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SDG 17 : Build Partnerships for the Goals

Expanding the Potential of Double Master and Doctoral Degrees, the Faculty of Biology Strengthens Collaboration with the University of Leeds, UK

Cooperation Sunday, 8 December 2024

Leeds, 4-5 December 2024 – Universitas Gadjah Mada participated in the University of Leeds International Partner Conference 2025. This conference is the University of Leeds’ annual agenda in order to increase collaboration with various partners throughout the world, one of which is Universitas Gadjah Mada. The University of Leeds is one of the best universities in England with a ranking of 82nd in the world according to QS WUR 2025. UL and UGM are recorded as having formally collaborated since 2016 through the signing of an MoU at the university level. Since then, various collaborations have been carried out, both at study program, faculty and university levels, ranging from student exchanges, joint research, to Double Degree (DD) programs.


UGM Delegation; Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. and Fina Itriyati, M.A., Ph.D., respectively as Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration and Alumni Affairs of the Faculty of Biology and Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, attended the conference which took place at the HELIX Learning Innovation Hub, University of Leeds on Wednesday (4/12) and Thursday (5/12). Both of them are involved in ongoing collaboration discussions, as well as potential collaboration with the two faculties and UGM in general.

The Faculty of Biology has collaborated with the University of Leeds, United Kingdom since 2022. This collaboration produces collaborative outcomes for the undergraduate double degree program. Until 2024, the UGM Faculty of Biology has sent 7 students to the DD program at the Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds.

Dr. Eko also visited the seven students together with the Pro-Dean of the International Faculty of Biological Sciences, Prof. Ian Wood. As a result of the meeting with the Pro Dean of Biological Sciences, it was agreed that the DD program for Masters and Doctorate would immediately be processed after the DD program for Bachelor’s degrees was deemed to be running smoothly and successfully. It is hoped that this collaboration will open up more opportunities for students in Indonesia to study at various of the world’s best universities.

This visit is a step by the Faculty of Biology to improve the quality of education by collaborating with partners at the international level, especially with the University of Leeds, which has been in place since 2022. This collaboration is also a commitment of the UGM Faculty of Biology to support sustainable development and in accordance with sustainable development targets (SDGs) namely inclusive quality education (SDGs 4) and increased recognition of global partnerships (SDGs 17).

Collaborative Research Across Campuses, Two UGM Biology Students Win Gold in Bioinformatics and Synthetic Biology Competition

Achivements Friday, 6 December 2024

In the 2024 Bioinformatics and Synthetic Biology (BIOS) competition organized by Synbio.id from August to December 2024, UGM Biology students once again achieved remarkable success, securing a gold medal and the position of Undergraduate Runner-Up. The two students, Muhammad Ode Rahmadhani (Class of 2021) and Renada Oktavia (Class of 2021), were part of Team Can-Con, which collaborated with students from various universities: Rafly Mochamad Rivaldo from the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran; Tristan Kenneth Yudhistira from the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Brawijaya; Zaki Sidqi Aaliyya from the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Jenderal Soedirman; and Yonathan Henry Christianto, Bryan Wu, and Ruby Belinda Gunadi from the Faculty of Computer Science, Universitas Bina Nusantara. The team, led by Muhammad Ode Rahmadhani and guided by Prof. Dr. Yekti Asih Purwestri, M.Si., explored the compound phloroglucinol’s anticancer potential against non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) using an in-silico metabolomics approach.


This research addressed the pressing need to discover new anticancer compounds due to the increasing prevalence of multidrug resistance and the significant side effects associated with current cancer therapies. Notably, the potential of phloroglucinol as an anticancer agent against NSCLC remains unexplored. The study aimed to unravel the pharmacological network and interactions between phloroglucinol and proteins associated with NSCLC progression. This focus is crucial as NSCLC remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in Indonesia.

The research, conducted throughout the competition, lasted from August to late November 2024. On December 1, 2024, during Synbiotechfest 2024, which also served as the Awarding Ceremony, Team Can-Con was announced as the gold medal winner and Undergraduate Runner-Up.

This outstanding achievement was made possible through the multidisciplinary collaboration of researchers from diverse academic backgrounds, which united diverse perspectives and approaches to develop a comprehensive study.

