idiograms, guided by instructor Tiara Putria Judith, S.Si., together with laboratory assistants. Participants were introduced to chromosome analysis techniques using ImageRaster software, including calibration, chromosome arm length measurement, centromere position identification, chromosome morphology analysis, and idiogram construction as a visual representation of chromosome characteristics. This session provided practical insight into quantitative and systematic chromosome analysis approaches widely applied in modern cytogenetic studies.

The practicum activity “Chromosome Studies in the Cell Cycle through a Cytogenetic Approach” also contributed to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) through strengthening research- and practicum-based education, SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) through the development of laboratory and research competencies, SDG 15 (Life on Land) through increasing understanding of plant genetic diversity and characteristics, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through strengthening academic collaboration between higher education institutions and the Biology Teachers’ Association (MGMP) of East Java Province.

The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), has strengthened its international network through the signing of a Letter of Intent (LoI) with the Centre for Research in Biotechnology for Agriculture (CEBAR), Universiti Malaya, Malaysia, on 4 June 2026. This collaboration marks an initial step toward developing academic and research partnerships between the two institutions through a shared commitment to exploring opportunities in education, research, and human resource development.

The LoI was signed on behalf of the Faculty of Biology UGM by Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, and by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tan Boon Chin, Director of CEBAR Universiti Malaya. The signing ceremony was also attended by Dr. Lau Su Ee, Executive Director of UM Agroforestry, and Dr. Chua Kah Ooi, Head of Academic Programmes at the Centre for Research in Biotechnology for Agriculture (CEBAR). This agreement reflects the commitment of both institutions to strengthening collaboration in education, research, innovation, and academic capacity development through a mutually beneficial partnership.

During the exploratory meeting and LoI signing ceremony, the Faculty of Biology UGM was represented by Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration, and Alumni Affairs; Prof. Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, M.Sc., Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs; and Dr. Slamet Widiyanto, S.Si., M.Sc., Vice Dean for Finance, Assets, and Human Resources. The meeting served as an important milestone in opening broader opportunities for collaboration between the Faculty of Biology UGM and CEBAR Universiti Malaya, particularly in biotechnology, genomics, agriculture, and the development of advanced research technologies.

Through this LoI, both institutions agreed to explore various forms of collaboration, including the exchange of students, faculty members, and researchers; collaborative research and scientific publications; the organization of seminars, conferences, symposia, and summer courses; academic staff exchanges as visiting lecturers; adjunct professorship appointments; and the exchange of academic information and resources. These initiatives are expected to strengthen institutional capacity while enhancing the quality of education and research at both institutions.

The collaboration between the Faculty of Biology UGM and CEBAR Universiti Malaya is also one of the outcomes of the Joint Supervision Phase 2 Equity Scheme 2026, under the research project entitled “Genome Characterization and Functional Gene Analysis of Indonesian Commercial Sugarcane (Saccharum hybrid) Based on Whole Genome Sequencing to Support National Sugar Self-Sufficiency.” The project is being carried out by Master’s students of the Faculty of Biology UGM, namely Tiara Putria Judith, S.Si., Sabrina Labista Wibowo, S.Si., and Oliv Nurul Kanaya, S.Si., under the supervision of Ganies Riza Aristya, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D.

This partnership is aligned with both institutions’ commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) through strengthening educational capacity and international academic exchange; SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) through research and innovation aimed at enhancing agricultural productivity and supporting national sugar self-sufficiency; SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) through the application of genomics and biotechnology in research; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through strengthening strategic international collaboration among higher education institutions. This partnership is expected to make a meaningful contribution to scientific advancement, food security, and sustainable development in Indonesia and beyond.

Grant Program through Joint Supervision Stage 2 Equity Scheme 2026 successfully organized a Guest Lecture entitled “Advances in Genomics and Biotechnology for Sustainable Agriculture and Life Science” on Thursday, June 4th, 2026, from 09.00–12.00 WIB at the MMA Auditorium, Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). This activity was part of an effort to strengthen international academic collaboration while enhancing research capacity and higher education in the fields of plant omics, biotechnology, and sustainable life sciences. The grant program is led by Ganies Riza Aristya, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D. as the Principal Investigator (PI), with Widhi Dyah Sawitri, S.Si., M.Agr., Ph.D. as a team member.

The Guest Lecture featured three international speakers from Universiti Malaya, Malaysia, namely Dr. Tan Boon Chin, Dr. Lau Su Ee, and Dr. Chua Kah Ooi. In the first session, Dr. Tan delivered a presentation entitled “How Banana Plants Cope with Drought: Insight into Morphological and Molecular Responses,” discussing the morphological and molecular responses of banana plants to drought stress as well as the importance of genomic approaches in developing stress-tolerant crops.

Dr. Lau presented a topic entitled “Drought Responses of Pandanus and the Biostimulant Potential of Oil Palm Wood Vinegar,” which explored the drought responses of pandanus plants and the potential of oil palm wood vinegar as an environmentally friendly biostimulant to support sustainable plant growth. This presentation provided insights into the integration of biotechnology and biological resource utilization to support sustainable and climate-adaptive agriculture.

In the final session, Dr. Chua Kah Ooi presented research on bacterial community characterization and the identification of novel bacterial species in Asian weaver ants (Oecophylla smaragdina) using microbiological and molecular approaches. In addition, Dr. Chua introduced opportunities for postgraduate study programs at Universiti Malaya as well as potential international research collaborations for students and academics. The event was attended by 105 participants consisting of students, lecturers, researchers, and academics from various fields of agriculture, biotechnology, and biology. Participants showed great enthusiasm during both the presentation sessions and interactive discussions with the international speakers.

As part of the implementation of the Academic Internationalization Reinforcement Grant Program through Joint Supervision, the activity was continued with an academic discussion session related to the development of research conducted by students of the Master’s Program in Biology, Faculty of Biology UGM. Three master’s students, namely Tiara Putria Judith, Oliv Nurul Kanaya, and Sabrina Labista Wibowo, presented and discussed their research directions focusing on major omics topics in sugarcane, including genomics research development, biotechnology, and molecular approaches to support sustainable agriculture. Discussions with the international speakers served as a platform for scientific exchange, research feedback, and the strengthening of international academic collaboration in supporting the implementation of the Joint Supervision scheme. Through this activity, students gained insights into research methodology development, opportunities for cross-institutional research collaboration, as well as the enhancement of academic capacity and international scientific publication.

In addition to supporting the advancement of science and technology, this activity also aligns with the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) through strengthening sustainable agricultural innovation, SDG 4 (Quality Education) through improving higher education quality and international collaboration, SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) through biotechnology research and innovation development, and SDG 13 (Climate Action) through studies on plant responses to drought stress as an impact of climate change.