SDG 2 : Erase Hunger

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Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada Participates in Asian Science Deans Forum 2024 (ASDF 2024)

News Release Saturday, 13 July 2024

Manila, Philippines – The Faculty of Biology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) participated in the Asian Science Deans Forum 2024 (ASDF 2024), held from July 8 to 12, 2024, at the Crimson Hotel, Filinvest City Manila, Philippines. The UGM delegation, led by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, Dean, and Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, joined esteemed faculty members from science and technology universities, schools, colleges, and academic departments across Asia. This initiative aimed to foster partnerships among Asian universities, create research projects, and contribute solutions to societal problems, focusing on environmental sustainability and socio-economic development.

One of the key topics at ASDF 2024 was the environment, particularly ecosystem protection and the efficient use of resources. The Faculty of Biology at UGM is particularly interested in these areas, as they align with their ongoing research and educational initiatives aimed at promoting sustainability.

The UGM delegation shared their experiences and strategies in integrating sustainability into their curriculum, which aligns with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and emphasizes the importance of preparing future generations to tackle environmental challenges.

The forum also opened up networking opportunities, fostering the mobility of researchers, professors, and students, creating new cooperation across Asia, and enhancing the academic and research capabilities of the participating institutions. Consequently, the UGM delegation was able to expand their international collaborations.

ASDF 2024 featured a series of workshops, panel discussions, and keynote speeches from leading experts in various fields, providing valuable insights and practical knowledge that can be applied to address pressing environmental and socio-economi.

The event also highlighted the importance of global partnerships in achieving sustainable development. By working together, universities across Asia can pool their resources and expertise to make a significant impact on the environment and society.

The participation of the Faculty of Biology at UGM in ASDF 2024 underscores their commitment to advancing environmental sustainability and education for sustainability. By engaging with peers from across Asia, they hope to gain new perspectives and insights that will enhance their efforts in these areas.

The Faculty of Biology was also initiating a collaboration with Sultan Qaboos University, Oman, during ASDF 2024. This significant partnership aims to foster scientific research and academic excellence for both parties. Dr. Talal Khalifa Al Hosni, Dean of Sultan Qaboos University, Oman, plays a pivotal role in this collaboration.

Joint Scholarship Initiation Between Faculty of Biology Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) and SEARCA

News Release Saturday, 13 July 2024

Manila, Philippines – On Thursday, July 11, 2024, a significant meeting took place at The Manila Hotel, marking a new chapter in educational and research collaboration between the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), and the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA). The UGM delegation, led by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, Dean, and Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, officially met with SEARCA’s delegation, headed by Center Director Dr. Glenn Gregorio.

The primary agenda of the meeting was to discuss the possibility of a partnership aimed at advancing educational and research opportunities, contributing to the development of sustainable biodiversity management and agricultural practices in the region. This collaboration is expected to play a crucial role in addressing key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as ending poverty (#endpoverty), ensuring food security (#foodsecurity), and providing access to quality education (#accesstoeducation).

One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the initiation of a joint scholarship program. This program will include academic exchanges, double degree programs, and joint research projects, particularly targeting students from ASEAN countries. The scholarship aims to provide students with the opportunity to gain international experience and knowledge, thereby enhancing their academic and professional capabilities.

Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono emphasized the importance of this collaboration in fostering a new generation of scientists and researchers who are well-equipped to tackle regional and global challenges. “This partnership with SEARCA is a significant step towards achieving our shared goals of sustainable development and educational excellence,” he stated.

Dr. Glenn Gregorio, on behalf of SEARCA, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration. “We are excited to work with UGM in creating opportunities for students and researchers. This partnership will not only benefit the academic community but also contribute to the broader goals of sustainable agriculture and biodiversity management in Southeast Asia,” he said.

In addition to the scholarship discussions, Prof. Dr. Daryono extended an invitation to SEARCA to participate in UGM’s prestigious annual International Conference on Biological Sciences and the Summer Course on Sustainable Tropical Agriculture. These events provide platforms for scholars, researchers, and practitioners to share knowledge and advancements in their respective fields.

