Yogyakarta, May 8, 2025 – A group of 20 students from Madrasah Aliyah Sayang Ibu in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), accompanied by three teachers, visited the Animal Developmental Structure (SPH) Laboratory at the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) for an educational tour.

The visit was warmly welcomed by the Head of the SPH Laboratory, Dr. Ardaning Nuriliani, S.Si., M.Kes., who gave a presentation on UGM and the Faculty of Biology. The students showed great enthusiasm for the topics discussed, particularly regarding research activities, academic programs, and career prospects in the field of biology.

The session continued with a guided tour of the laboratory facilities, including the animal histology-embryology and animal anatomy sections, led by Sefi Nur Anggaeni, S.Si., a laboratory technician. The students had the opportunity to observe various microscopic specimens and animal organs, providing them with hands-on exposure to the world of science.

This visit reflects the Faculty of Biology UGM’s ongoing commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). By opening access to education and fostering collaboration with students from diverse regions, the faculty actively contributes to creating an inclusive and competitive educational ecosystem.

Yogyakarta, May 15, 2025 – Akbar Reza, a lecturer from the Ecology and Conservation Laboratory at the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), was invited as a speaker in the international discussion session “Live from the Field: Restoring Tropical Forests”. The event was organized by the Organization of Biological Field Stations (OBFS) in collaboration with the OCELOTS (Online Content for Experiential Learning of Tropical Systems) network, the Center for Environmental Inquiry at Sonoma State University, and funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF).

This session brought together researchers and academics in the field of ecology from various countries including Costa Rica, Hawai’i, Ecuador, and Indonesia to share practices, challenges, and innovative approaches to tropical forest ecosystem restoration through interactive video presentations. The event is part of The Virtual Field, an international initiative developed during the pandemic to provide virtual field experiences for biology students around the world.

Attended by nearly 80 students from universities across tropical countries, Akbar presented the implementation of an online learning module on ecosystem restoration that he has integrated into undergraduate ecology courses at UGM. This effort is supported by a grant from the NSF through the OCELOTS Faculty Mentoring Network program. The module aims to enhance context-based learning focused on tropical ecosystems through open and collaborative online methods.

The discussion also featured Dr. Becky Ostertag from the University of Hawai’i at Hilo, who spoke about functional trait-based restoration approaches, and Dr. Rakan A. Zahawi, Executive Director of the Charles Darwin Research Station, who highlighted the effectiveness of tree cluster planting as a forest recovery strategy.

The session was moderated by Brittany Cavazos, Assistant Professor of Biology at Stonehill College, Massachusetts, and Miriam San José, a researcher at the Charles Darwin Research Station. It was streamed live from Las Cruces Biological Station in Costa Rica and the UGM Biological Forest in Indonesia.

“From this event, I learned that tropical forest restoration is not just about ecological techniques, but also about social engagement, education, and cross-regional knowledge sharing,” said Akbar. “The opportunity to compare Indonesia’s restoration context with those of Hawai’i and Costa Rica has provided new and valuable perspectives for both myself and my students.”

The “Live from the Field” program not only offers a global learning experience for students but also provides teaching guides, pre-session reading materials, and session recordings that can be used asynchronously by lecturers and educators around the world. More information is available at thevirtualfield.org and ocelots.nrem.iastate.edu.

Yogyakarta, May 2025 — The Faculty of Biology at Universitas Gadjah Mada is proud to announce that Tiara Putri, a student in the joint degree program between Universitas Gadjah Mada and Universität Greifswald, Germany, has been awarded a scholarship through the highly competitive DAAD-STIBET Programme 2025.

The STIBET Scholarship for Graduation Support and Outstanding Engagement, funded by the German Academic Exchange Service (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst – DAAD), is designed to support outstanding international students studying at universities in Germany. Each year, this scholarship is awarded to only 5 international students who have achieved excellent academic performance. Tiara was selected to receive this scholarship in recognition of her outstanding academic achievements and her commitment to supporting fellow international students.

Tiara is currently conducting research at the Department of Molecular Genetics and Infection Biology, Universität Greifswald. Her main project focuses on the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae and its pathogenicity within living host organisms. The cells used in her research are human choroid plexus endothelial and epithelial cells, aimed at developing a functional in vitro model of the Blood-Cerebrospinal Fluid Barrier (BCSFB). Additionally, Tiara is involved in a second project investigating the co-infection of S. pneumoniae in the upper respiratory tract of children infected with COVID-19, in collaboration with the Eijkman Molecular Biology Research Center, Indonesia.