Author: M. Ode Rahmadhani

Faculty of Biology UGM Holds Sakura Science Program 2025 Selection

News Release Friday, 6 December 2024

Yogyakarta, December 6, 2024 – Faculty of Biology Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) has held a selection for the Sakura Science Program 2025 which was held on Wednesday, December 4, 2024. A total of 33 participants took part in the interview session to compete for the opportunity to join the program which will be held at Yamagata University, Japan, on February 15-23, 2025.


The interview selection was conducted by a panel consisting of the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Prof. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc.; Vice Dean for Finance, Administration and Human Resources, Dr. Slamet Widianto, M.Sc.; Head of the Undergraduate Study Program, Sukirno, M.Sc., Ph.D.; and Assistant Head of the Study Program Ganies Riza Aristya, M.Sc., Ph.D.

The interview participants were selected strictly, not only based on academic achievement, but also other abilities, such as art and other relevant skills. The selection aims to find candidates who have extraordinary potential in the fields of science and technology, as well as the ability to adapt to an international environment.

Ultimately, 16 selected participants will have the opportunity to participate in the Sakura Science Program 2025 at Yamagata University, with the option to receive a scholarship from the university or participate in a self-funded program. (Aulia)

The program aims to strengthen academic relations between Japan and Indonesia and provide first-hand experience in scientific research in Japan for selected participants.(Aulia)

UGM iGEM Team Integrates Molecular Farming with Vaccine Production, Secures Five Awards at BIOS 2024

Achivements Thursday, 5 December 2024

The Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) iGEM 2024 team has once again achieved remarkable success at the Bioinformatics and Synthetic Biology (BIOS) 2024 competition, organized by Synbio.id. Competing virtually from August to December 2024, two of UGM’s leading teams Phytovac and Gamanthrax brought home an impressive array of accolades, including Best Presentation, Best Website, Best Poster, the prestigious Gold Medal, and the ultimate Grand Prize.


The UGM iGEM team consists of 19 interdisciplinary students, including eight talented members from the Faculty of Biology: Anandita Amalia Dewi (2021), Salma Rohmaniah (2021), Erwinda Dwi Chofifah (2022), Tan Rendy (2022), Angga Firza Pratama (2023), Geraldine Yara Amritasahmi (2023), Nauval Rajwaa Raysendria (2023), and Tsaqifa Zuhayra Emery Bagus (2023). The synergy among students from diverse academic backgrounds was key to the team’s success, fostering creativity and innovation to address real-world societal challenges.

Under the guidance of Dr. Yekti Asih Purwestri, M.Si., the UGM iGEM team adopted molecular farming as an innovative approach to develop therapeutic solutions for pressing health issues in Indonesia. Team Phytovac, led by Farrel Alfaza Marsetyo (Faculty of Medicine, 2021), introduced a project titled “Immunoinformatics Design of Virus-Like Particle-linked Dengue Vaccine for Expression in Nicotiana benthamiana System”, targeting the prevalent issue of dengue fever. Team Gamanthrax, led by Fahmi Ihsanuddin Jauhari (Faculty of Pharmacy, 2021), presented a project titled “In Silico Design of Plant-Based Anthrax Vaccine using Recombinant DNA Method”, focusing on the development of a plant-based anthrax vaccine.

Both projects successfully leveraged computational modeling and mathematical simulation technologies to design plant-based vaccines—groundbreaking advancements in biotechnology.
The BIOS 2024 competition featured a rigorous selection process, beginning with abstract submissions, proposal videos, website showcases, posters, and presentation videos from August 24 to November 10, 2024. Both UGM teams advanced to the final round on November 29, 2024, where they engaged in interactive judging sessions.

The journey culminated in the Grand Final on November 30, 2024, where Phytovac emerged as a grand finalist alongside two other top teams. In the final round, the teams presented their projects to judges and audiences. The competition’s pinnacle was marked by the Awarding Ceremony on December 1, 2024, where both Phytovac and Gamanthrax were crowned champions, earning multiple prestigious awards.

This outstanding achievement highlights the competitive excellence of UGM’s Faculty of Biology students on the national stage. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, relentless hard work, and a passion for innovation, the UGM iGEM team has proven that science and technology hold the key to driving sustainable and positive societal change.