The meeting concluded with both parties expressing their commitment to formalizing the partnership and exploring further avenues for collaboration. The joint scholarship program is expected to be launched in the upcoming academic year, with detailed guidelines and application processes to be announced soon.

This initiative is seen as a significant milestone in the efforts to enhance educational and research capacities in the region. By providing students with access to quality education and research opportunities, UGM and SEARCA are contributing to the broader goals of sustainable development and regional cooperation.

The collaboration between UGM and SEARCA is a testament to the power of partnerships in achieving common goals. As both institutions move forward with this initiative, they are setting a precedent for other universities and research centers in the region to follow.

The joint scholarship program and the associated academic events are expected to attract a diverse group of participants, fostering a rich exchange of ideas and innovations. This, in turn, will contribute to the development of sustainable solutions for some of the most pressing challenges facing the region today.

Application of Bioinformatics for Strengthening The PUAPT Food Security Program: The Lecturers from Faculty of Biology UGM Enhance Skills with NGS Training at GSI

News Release Tuesday, 2 July 2024

Yogyakarta, July 1, 2024 – Two lecturers from the Faculty of Biology Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) participated in advanced training on the Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) platform organized by Genomic Solidaritas Indonesia (GSI). This three-day training covered theoretical and practical aspects of using the Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) platform. Participating in this training is a part of the commitment to advancing bioinformatics research in Indonesia. The implementation of High-Performance Computing (HPC) to process large biological datasets aligns with UGM’s research goals, and this training equips researchers with the necessary skills to effectively utilize these advanced tools.

Day 1: Introduction to ONT Platform and Basic Bioinformatics

The first day of the training consisted of theory and practical sessions. The theory session introduced participants to the ONT platform, the latest NGS technology that uses electrical current through nanopore proteins. There was also a demonstration of using the minKNOW software for ONT and EPI2ME LABs for post-NGS data processing. The practical session introduced basic bioinformatics programming using bash, including file systems, post-NGS data reading, file management, software management using Mamba, and de novo alignment techniques.

Day 2: Advanced ONT Features and Data Processing

The second day continued with the theory session on the advantages of ONT over other platforms, particularly the Adaptive Sampling concept, which makes ONT flow cells more efficient and the data obtained more specific. The practical session included assembly, variant calling, annotation, and an introduction to Biopython, a Python package for bioinformatics data processing. The second day training concluded with a lab visit to observe the sequencing infrastructure at GSI Lab.

Day 3: Metagenomic Analysis and Final Project

The final day focused on practical sessions and the final project. Participants learned about 16s Metagenomic Analysis using EPI2ME Labs through the Command Line Interface (CLI). The training concluded with a final project, where participants processed ONT fastq (.fastq) files into bam (.bam) files for further analysis using R Studio or Python.

Importance of NGS Analysis in Supporting Biosecurity Topics to Achieve Food Security

Advancements in NGS tools have significantly enhanced research in life sciences, allowing for more specific and in-depth studies. Understanding the genetic material of organisms is crucial for comprehending their activities and life processes. This is evident in the rapid progress of precision medicine, which reveals individual uniqueness through genetic analysis.

In the PUAPT research program, the Faculty of Biology UGM has mandated biosecurity in land and water management within the Food Security working group. These tools are invaluable for studying the rhizosphere microbiome community, microbe-plant interactions, the impact of microbiomes on fertilizer and pesticide usage, and gene expression differences in food crops under specific land and water management treatments. NGS analysis plays a crucial role in supporting these efforts to achieve sustainable food security, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDGs No.2 of zero hunger, achieving food security and improved nutrition, and SDGs No.13 related to combating climate change to support sustainable agriculture.

