In order to ensure the implementation of good cooperation in accordance with applicable regulations, two lecturers at the Faculty of Biology UGM, namely Prof. Dr. Ratna Susandarini, M.Sc. and Donan Satria Yudha, S.Si., M.Sc. attend coordination meetings for the Management of Cooperation in Conservation Areas. The meeting was held at the office of the Mount Merapi National Park Office (TNG Merapi) on Friday 3 May 2024. A presentation regarding the regulations and procedures for cooperation between academics and the Conservation Area Technical Management Implementation Unit (UPT) was delivered by Drs. Toto Indraswanto, M.Sc. from the Directorate of Conservation Area Planning, Directorate General of KSDAE, Ministry of Environment and Forestry.

In the collaboration plan with TNG Merapi, the scope of work that will be carried out is in the aspect of Strengthening the Function of Conservation Areas. More specifically, the collaboration program includes Institutional Strengthening, Flora and Fauna Preservation, Ecosystem Restoration, and Community Empowerment. In terms of procedures for starting collaboration for faculties or universities with more than one UPT, in this case TNG Merapi and TNG Merbabu, the document that needs to be made is a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Dean or Chancellor and the Director General of KSDAE, then followed by a Work Agreement The same will be explained in more detail in the Program Implementation Plan and Annual Activity Plan. The coordination meeting was attended by representatives from various universities including UGM, UAJY, and INTAN. Representatives from UGM consisted of the Faculty of Biology, Faculty of Forestry and Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences. Apart from governance, discussions with Merapi TNG officials also discussed priority species that need to be studied for their potential, status in nature and conservation.

It is hoped that this coordination meeting will be a good step in improving the implementation of collaboration between the Faculty of Biology UGM and the Mount Merapi National Park Office. This is in line with the Faculty of Biology’s commitment to supporting sustainable development goals (SDGs) in the context of preserving terrestrial ecosystems (SDG 15) through sustainable cooperation (SDG 17).

Yogyakarta, April 6 2024 – Faculty of Biology Universitas Gadjah Mada is expanding their network in international collaboration and recognition through the initiation of collaboration with Durham University, especially the Faculty of Science. Together with the Faculty of Geography and the Faculty of Political and Social Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, collaborative discussions took place online and were attended by Prof. Olive Roberts as Executive Dean Faculty of Science, Prof. Jun Jie Wu as Deputy Executive Dean Faculty of Science as well as several other colleagues from Durham University.

Alfatika Aunuriella Dini, Ph.D. as Head of Office of International Office UGM guided the discussion on Friday (6/4) afternoon which began with a presentation on collaboration from the Faculty of Biology UGM, represented by Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. as Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration and Alumni Affairs at the Faculty of Biology.

Dr. Eko explained the various collaborations that could be established and had previously been established by the Faculty of Biology with various international partners. He conveyed that international classes (International Undergraduate Program) in the biology study program where all classes are delivered in English is an additional opportunity to collaborate on student exchanges from various countries. Dr. Eko also adds opportunities for students and lecturers, especially from Durham University, to participate in the International Summer Course for the Faculty of Biology which will take place next June.

The discussion continued with presentations from the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, as well as the Faculty of Geography. Each faculty also delivers international programs that can be collaborated on, including student exchange, mobility programs and summer courses. Alfatika also adds the potential for 1+1 double degree collaboration through the LPDP funding scheme which can be collaborated with each faculty. It is hoped that this initiation can be followed by other, more comprehensive discussions.

This discussion is a great bridge to increase the collaboration network between Universitas Gadjah Mada, especially the Faculty of Biology and Durham University. It is hoped that this collaboration can support the improvement of education and research at the Faculty of Biology UGM and increase student learning opportunities at the international level, in line with support for the Sustainable Development Goals for improving education and expanding collaboration in international level (SDG 4 and 17).

Yogyakarta, 4 and 5 March 2024 – As part of collaboration in developing Integrated Laboratories and Research of Zebrafish, Universitas Gadjah Mada, especially the Faculty of Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, and Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Public Health, held a workshop in collaboration with Faculty of Science, Universiteit Leiden, the Netherlands. The workshop was guided by Prof. Dr. Herman Spaink as Professor of Cell and Molecular Biology, and Prof. Dr. Erik Danen as Dean of Graduate School of Science and Professor of Cancer Drug Target Discovery, Universiteit Leiden. The workshop was also led by Dr. Jan de Sonneville, and Dr. Yi Ding from Life Science Method BV, the Netherlands who developed the robotic microinjection tool together with Universiteit Leiden. The workshop was attended by lecturers and researchers from the Faculty of Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Public Health also the Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada, and was held in the Zebrafish Research Laboratory, LPPT (Integrated Research Center Laboratory), UGM.