Beyond her doctoral research at the Universität Greifswald, Tiara is also engaged in social activities that support global sustainable development. One of the ways she gives back is through her involvement with the university’s UNICEF volunteer group, which focuses on promoting and protecting children’s rights. Among their initiatives, they helps collect Pfand—recyclable bottles that can be exchanged for cash in Germany—to raise funds for clean water projects in communities that need it most. It is a simple but powerful effort that directly supports SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by improving access to safe drinking water and better hygiene. For Tiara, contributing to both research and real-world impact is part of her commitment to a more just and sustainable future. Her story reflects the growing role of young people in driving meaningful change across borders.

This achievement highlights the strength of international partnerships fostered by the Faculty of Biology and the important role of dedicated students like Tiara in advancing global scientific cooperation and intercultural understanding.

Yogyakarta, May 2, 2025 — Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, a lecturer and researcher from the Faculty of Biology at Universitas Gadjah Mada, participated as a speaker in the Regional Research Catalyst Webinar of 2025 Webinar #4 themed “Sustainable Development and Education”, organized by the Faculty of Education, Monash University, Australia. The webinar was held virtually on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, and was moderated by Eisuke Saito from Monash University.

In the webinar, Dr. Eko presented a talk entitled “The Environment, Sustainability, and Universities in Indonesia: An Examination of the Nexus”, which is part of a book chapter co-authored with Ko Nomura of Nagoya University, Japan. In addition to Dr. Eko, Professor Alex Lechner, an expert in urban design from Monash University Indonesia, also contributed perspectives to the discussion on the interconnection between education and sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in Indonesia.

Dr. Eko’s presentation highlighted the historical dynamics and challenges of environmental education and sustainable development in Indonesia. He explained that such programs have existed since the 1970s, and even earlier through the scout movement. Universitas Gadjah Mada was a pioneer in sustainable development programs through a collaborative approach involving faculty, students, and local communities—namely, the Community Service Program (KKN) that began in 1951 as the Student Deployment Program (PTM) to assist the government in providing educators outside Java. This program continues today, having evolved from a development-centered approach to one focused on empowerment, and is now known as KKN-PPM (Community Empowerment Learning-Based Community Service Program).

Furthermore, Dr. Eko emphasized the crucial role of higher education institutions in structurally integrating environmental, economic, and social dimensions. He also noted that strategic funding and institutional support are essential to strengthening the bridge between education, research, and community service in concrete actions addressing Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) issues.

The topic presented by Dr. Eko reflects a strong commitment to the global goals of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in promoting quality education (SDG 4), developing sustainable communities (SDG 11), taking climate action (SDG 13), and fostering cross-sector and institutional collaboration (SDG 17). By reinforcing the role of universities as agents of change, his presentation affirms Indonesia’s important contribution to the success of the global sustainable development agenda through the integration of science, policy, and community empowerment.

Yogyakarta, 28 April 2025 — The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), hosted a guest lecture titled “Managing Biodiversity at PT Freeport Indonesia”, featuring speaker Kukuh Indra Kusuma, S.Si., from the Biodiversity Section, Environmental Division of PT Freeport Indonesia. Kukuh, a 2006 graduate of the Faculty of Biology UGM, is currently active in environmental management at one of Indonesia’s largest mining companies.

Held at the Tropical Biology Auditorium, the event was attended by students, lecturers, and members of the Faculty of Biology UGM academic community. Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Alumni Affairs, officially opened the lecture. In his remarks, Dr. Eko expressed appreciation for Mr. Kukuh’s return and emphasized the importance of such moments in inspiring students and alumni to explore career opportunities in the mining sector.

Moderated by Dr. Rury Eprilurahman, the session began with an introduction to Mr. Kukuh’s active involvement during his student years and his achievements in various international research competitions.

In his presentation, Mr. Kukuh outlined the history and operational scope of PT Freeport Indonesia, which spans across Grasberg, Underground Mine, Tembagapura, to Amamapare Port. He highlighted the environmental management challenges posed by such an extensive and complex mining area, as well as the various initiatives undertaken by the company to safeguard biodiversity.

A range of environmental rehabilitation and conservation programs have been implemented, including land reclamation and revegetation using native species such as matoa and angsana, tailings (SIRSAT) management, and mangrove restoration efforts targeting up to 500 hectares of replanting annually. PT Freeport has also developed integrated post-mining research facilities such as cattle farming, agricultural land, hydroponics, aquaculture, and integrated farming systems.

In terms of biodiversity conservation, the company conducts species monitoring, ecosystem succession assessments, and has established conservation facilities such as botanical gardens and ecosystem dioramas. These initiatives are carried out in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Forestry (KLHK) through the Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA).

The lecture concluded with an interactive discussion session that was met with great enthusiasm from the students. The event is expected to serve as a catalyst for innovation and academic engagement in ecosystem conservation research (SDG 4 and 15), while also promoting cross-sectoral collaboration toward sustainable development (SDG 17).