Faculty of Biology Lecturer Participates in Book Review on Smart Waste Management with Community in Sidokarto, Godean

Community Service Waste Management Monday, 1 July 2024

Joglo Donowarih, Sidokarto, Godean, Sleman, Special Region of Yogyakarta – On Friday, June 28, 2024, the DIY Regional Library and Archives Office hosted a book review titled “Smart Waste Management with Community” in Sidokarto, Godean. The event drew 120 participants from 7 villages in the Godean sub-district interested in becoming catalysts for waste banks and adopting zero waste practices.

The event was prompted by the closure of the Piyungan Landfill, which led to increased community incineration of waste, heightened air pollution, and potential health risks. In response, the DIY Regional Library and Archives Office organized a book discussion led by Mr. Ir. Twaistrisna Hepiprana S.Pt., M.M., IPM., with opening remarks by Mr. Rakhmat Sutopo, S.E., Head of Static Archive Management at the Regional Library and Archives Office, and a speech by Mr. Sofyan Sertyo Darmawan, ST., M.Eng., a member of the DIY Provincial DPRD.

The book “Smart Waste Management with Community,” authored by Esaputri Purwandari, Yomi Windri Asni, Umdatul Qori’ah, and Muzna Nurhayati, was presented by Mrs. Novita Yustinadiar, S.Si., M.Si., a lecturer from the Laboratory of Plant Structure and Development, Faculty of Biology UGM. It discusses practical waste management approaches based on the experiences of the GEMI cooperative. The discussion highlighted the book’s relevance, clarity, and direct applicability, showcasing successful waste bank initiatives and their effective strategies. The presenter emphasized key points, integrating biological insights, experiences from Japan’s zero waste initiatives, and practical experiences in organic and non-organic waste processing during Community Service in Dusun Sendari.

The discussion continued with a presentation by Mrs. Esaputri Purwandari, S.E., CFP., one of the book’s authors, who shared practical experiences in composting using various accessible methods such as pottery composters, stacked bucket composters, and managing inorganic waste through waste banks, as well as soap-making from used cooking oil to add economic value to waste and enhance community livelihoods.

Interactive discussions during the book event allowed participants to share their experiences and challenges in waste management. Community members expressed keen interest in learning about composting, recycling, and reducing single-use plastics. The discussion underscored the importance of basic environmental literacy and the application of the 5R principles: Refuse (rejecting single-use items), Reduce (minimizing single-use consumption), Reuse (reusing products), Recycle (processing recyclables), and Rot (composting organic waste) to tackle waste issues. It also highlighted three harmful waste practices to avoid: burning waste, burying plastics and metals, and dumping waste into the sea. These practices remain prevalent in the DIY community, necessitating heightened awareness campaigns about their environmental and legal repercussions as stipulated in Law Number 18 of 2008 on Waste Management, which prohibits improper waste burning and carries penalties of imprisonment or fines.

The event aimed to boost community literacy and awareness of sustainable waste management practices. The DIY Regional Library and Archives Office distributed the book for free as an initial step toward achieving these objectives. Similar successful events have been held in various sub-districts across DIY, contributing to broader efforts to disseminate knowledge and skills in effective waste management. The event aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2 (Environmental Sustainability), 3 (Air Pollution), 4 (Basic Literacy), and 5 (Empower Girls), focusing on education for sustainability and community empowerment.

Education on Antioxidant-Rich Food Crops for the Women of the Family Welfare Movement (PKK) in Blotan Village, Wedomartani, Sleman

Community Service Monday, 17 June 2024

[PkM – MBKM] On Saturday, May 18, 2024, The Community Service Independent Learning Independent Campus (PkM-MBKM) team, guided by Prof. Dr. Kumala Dewi, M.Sc.St., conducted an educational event on Antioxidant-Rich Food Crops in Blotan Village, Wedomartani, Sleman. The event was attended by 15 representatives from the PKK group and participated by four students from the Faculty of Biology, namely Cika Aprilia Hendriana, Wafiq Nur Azzizah, Nayla Rasya Nareswari, and Della Thasya L.S.. The event aimed to increase public knowledge about the importance of antioxidant-rich food crops for health.