Prof. Herman started the workshop with a presentation about gene editing and manipulation using CRISPR-Cas, gene sequencing and Zebrafish development which is the focus of research on the development of animal models for studies related to gene function, pharmacology and the study of various diseases. On the occasion of this workshop, CRISPR-Cas injections will be carried out in particular Cas9 and Cas13d targeting TBXTA (no tail gene), and gene sequencing using oxford nanopore MinION.

Dr. Yi and Dr. Jan then guided the microinjection stages. Automated robot microinjection is a tool developed by the Company Life Science Method BV in collaboration with Leiden. Robotic microinjection has previously been researched and provides efficiency that is not much different from manual injection, but is more effective and shortens research time.

Prof. Erik also delivered a presentation at the workshop session regarding his research which focuses on the development of pharmacology and drug discovery using zebrafish as an animal model. He also uses robotic injection technology to inject tumor cells into the collagen gel that creates micro tumours to understand the mechanisms of cell migration and tumor metastasis.

Through this workshop, it is hoped that it can contribute to the development of research and education in Indonesia, in line with support for sustainable development goals (SDGs), especially support for inclusive education through sustainable partnerships (SDG 4 and SDG 17).

Yogyakarta, 22-23 February 2024 – The Faculty of Biology in collaboration with the Faculty of Pharmacy and the Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Public Health, Universitas Gadjah Mada received a visit from Prof. Dr. Herman Spaink from Leiden University of the Netherlands and as Adjunct Professor at the Faculty of Biology UGM and Dr. Christopher James Hall from Auckland University New Zealand. The visit was a follow-up to the collaboration between the Joint Research Center and Expertise in developing zebrafish as an animal research model for collaboration between Leiden University and three faculties at UGM. Prof. Herman and Dr. Chris visited the zebrafish research station at the Integrated Research Center Laboratory (LPPT) Universitas Gadjah Mada, before leaving to Bali to take part in the 2024 Asian Conference on Fish Models for Disease.

The development of zebrafish as a research animal model has become one of the research focuses at Universitas Gadjah Mada in recent years. Its application as a model animal for the study of diseases including diabetes, tuberculosis, and so on is expected to accelerate research in Indonesia. The Faculty of Biology played a role in this collaboration in collaboration with other researchers at Universitas Gadjah Mada and partners from Leiden University.

Visit of Prof. Herman and Dr. Chris will be followed by a workshop on gene editing of zebrafish embryos and sequencing which will take place in early March. It is hoped that this activity can accelerate the skills of UGM researchers, especially in animal model research, especially zebra fish for the study of this disease.

Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. as Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration and Alumni Affairs, Faculty of Biology UGM said that the agenda was a follow-up to the collaboration between the Faculty of Biology UGM and the Faculty of Science Leiden University and was part of the activities of Prof. Herman Spaink as Adjunct Professor, Faculty of Biology, UGM. Furthermore, this collaboration also shows the Faculty of Biology’s commitment to expanding connections and collaboration with various partners to improve the quality of education, in line with its support for the Sustainable Development Goals for improving education and expanding cooperation (SDG 4 and 17), and of course improving health and better social welfare through renewable research (SDG 3).

Yogyakarta, 22 February 2024 – Faculty of Biology UGM received a visit from two professors from the Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney (UTS) Australia; Professor Wilhelmina Huston and Distinguished Professor Alaina Ammit. The visit was received in the KPTU Meeting Room, Faculty of Biology UGM and was also attended by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. as Dean of the Faculty of Biology, Wiratni, S.T., M.T., Ph.D. as Secretary of the Directorate of Global Partnerships and Relations of UGM, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. as Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration and Alumni Affairs, Sukirno, M.Sc., Ph.D. as Head of the Undergraduate Study Program, Dr.rer.nat. Andhika Puspito Nugroho as Head of the Masters Study Program, and Tyas Ikhsan Hikmawan, M.S., Ph.D. as Secretary of the Office of International Affairs, Faculty of Biology, UGM.

Prof. Budi warmly welcomed the presence of the two professors from UTS Australia. He said the visit was a continuation of the initiation of collaboration between the Faculty of Biology and the Faculty of Science UTS, last October 2023. Mrs. Wiratni further added that UGM had also collaborated with UTS so that the discussion with UTS was a good follow-up to the extension of UTS’s Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UGM. Mrs. Wiratni also mentioned the potential for research and academic collaboration through KONEKSI (Knowledge Partnership Platform Australia-Indonesia) and LPDP scholarships.

Dr. Eko as Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration and Alumni Affairs of the Faculty of Biology then gave an explanation regarding the profile of the Faculty of Biology and potential collaboration that could be implemented with the Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney. The explanation regarding the curriculum and undergraduate and master’s study programs was then also presented by the Head of the Undergraduate Study Program and the Head of the Master’s Study Program, Faculty of Biology, UGM.

Prof. Willia and Prof. Alaina expressed their enthusiasm for the potential for collaboration, especially in the double degree program in the field of biomedical science which can be supported by LPDP scholarships and research collaboration through KONEKSI. Prof. Alaina also conveyed UTS’s advantages in the field of environmental science as well as disease understanding and diagnosis in the biomedical field. Apart from that, the agreed collaboration is regarding the International Summer Course through the New Colombo Plan Program.