Written by: iGEM UGM Team

Lecturer of the Faculty of Biology, UGM Becomes One of the Speakers in the Pra-clinical Training: From Basic to Advanced – Preclinical Animal Models for Human Disease Workshop

News Release Tuesday, 3 December 2024

On November 26, 2024, Dr. Ardaning Nuriliani, S.Si., M.Kes., a lecturer at the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) had the opportunity to become one of the speakers in the training entitled From Basic to Advanced: Preclinical Animal Models for Human Disease organized by the Integrated Research and Testing Laboratory, UGM. The event, which was held hybrid, was attended by 8 offline participants and 12 online participants from various institutions such as from Surabaya, Riau, Purwokerto, and Yogyakarta. In this training, Dr. Ardaning provided one of the materials from the entire series of training, about Laboratory Animals (Rodents: Rats and Mice): Handling, Housing, Treatment. Dr. Ardaning explained in detail about the correct and proper ways to handle, care for, and treat laboratory animals, especially rats and mice, in order to meet ethical standards and ensure valid and reliable research results. This is very important to ensure animal welfare and the credibility of the data produced in the research.


The training aims to provide insight and practical skills regarding the use of pra-clinical animal models in human disease research, as well as an in-depth understanding of the welfare of the animals used. Therefore, in this training, participants in addition to receiving various materials related to the ethics of using laboratory animals; handling-housing-treatment of animal models; and animal models of Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, lung cancer, and hypertension, they also have the opportunity to practice directly related to the materials provided. With this training, it is hoped that the lecturers, researchers, and laboratory technicians involved can apply new knowledge and skills in their research so as to support SDGs programs no. 3 (healthy and prosperous life) and 4 (quality education). This activity is also an important step in improving the quality of animal-based research in Indonesia, as well as encouraging the development of more effective pra-clinical models to study human diseases.

Green Edge Lubricants Wins First Place at Greenovation 2024: Pioneering Eco-Friendly Lubricants for the Metal Industry

Achivements Monday, 2 December 2024

Banjarmasin, November 27, 2024 – The Green Edge Lubricants team claimed first place in the Call for Business Idea category at the Greenovation 2024 organized by Bank Indonesia of South Kalimantan. The event drew over 400 participants, including innovative startups, industry experts, and academics. Green Edge Lubricants captured the judges’ attention with their groundbreaking eco-friendly lubricant derived from palm oil, outshining intense competition.

The team comprised Soen Eliora Valerie Natania (Biology), Dania Husna Huwaida (Chemical Engineering), and Khabib Abdul Aziz (Chemical Engineering). Soen Eliora focused on the product’s sustainability, emphasizing environmental compatibility, biodegradability of raw materials, and potential impacts on wastewater. Dania Husna Huwaida led the lubricant formulation, optimizing material composition for optimum performance. Meanwhile, Khabib Abdul Aziz designed an efficient production system, tailoring industrial-scale processes to ensure the product’s readiness for real-world implementation.


This innovative lubricant is tailored for cold rolling steel and metal stamping processes, which traditionally rely on expensive and environmentally harmful mineral oil-based lubricants. By incorporating biodegradable materials like oleic acid and synthetic esters, the lubricant reduces water consumption during cleaning processes by over 50%. Additionally, it offers superior lubricity, extending the tool’s lifespan while minimizing the environmental impact of wastewater.

“Biology is often perceived as unrelated to the industrial sector, but we aim to demonstrate its pivotal role in sustainability. My responsibility was to ensure that this product is not only efficient but also environmentally friendly, aligning with circular economy principles,” explained Soen Eliora.

Dania Husna Huwaida added, “Creating this lubricant faces unique challenges. It needed to meet high-performance standards while remaining cost-effective and easy to manufacture. Palm oil is the ideal raw material to achieve these goals.”

“Our focus was to design an adaptive, efficient production system to ensure the product’s readiness for industrial-scale application, meeting the demands of Indonesia’s market,” said Khabib Abdul Aziz.

The Greenovation 2024 participants have to present their innovative ideas and defend their concepts before a panel of industry experts, academics, and Bank Indonesia representatives. Teams were required to demonstrate both the economic and environmental impact of their products, tackling detailed technical questions.

“Every team presented great ideas, making the competition extremely fierce. We worked hard to highlight the technical strengths and sustainability of our innovation,” said Khabib.
With this victory, Green Edge Lubricants opens the door to further product development and potential collaborations with industry partners. Their lubricant is expected to drive a significant impact on Indonesia’s metal industry while contributing to a greener and more sustainable future.

The Greenovation 2024 competition underscored the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration in developing impactful solutions. Green Edge Lubricants has proven that sustainability is not just a necessity but also an opportunity to build a more efficient, environmentally friendly future for industry.