The event was led by Prof. Dr. Kumala Dewi, M.Sc.St., a plant physiology expert from the Faculty of Biology UGM. She explained in detail about antioxidants and their ability to protect body cells from free radicals, which can cause various diseases such as heart disease, Alzheimer, and Parkinson. In her presentation, Prof. Dr. Kumala Dewi, M.Sc.St., discussed several antioxidant-rich food crops, including colorful fruits and vegetables like purple sweet potatoes, strawberries, purple cabbage, and kale leaves. Many of the participants were unaware that kale is known as a superfood due to its rich nutritional content. It reported that 70 grams of raw kale leaves contain about 33 calories and various essential nutrients, including carbohydrates, fiber, protein, vitamins K, A, and C, and minerals such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, zinc, iron, and phosphorus. Kale also contains omega-3 fatty acids, manganese, thiamin (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3), and various antioxidants, such as beta carotene, flavonoids, and polyphenols. Notably, kale contains high levels of the unique flavonoids quercetin and kaempferol. These nutrients help maintain overall health, including heart health, eye health, diabetes prevention, and cancer management. In the following program, there will be a demonstration of kale cultivation in Blotan Village.

At the end of the presentation, a discussion session was held on the importance of nutritious food to prevent stunting in children. The event also included a hands-on practice of making fruit and vegetable salads rich in antioxidants. This session aimed to allow participants to experience antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables and to understand how to make simple antioxidant-rich salads quickly and easily.

This activity is part of the 2024 PkM-MBKM Program of the Faculty of Biology UGM, titled “Education and Sustainable Cultivation Practices of Food Crops and Fisheries through Urban Agriculture in Blotan Village, Wedomartani, Sleman, Yogyakarta.” This community service activity supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Pillar 2 (zero hunger) and Pillar 12 (responsible consumption and production). It hoped that this activity will continue to improve the quality of life for the community and support SDG pillar 3 (good health and well-being) for all.

Practitioners Lecture On Growth Regulating Substances at The Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Tidar Magelang

Community Service Friday, 7 June 2024

One of the lecturers from the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Prof. Dr. Kumala Dewi MSc.St has given a guest lecture at the practitioner activity for the Growth Regulatory Substances course, at the Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Tidar, Magelang, on Friday 19 April 2024. The general lecture topic is “The Role of Phytohormones in Regulating Plant Growth, Development and Adaptation to Global Climate Change”. In this lecture, Dr. Tri Suwarni Wahyudiningsih, S.Si.,

M.Si. as Vice Dean for General Affairs and Finance, Faculty of Agriculture, Tidar University and instructor of the Growth Regulatory Substances course. Apart from that, there were also members of the team teaching for the Growth Regulatory Substances course, Muzayyanah Rahmiyah S.P., M.Sc. There are 50 students who attend lectures directly in class and 100 other students attend lectures via the links provided online.

Explained by Prof. Dr, Kumala Dewi MSc.St as a resource person about various plant hormones, the function of each hormone and the mechanism of action of hormones in the process of growth, development and resistance of plants to various stresses, both biotic and abiotic. Regarding efforts to mitigate global climate change which results in impacts on agriculture such as increasing the intensity of sunlight, reducing the availability of ground water, the emergence of pests and plant diseases which can disrupt the growth, development and yield of food crops, it is stated that by understanding the work of hormones, efforts can be made for plants that can tolerate various stresses. For example, rice plants that accumulate cytokines can produce more grain due to changes in panicle architecture and an increase in the ability of the grain (in this case the grain) to obtain photosynthetic. In addition, tobacco plants that are able to produce more cytokines are more drought tolerant because they delay leaf senescence.