The visit continued with a tour of various buildings and facilities at the Faculty of Biology UGM and continued with a visit to the Integrated Research Center Laboratory (LPPT) Gadjah Mada University guided by Prof Yusril Yusuf. Prof Wilia and Prof Alaina also visited the Butterfly Park belonging to the Faculty of Biology which is located in the Wisdom Park area of Universitas Gadjah Mada.

It is hoped that the discussion and visit will be a good follow-up step in the collaboration between the Faculty of Biology UGM and the Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney. This collaboration also shows the Faculty of Biology’s commitment to expanding connections and collaboration with various partners to improve the quality of education, in line with its support for the Sustainable Development Goals for improving education and expanding cooperation (SDG 4 and 17).

Yogyakarta, 21 February 2024 – Faculty of Biology UGM received a visit from Dr. Shukum Ruangchai as Assistant Dean for International Relations and Communication of Faculty of Science, Khon Kaen University (KKU), Thailand. Located in the KPTU Faculty of Biology Meeting Room, Dr. Shukum was warmly welcomed by Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration and Alumni Affairs, Faculty of Biology UGM. Visit of Dr. Shukum is aims to initiating collaboration between Khon Kaen University and Universitas Gadjah Mada, especially the Faculty of Biology.

Dr. Eko as Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration and Alumni Affairs of the Faculty of Biology then gave an explanation regarding the profile of the Faculty of Biology and the potential for collaboration that could be implemented with the Faculty of Science KKU. He also mentioned the ongoing collaboration with other universities in Thailand, including Kasetsart University and Prince Sonkla University, through participation in the 2023 International Summer Course.

Dr. Shukum also introduced KKU, especially the Faculty of Science, which has bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs in biology, both regular and international classes. He also mentioned the lack of interest among Thai students in continuing their education to master’s and doctoral levels. It is felt that the potential for double degree collaboration for bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral programs that can be initiated with the Faculty of Biology UGM can attract the interest of students in Thailand and UGM students in Indonesia to continue their education. Dr. Shukum is also enthusiastic about being able to invite lecturers and students to participate in the International Summer Course at the Faculty of Biology.

It is hoped that the discussion and visit will be a good follow-up step in the collaboration between the Faculty of Biology UGM and the Faculty of Science Khon Kaen University Thailand. This collaboration also shows the Faculty of Biology’s commitment to expanding connections and collaboration with various partners to improve the quality of education, in line with its support for the Sustainable Development Goals for improving education and expanding cooperation (SDG 4 and 17).

On Thursday, February 15th, 2024, children from the Deresan State Elementary School (SDN) had the special opportunity to explore the world of science through an inspiring visit to the Animal Structure and Development laboratory Faculty of Biology UGM. This visit aims to provide a deeper understanding of the science concepts they learn in class and inspire their interest in science. A total of 58 grade IV children from SDN Deresan accompanied by 2 homeroom teachers and 4 accompanying teachers were received at the Faculty of Biology UGM by the Faculty Reception Team and welcomed by the Head of the SPH Lab, Dr. Ardaning Nuruliani, M. Kes. These children were then divided into 2 groups and invited to the SPH lab, Animal Histology & Embryology Section and Animal Anatomy Section. All SPH Lab lecturers, along with Master and Bachelor study program students who are conducting research at the SPH Lab, also welcomed the students.

In the SPH Lab, Animal Histology & Embryology Section, students are introduced to microscopes and how to use them. Apart from that, they observed the Diffusion process, a colorful microscopic preparation. Meanwhile, in the SPH Lab, Animal Anatomy Section, students were invited to observe skeletal preparations, internal organs, and several anatomical preparations. Children show extraordinary enthusiasm and deep curiosity while learning in the laboratory. The visit also included a question-and-answer session, where the children were given the opportunity to ask questions about science topics of interest to them to the Master and Bachelor students doing research in the SPH lab. Intelligent and creative questions poured in, reflecting the growing interest in science among the younger generation.

According to Mr. Paino, A. Ma (Class IVA Homeroom Teacher) and Mr. Danang Nor Wicaksana, S.Pd. (Class IVB Homeroom Teacher), this visit is part of the SDN Deresan efforts to provide diverse and in-depth learning experiences for their students. The students ended their visit with bright smiles on their faces and a deep feeling of inspiration. “I want to be a scientist someday!”; “I want to study here” and “I want to study at UGM,” chattered the fourth-grade students with sparkling eyes. Such hopes may seem far away, but with visits like this, the possibility feels closer.

This activity for admitting elementary school students to explore our laboratory is part of the Faculty of Biology’s commitment to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) goal no. 4 Quality Education, goal no. 5 Gender equality, and goal no. 17 concerning Cooperation.