Suriname, April 2025 — The delegation of the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada continued the series of international engagement visits in Suriname by visiting Anton de Kom University (Anton de Kom Universiteit van Suriname). The delegation consisted of Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. as Dean, Dr. Slamet Widiyanto as Vice Dean for Finance, Assets, and Human Resources Affairs, and Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. as Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration, and Alumni Affairs.

This visit was received directly by Kartika Doerdjan, M.Sc., Dean of the Faculty of Math and Natural Sciences, together with Dr. Irwin Hidalgo (Dean Secretary), and Dr. Irwan Molgo (Head of Biology Program). In the meeting, both parties discussed the initiation of strategic cooperation covering various fields, such as: summer course program, international conference International Conference on Biological Sciences (ICBS), further study for lecturers, visiting professors, joint lectures and research, collaborative publications, training for lecturers and students, development of shared laboratories and facilities, sandwich program, and development of greenhouse and herbarium.

In addition, the delegation also visited the International Academy Suriname (IAS) and was received by the director of IAS, Mrs. Haidy Lie A Ling. The discussion with IAS focused on further study opportunities for students at the Faculty of Biology UGM as well as scholarship opportunities that can be given to prospective international students.

The series of activities in Suriname ended with a dinner with the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) in Paramaribo. On this occasion, the delegation of the Faculty of Biology UGM said goodbye to the representatives of the KBRI and expressed their appreciation for the warm welcome and support during the activities in Suriname.

This activity also became a real manifestation of the commitment of the Faculty of Biology UGM in supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 4 (Quality Education) by increasing access and quality of higher education across countries, and SDG 17 (Partnerships to Achieve the Goals) by strengthening global cooperation in the fields of education, research, and innovation.

Paramaribo, April 15, 2025 – The delegation of the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) continued the second day of their official visit to Suriname with a number of strategic agendas to expand the international cooperation network and establish friendship with the Javanese diaspora in the country. The delegation was led by the Dean of the Faculty of Biology, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, accompanied by Dr. Slamet Widiyanto (Vice Dean for Finance, Assets, and Human Resources Affairs), and Dr. Eko Agus Suyono (Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration and Alumni Affairs).

The agenda of the second day of the visit began with a meeting with Dr. Marciano Dasai, Minister of Spatial Planning and Environment of Suriname who is also a UGM alumnus. This meeting discussed the potential for cooperation in sending Surinamese staff for further studies at the Faculty of Biology UGM. In addition, both parties also explored research and development collaboration in various strategic areas such as food security, biodiversity database management, carbon credit, bioprospecting, renewable energy, agriculture, and climate resilience. In the afternoon, the delegation met with Surinamese parliamentarian Evert Legiran Kerto, as well as the management of the Pertjaja Luhur Party, the largest Javanese-based party in Suriname. The discussion focused on opportunities for cooperation in human resource development and technology transfer, as a form of synergy between Indonesian higher education institutions and elements of the Javanese community in Suriname.

The visit continued to Saramakka District, about 50 km from the capital city of Paramaribo, to meet with Javanese community leaders, namely Mr. H. Subari and his family: Mr. David K. Karso and Mrs. Noer Latifah Laily. This meeting was an important event to introduce the Undergraduate and Postgraduate programs of the Faculty of Biology UGM, as well as to strengthen relations between UGM and the Javanese diaspora community.

Previously, the delegation was also accompanied by staff from the Indonesian Embassy in Suriname, Mrs. Anissa and Mrs. Risa, during a visit to Mrs. Carla Grossman, Director of the QSI International School of Suriname. This visit aims to promote the International Program (IUP) of the Faculty of Biology UGM to prospective international students.

This visit is part of the Faculty of Biology UGM’s efforts to encourage the internationalization of higher education and strengthen Indonesia’s role in the global arena through cross-country educational and research cooperation, especially with the Indonesian diaspora community.

Through this initiative, it is hoped that the bilateral relations between Indonesia and Suriname can be strengthened, not only in the context of education, but also in the economic, social, and cultural sectors. This initiative also prioritizes the principles of sustainable development which are part of a shared commitment to the SDGs, especially support for inclusive education for all groups (SDG 4 and 10), as well as support for research that contributes to environmental conservation and handling climate change (SDG 13).

Paramaribo, April 14, 2025 – In an effort to expand international networks and strengthen educational relations between countries, the delegation of the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) consisting of Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. as Dean, Dr. Slamet Widiyanto, M.Sc. Vice Dean for Finance, Assets, and Human Resources Affairs, and Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. as Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration, and Alumni Affairs, made an official visit to the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) in Paramaribo, Suriname.

The delegation was warmly welcomed by the Principal Authorized Representative of the Indonesian Embassy in Suriname, Mr. Sadikin, along with staff, namely Mrs. Anisa and Miss Risa. In the productive discussion, several important agendas were discussed, including the promotion of scholarship programs for students, teachers, lecturers and government staff from Suriname to pursue undergraduate and postgraduate studies at the Faculty of Biology UGM.