Students who took part in the lecture were quite enthusiastic in asking several questions during the presentation of the material. Apart from that, there were several quiz questions given to students and students who answered correctly received prizes/mementos from the presenters. At the end of the lecture, one of the student representatives also expressed his thanks for receiving the lecture material on phytohormones and growth regulators. Thanks were also conveyed by Dr. Tri Suwarni Wahyudiningsih, S.Si., M.Si. regarding the lecture material that has been presented. Apart from that, through this lecture it is hoped that students will gain a more detailed understanding of plant hormones and the methods that can be applied to modify plant growth and development. It is hoped that this knowledge about phytohormones and growth regulators can be applied in an effort to obtain plants that are tolerant to various stresses due to global climate change. The presentation of lecture material on phytohormones and growth regulators also supports two of the 17 SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals), namely Zero hunger (Goal 2) and Climate Action (Goal 13). The lecture session ended with a group photo between the speakers, namely Prof, Dr. Kumala Dewi MSc.St., lecturer in the Growth Regulatory Substances course at the Faculty of Agriculture, Tidar University, namely Dr. Tri Suwarni Wahyudiningsih, S.Si., M.Si. and Muzayyanah Rahmiyah S.P., M.Sc. as well as all students who take this course.

PkM-MBKM MICROALGA TEAM Faculty of Biology Carried Out Socialization and Introduction of Spirulina to the Community of Sitimulyo Village, Piyungan, Bantul, D.I. Yogyakarta

Community Service Thursday, 6 June 2024

MBKM Community Service Team (PkM-MBKM) of Class 2024 Faculty of Biology, supervised by Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. with the title “Development of a Biorefinery based on Spirulina Microalgae in Sitimulyo Village, Piyungan District, Bantul” has carried out a series of PkM-MBKM activities in the Sitimulyo Village Community. The team consisting of four students; Seisha Salsabila Rosandi, Muhammad Farrel Zharif Zidane, Finka Aulia, and Salma Rohmaniah, has held a “Workshop on Introduction to Spirulina Cultivation and Production Tools”. This workshop is in collaboration with YAPEKA, a non-profit organization working in the field of conservation, nature conservation education and community empowerment. The PkM MBKM program supports SDG 3 Healthy and Prosperous Life and SDG 17 Partnership to Achieve Goals.

This activity aims to introduce Spirulina to the people of Sitimulyo Village. This activity was attended by village officials and Sitimulyo villagers. The series of activities consisted of socialization about Spirulina and its benefits, a Spirulina Farm tour, and trying Spirulina products directly. Socialization was also explained about the MBKM program that will be carried out in the future.

In the process of implementing the activities, the community was enthusiastic about taking part in the entire series, shown by active participation in conveying questions and opinions. In the future, the public can also learn about Spirulina cultivation on a household scale. It is hoped that the enthusiasm of residents in getting to know Spirulina can be a boost for the sustainability of this program. The hope is that people’s familiarity with Spirulina can make people more interested in cultivating and consuming Spirulina to improve the economic development and public health qualities.

Biology Students Win Bronze Medal and Favorite Poster at National FAPERTA FAIR 5 with Futuristic Innovation for Disease Detection in Rice Plants (Oryza sativa L.)

Achivements News Release Wednesday, 5 June 2024

The issue of pathogens in rice plants is a focus of agricultural empowerment efforts in Indonesia. These pathogens cause disease outbreaks that lead to a decrease in rice productivity. To address this obstacle, some farmers tend to rely on pesticides without noticing the condition of the rice plants. As a result, their efforts were ineffective and posed a threat to environmental health due to chemical pollution from excessive pesticides.

Addressing this issue, Adzkiya Aqmaliza Rahmattillah and Sheva Rimma Dhanty, biology students from the class of 2021, innovated a smartphone-integrated smart scanning application based on Artificial Intelligence called ORYSMART. This application can detect diseases in rice plants and provide treatment recommendations, under the guidance of Dr. Wiko Arif Wibowo, S.Si. ORYSMART was introduced at the FAPERTA FAIR (Futuristic and Prestige Research, Technology, and Art) 5 competition at Dhyana Pura University, Denpasar, Bali, on May 18-19, 2024. In its fifth batch, FAPERTA FAIR carried the theme “The Role of Young Innovators in Facing Global Competition to Welcome Golden Indonesia 2045.” At the event, Adzkiya and Sheva, with ORYSMART, won the Bronze Medal and the Favorite Poster Award in the Technology subtheme as a futuristic innovative solution that can help address diseases in rice plants. With its scanning and recognition capabilities, ORYSMART can detect the type, symptoms, causes, and handling solutions for rice plant diseases. The application offers advanced analysis that combines human and artificial intelligence, providing more accurate disease analysis and effective handling solutions. ORYSMART also facilitates access to consultations with experienced and reliable plant protection experts.