Author: Soen Eliora Valerie Natania

UGM’s Mine-Eye Gama Team Wins Second Place at Astranauts 2024 with Mining Monitoring Technology Innovation

Achivements Monday, 2 December 2024

Yogyakarta, November 29, 2024 – The Mine-Eye Gama team from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) secured second place in the Business Challenge Track of the Astranauts 2024 competition, organized by PT ASTRA DIGITAL on June 7, 2024. Competing against over 2,400 registered teams, Mine-Eye Gama stood out as one of the top seven finalists thanks to their innovative UAV drone and 3D LiDAR-based technology designed for real-time mining monitoring efficiency.


The team comprised Daniel Imanuel Manafe, Himawan Wicaksono, Stephanus Kevin Andika Rata (Instrumentation and Control Engineering Technology, 2022), Menliman Joyfal Gulo (Cartography and Remote Sensing, 2022), Sabila Hestuning (Management, 2023), and Soen Eliora Valerie Natania (Biology, 2023). Guided by mentor Jans Hendry, S.T., M.Eng., the team leveraged their multidisciplinary expertise to develop a comprehensive solution. Their system, built on a private broadband network, optimizes geospatial data acquisition in dynamic mining environments.

A Solution to Mining Monitoring Challenges
Representing the team, Daniel Imanuel Manafe explained that rapidly changing mining topographies often pose significant challenges to maintaining safety standards and productivity. “Traditional methods like terrestrial surveys are precise but inefficient for highly dynamic areas. Our system leverages UAV drones and 3D LiDAR to overcome these limitations,” he stated.
The technology enables real-time data acquisition using a private broadband-based control and transmission system. The vast data collected is processed and delivered to a specially designed Ground Control Station. This solution significantly reduces data collection and analysis time, providing operational advantages for the mining industry.

Collaboration and Valuable Experiences
For team member Eliora, a Biology student, participating in the competition was challenging and enlightening. “This competition was an invaluable experience. I hope more students expand beyond their comfort zones and expertise. That’s where the greatest opportunities can emerge,” she shared.

In addition to winning second place, the Mine-Eye Gama team gained access to numerous opportunities, including mentorship from industry experts, collaboration prospects with the Astra Group, and the chance to present their ideas to venture capitalists. Furthermore, the team will join the Astra Innovation Lab, a continuation program to develop innovative ideas and solutions in collaboration with top industry professionals.

“This competition has been a significant milestone for our team. We hope this innovation will make a tangible impact in the mining industry, particularly in enhancing efficiency and safety,” Daniel concluded.

Author: Soen Eliora Valerie Natania

The Faculty of Biology UGM Advances Towards International Accreditation for Doctoral Program

News Release Friday, 29 November 2024

The Faculty of Biology Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) is committed to delivering world-class education. Following its successful attainment of ASIIN (Akkreditierungsagentur für Studiengänge der Ingenieurwissenschaften, der Informatik, der Naturwissenschaften und der Mathematik) international accreditation for undergraduate and master’s programs, the Faculty is now preparing to extend this achievement to its doctoral program.


As part of this strategic endeavor, on Thursday, November 28, 2024, the Faculty of Biology convened a working meeting to prepare for LAMSAMA’s national accreditation and ASIIN’s international accreditation. This initiative underscores the Faculty’s dedication to supporting Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No.4, which aims to ensure inclusive and quality education for all.

The meeting brought together the Accreditation Preparation Team, the Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, and the Vice Dean for Finance, Assets, and Human Resources. In his remarks, the Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs emphasized that this accreditation effort extends beyond merely meeting standards. It seeks to equip doctoral graduates with the global competencies needed to navigate the complexities of multidisciplinary challenges in the modern era.

The meetings’ discussions focused on strengthening the curriculum and devising strategies to produce exceptional graduates ready to excel on the international stage. These efforts are expected to solidify the Faculty of Biology UGM’s reputation as a world-class institution and nurture biology doctorates who can make meaningful contributions to global advancement.

Training on Health Beverage Production from Garden and Community Service Activity Evaluation in Mrican, Caturtunggal Village, Depok, Sleman

Community Service Tuesday, 26 November 2024

On Saturday, October 26, 2024, a community service activity titled “Training on Health Beverage Production from Garden and Community Service Evaluation” was held at the Mrican Village Meeting Hall. The event was attended by members of the Srikandi Women Farmers Group, led by Mrs. Nur Handayani. The training and educational sessions were delivered by Dr. Dra. Rr. Upiek Ngesti W.A., DAP&E, M.Biomed., accompanied by Prof. Dr. Niken Satuti Nur Handayani, M.Sc., and Nur Indah Septriani, M.Sc., Ph.D.