Suriname has strong historical ties with Indonesia. More than 135 years ago, the Javanese people first migrated to Suriname as contract workers. Today, their descendants are an important part of the country’s social and political life, although many of them are no longer fluent in Javanese.

Efforts to re-establish cooperation in the fields of education and culture have actually been carried out since the New Order era under the leadership of President Soeharto. Now, this spirit has been renewed by opening up collaboration spaces not only in the fields of education and culture, but also expanded to the economic, industrial, and environmental sectors.

Suriname is also known as a country with zero carbon emissions (zero CO₂ emissions) and as the most forested country in the world. In fact, there is one province whose entire territory is forest so that it does not have its own capital city, and must be represented by the country’s capital. This opens up great potential for cooperation in the fields of biodiversity and conservation as well as climate change, including CO₂ capture which is the main strength of the Faculty of Biology UGM.

On this occasion, the UGM delegation also met with a member of parliament of Javanese descent, Mr. Moertabat Wanica Sidik who is the older brother of the Surinamese Ambassador to Indonesia. He expressed his full support for efforts to increase cooperation that can help prepare Suriname’s human resources, especially the young generation of Indonesian descent, to be able to fill strategic positions in government and other sectors. Currently, there are at least three ministers and several directors who are of Javanese descent and some of them are UGM alumni.

Through this initiative, it is expected to strengthen bilateral relations between Indonesia and Suriname, not only in the context of education, but also in the economic, social, and cultural sectors. This initiative also prioritizes the principles of sustainable development which are part of a shared commitment to the SDGs, especially support for inclusive education for all groups (SDG 4 and 10), as well as support for research that contributes to environmental conservation and handling climate change (SDG 13).

Dr. Rury Eprilurahman, S.Si., M.Sc., lecturer and researcher from the Animal Systematics Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, conducted a training program on Wildlife Identification Techniques for staff members of the Biodiversity Section, Environmental Division of PT Freeport Indonesia from March 17 to 22, 2025.

Staff from the Biodiversity Unit attended the training, which aimed to strengthen their capacity to identify four major terrestrial vertebrate taxa: amphibians, Reptiles, Birds (Aves), and Mammals. The program combined in-class theoretical sessions with hands-on field practices conducted in PT Freeport Indonesia’s operational area.

In addition to taxonomy and morphological identification, the participants were introduced to wildlife sampling techniques, scientific photography, and specimen preservation methods, including wet preservation and basic taxidermy. The training was delivered interactively, with participants showing great enthusiasm during both practical sessions and scientific discussions.

The training reflects the Faculty of Biology UGM’s commitment to biodiversity conservation, particularly in Papua, which is recognized as one of Indonesia’s most biologically rich regions.

This training aimed to equip biodiversity staff with the skills to accurately identify and document wildlife within the working area, which will support evidence-based conservation efforts.

This activity also aligns with Universitas Gadjah Mada’s broader mission to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 15 (Life on Land), which focuses on protecting, restoring, and sustainably managing terrestrial ecosystems, and SDG 4 (Quality Education) by enhancing human resource capacity in the life sciences.

The training program serves as a collaborative engagement model between academia and industry, advancing sustainable, science-based environmental management.

Yogyakarta, March 12, 2025 – Faculty of Biology Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) once again held a Sharing Session event regarding the Double Degree program with the University of Leeds, UK. This event was held on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 and aimed to provide students with a deeper understanding of international study opportunities through the Double Degree program.

This event was hosted by the Coordinator of the International Undergraduate Program, Tyas Ikhsan Hikmawan, S.Si., M.S., Ph.D., who explained various aspects of the Double Degree program and the benefits that can be obtained by UGM students who participate in the program. On this occasion, a representative from the University of Leeds, Premila Kanaphaty, was also present to provide further information regarding the Leeds campus, available facilities, and registration procedures for participating in the Double Degree program.

“This Double Degree Program is part of the collaboration between the Faculty of Biology UGM and the University of Leeds, which allows students to obtain degrees from two leading international universities,” said Dr. Tyas in his speech.

Premila Kanaphaty also gave an interesting presentation about campus life in Leeds, as well as various facilities that support students’ success in pursuing their education. In addition, she also explained the registration procedure and requirements to be able to participate in the Double Degree program.

Since this collaboration began, the Faculty of Biology UGM has sent seven students to participate in the Double Degree program at the University of Leeds, who are currently continuing their studies there. The enthusiasm of UGM students for this program is very high, as evidenced by the large number of participants who attended and actively asked questions during the sharing session.

This Double Degree Program provides a golden opportunity for students to broaden their horizons and develop their academic abilities in an international environment, while opening up wider career opportunities in the future.[aulia]