This application aimed to empower rice farmers in Indonesia to manage their fields better and more effectively. Therefore, ORYSMART is designed to be practical and easy to use, especially for users who are not yet familiar with the technology. This innovation is expected to be a significant step in agricultural empowerment in Indonesia, supporting national food security towards Golden Indonesia 2045. This innovation and idea also contribute to achieving SDG 2 (zero hunger) by improving rice productivity, the staple food for most Indonesians. [Author: Sheva Rimma Dhanty]

The Marine Study Group (KSK) Successfully Raises Donations for Al Khusna Orphanage in Gunung Kidul in Celebration of Oceans Day 2024

News Release Student Activities Tuesday, 4 June 2024

Oceans Day is an annual event organized by the Marine Study Group (KSK) Faculty of Biology UGM to commemorate World Oceans Day. This year, KSK Biogama had the opportunity to collaborate with Mr. Parvez Alam. Additionally, KSK Biogama invited children from the Al-Khusna Orphanage to join in a beach clean-up, learn about marine life, and recycle trash they collected. During the Oceans Day events, the UGM Marine Study Group held an open donation drive for the Al-Khusna Orphanage. A total of Rp2,015,116.00 was collected.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who participated and supported this cause. On May 18, 2024, following the Oceans Day event at Slili Beach, Gunungkidul, the donations were delivered to the Al-Khusna Orphanage in Gunung Kidul in the form of cash and basic necessities. We believe that this assistance will be very meaningful for the children at the orphanage and will help them in their daily lives. Every contribution, no matter how small, can make a significant difference in the lives of others. [Author: KSK]

The First Visit of the MBKM Research Team from the Faculty of Biology UGM to PT. Raja Pilar Agrotama (Rajaseed) for the Opening of Research Internships.

News Release Tuesday, 4 June 2024

[MBKM] – Yogyakarta, May 29, 2024 – The Independent Learning Independent Campus (MBKM) Research Team Faculty of Biology 2024, led by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr. Sc., titled “Genetic Stability Analysis and Viability Identification of Indonesian Local Melon Seeds,”visited PT. Raja Pilar Agrotama, also known as Rajaseed. The visit was attended by Maximus Jonathan Salim, Rafferty Reyhan, Laksita Chesarina, Haris Dwi Nugroho, and Ihsanti Tsania Fajriati, along with their supervisor, Dian Sartika, M.Sc. The visit aimed to provide the MBKM research team insights into seed production procedures and quality control (QC) at PT. Raja Pilar Agrotama.

The session began with introductions and a welcome from Mr. Warsito Nurtiyasno, Head of Research and Development and representative of PT. Raja Pilar Agrotama. He explained the company profile of PT. Raja Pilar Agrotama. Next, he provided fundamental education on seed production and QC. He emphasized the importance of partnerships between seed producers and farmers to ensure sustainable production. Mr. Warsito explained that viable seeds must undergo a series of processes, such as extraction, cleaning, moisture reduction, sorting, and storage. He highlighted key quality parameters such as seed moisture content, purity percentage, and germination capacity. A lively question and answer session covered seed identification methods and optimal environmental conditions for seed storage. The session concluded with documentation.

This visit is expected to equip the MBKM Research Team with valuable knowledge and enhance collaboration with PT. Raja Pilar Agrotama. Moreover, the MBKM Research activities contribute to achieving IKU 2 (Off-Campus MBKM) for the Faculty of Biology UGM and support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including goals such as No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Quality Education, Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and Partnership for the Goals.

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