During the training, participants produced a health beverage based on “herbal plant concoctions with medicinal benefits,” branded as “TomSel”, an abbreviation of “tombo kesel” (Javanese for “cure for exhaustion”). The product will be showcased at the upcoming Research Day event hosted by the Faculty of Biology, UGM. Alongside the preparation of the health beverage, the session also covered techniques for creating attractive and sustainable packaging, as well as strategies for effective marketing.

The activity included a feedback session where community members, represented by Srikandi group members, shared their impressions with the Desa Mitra (Partner Village) service team as part of the evaluation. The event concluded with a visit to the demonstration garden.

This initiative exemplifies the Faculty of Biology UGM’s commitment to implementing and achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly: (SDG 3) Good Health and Well-Being, (SDG 8) Decent Work and Economic Growth, (SDG 11) Sustainable Cities and Communities, (SDG 12) Responsible Consumption and Production, (SDG 15) Life on Land, and (SDG 17) Partnerships for the Goals.

Through sustainable collaboration with Srikandi Women Farmers Group, the Faculty of Biology aims to foster healthy and prosperous living. The Desa Mitra team’s dedication and teamwork ensured the event’s vibrancy and success.

Partnering with Srikandi for a healthier life,
A prosperous dream free of strife.
The Desa Mitra team, committed and strong,
Making this event lively all along.

Sustainable greetings from the Faculty of Biology!

 

Scientific Discussion at the Faculty of Biology UGM: Alternative Mosquito Control Measures for Reducing Malaria Infections

CooperationNews Release Tuesday, 26 November 2024

On Tuesday, November 26, 2024, the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), hosted a discussion titled “Alternative Mosquito Control Measures for Reducing Malaria Infections” at the Faculty’s Upper Meeting Room. The event, held from 9:00 to 11:00 AM, was attended by more than 30 participants, including lecturers and undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students. The session featured Micanaldo E. Francisco, a PhD student at Ehime University, Japan, and a lecturer at Lurio University, Mozambique, as the keynote speaker. The discussion was moderated by Atikah Fitria Muharromah, S.Si., M.Eng., a lecturer from the Entomology Laboratory, with Dr. Raden Roro Upiek Ngesti Wibawaning Astuti, DAP&E, B.Sc., M.Biomed., from the Animal Systematics Laboratory as the supervisor.


Micanaldo presented innovative approaches to mosquito control, emphasizing the role of a clean environment and advanced technology. One of his main experiments involved designing houses in Nampula District, Mozambique, with structural modifications such as doors, ventilation, windows, and roof eaves to prevent the entry of Anopheles mosquitoes, the primary malaria vector.

Additionally, Micanaldo elaborated on a drone and AI-based mosquito habitat and breeding site mapping method. This process involved:
  1. Take aerial images with drone.
  2. Identifying potential water bodies where mosquitoes breed.
  3. Validating habitat maps.
  4. Treating water bodies with larvicides.
This approach offers an efficient solution by reducing the time and cost associated with planning and implementing vector mosquito management programs. The method positively impacts public health by significantly lowering mosquito populations and the risk of malaria infections.

The discussion was interactive, with participants actively engaging through questions, reflecting high enthusiasm for these new technology-based methods. The Faculty of Biology UGM demonstrated its continued commitment to supporting global research relevant to public health and environmental sustainability.

The event concluded with remarks by Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration, and Alumni of the Faculty of Biology UGM, who emphasized the importance of such discussions in fostering innovative solutions for pressing global challenges.

The approaches presented during this discussion contribute directly to the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being: Strategies to control mosquitoes align with SDG 3.4 (reducing communicable diseases) and SDG 3.8 (ensuring access to essential healthcare services). SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation: Mapping mosquito habitats and identifying water bodies support better water resource management, aligning with SDG 6.6 (protecting and restoring water-related ecosystems). SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure: The use of drones and AI reflects technological innovations supporting public health, corresponding to SDG 9.5 (enhancing scientific research and innovation) and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals: Collaboration between UGM, Ehime University, and Lurio University exemplifies global partnerships for sustainable development.

This discussion represents a tangible step forward in addressing global health challenges through innovative and sustainable solutions.