SDG 3 : Establish Good Health and Well-Being

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SDG 3 : Establish Good Health and Well-Being

UGM Biology Students Win Silver Medal at International Competition with Red Bean-Based Food Innovation

Achivements Monday, 13 January 2025

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – A team of students from the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), comprising Muhammad Faris Khiar Calosa and Ridho Nur Alam, successfully secured a silver medal at the International Youth Summit 2024. The prestigious international essay competition took place on November 9-10, 2024, at Universiti Putera Malaysia, Malaysia, where hundreds of participants from various countries showcased their innovations across multiple categories.

The UGM Biology team competed in the Food category, presenting Boba Bean: An Innovative Instant Red Bean Beverage for Anemia Prevention Among Adolescents. This innovative idea captivated the international panel of judges through its creative approach, combining a science-based nutritional solution with current food trends popular among adolescents.
Through meticulous preparation and interdisciplinary collaboration with team members from the Faculties of Cultural Sciences, Engineering, and Pharmacy, the UGM team stood out among competitors, earning this prestigious recognition.

The Boba Bean offers an instant red bean-based beverage rich in plant-based iron and designed to appeal to younger generations who enjoy trendy beverages. By utilizing natural ingredients such as red beans, tapioca flour, and coconut sugar, this product provides a practical solution for increasing daily iron intake and preventing anemia, particularly among adolescent girls who face a high prevalence of this condition. Beyond its nutritional benefits, Boba Bean also excels in flavor and texture, aligning with the preferences of today’s youth.

This achievement highlights not only the research quality of UGM Biology students but also the ability of Indonesia’s younger generation to contribute meaningful solutions to global challenges through relevant and impactful innovations. Specifically, this project supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2: Zero Hunger, by offering a nutritious food alternative to prevent anemia, and SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being.

[Writer: Ridho Nur Alam]

Biology Students Win First Place in UGM Cendekia Days Essay Competition with Innovation on Sustainable Electric Nanogenerator

Achivements Student Activities Tuesday, 31 December 2024

Kotimah, an undergraduate student from the 2022 cohort of the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), secured a remarkable achievement by winning first place in the Essay Competition held during Cendekia Days 2024, organized by UGM’s Cendekia Teknika. Khotimah collaborated with Rahayu Murti Ayuningtyas from the 2022 cohort of the Faculty of Engineering in the ”Biochem” team.

The Cendekia Days Essay Competition is an annual event aiming to promote critical thinking and innovation among students. The 2024 competition carried the theme: “Digital Native, Green Activists: Synergy for a Better Planet.” Participants could choose from sub-themes including energy and the environment, food security, technology and digitalization, creative industries, education, and sustainable development. The event seeks to broaden students’ knowledge in science and technology, foster innovative attitudes, and cultivate their roles as agents of change in advancing green technology for a sustainable future.

The competition, including registration and essay submission, took place from September 21 to October 12, 2024. The finalists were announced on October 26, 2024, with the top eight teams advancing to the final presentation stage on November 10, 2024, followed by the awarding ceremony on November 16, 2024. Among 152 submissions, Team Biochem achieved the highest score during the initial essay evaluation. Team Biochem successfully maintained its leading position and was ultimately awarded First Place.

The Biochem team’s essay focused on the energy and environment sub-theme, presenting their innovative concept of a Sustainable Electric Nanogenerator (SENG). SENG is a groundbreaking green energy solution designed to convert wasted mechanical energy into electricity. The innovation addresses critical environmental challenges, particularly those arising from the hydrodesulfurization process in petroleum refining, which poses significant risks of releasing hazardous per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) into ecosystems. These substances are associated with severe health risks, including cancer, immune system damage, and miscarriages.

The SENG innovation is polymer-based and sulfur-rich, offering three key advantages: economic feasibility, sustainability, and environmentally friendly performance. This breakthrough demonstrates the potential for transformative contributions in renewable energy technologies, aligning with global efforts to address pressing environmental issues.

Author: Kotimah

Biology Student Win Second Place in Biology Scientific Writing Competition with Innovation on Polyethylene Biodegradation Using Bacterial Enzymes

Achivements Student Activities Tuesday, 31 December 2024

Yogyakarta – Kotimah, an undergraduate student from the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), has once again achieved a remarkable achievement by securing Second Place in the Biology Scientific Writing Competition. The event was themed “Enhancing the Role of Students in Building a Golden Indonesia 2045 through the Synergy of Culture, Innovative Education, and Ethics to Shape a Quality and Integrity-Driven Young Generation.” with sub-themes that aligned with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The competition, including registration and essay submission, took place from August 12 to September 25, 2024. The finalists were announced on October 10, 2024, with the top 3 essays advancing to the final presentation stage and awards ceremony on October 17, 2024, at Universitas Siliwangi in Tasikmalaya.

Kotimah’s essays address the global issue of plastic waste, particularly non-biodegradable polyethylene, which constitutes 35% of annual plastic production. With approximately half of all plastic products being single-use items, polyethylene waste contributes significantly to environmental degradation. Its natural decomposition can take over 500 years, during which microplastics form, disrupting ecosystems and accumulating in organisms. Current disposal methods, such as incineration and chemical degradation, often release toxic substances and require costly catalysts, further complicating the issue.

To tackle this challenge, Kotimah developed a novel approach utilizing lipase enzymes from microorganisms to biodegrade polyethylene. These lipase enzymes, sourced from the anaerobic bacterium Pelosinus fermentans, demonstrated the capability to initiate polyethylene biodegradation.

This environmentally friendly solution presents numerous benefits, such as the ability to be mass-produced using renewable resources while remaining non-toxic, effective, and sustainable. By utilizing biological methods, Kotimah’s innovation provides a viable alternative for addressing the environmental challenges posed by plastic waste.

Author: Kotimah

Farewell of Student Exchange Students for Odd Semester of Academic Year 2024/2025 Faculty of Biology UGM

News Release Student Activities Tuesday, 17 December 2024

Yogyakarta, December 13, 2024 – Faculty of Biology Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held a farewell event for Student Exchange Program students on Friday, December 13, 2024, at Bong O Bong Grill, Gejayan. The event was attended by the Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, M.Sc., Head of Undergraduate Study Program Sukirno, M.Sc., Ph.D., Head of International Undergraduate Program, Nur Indah Septriani, M.Sc., Ph.D., Manager of Office of International Affairs, Tyas Ikhsan Hikmawan, M.S., Ph.D., several representatives of lecturers, namely Mrs. Rina Sri Kasiamdari, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., Dr. Miftahul Ilmi, M.Sc., and Mukhlish Jamal Musa Holle M.Env.Sc, D.Phil., and some academic staff.

The event was opened by the Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, M.Sc., who in his speech expressed his high appreciation to the students who had participated in this exchange program. He emphasized the importance of international experience as a strategic step for academic and personal development, as well as broadening students’ global horizons.

The Head of the Undergraduate Study Program Sukirno, M.Sc., Ph.D., on this occasion hoped that this student exchange program could continue to be implemented in the future, providing greater benefits for students and strengthening academic relations between universities in various countries.

The event took place in a warm and lively atmosphere, where one of the representatives of the exchange students, Nur Asma’ binti Mohd Asri, expressed her gratitude in Javanese for the opportunity given through this program.

This year, the Faculty of Biology UGM accepted 11 exchange students from Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, and Toyo University. This program is a real proof of the efforts of the Faculty of Biology UGM in strengthening international networks and opening wider learning opportunities for students. The Faculty of Biology UGM hopes that cooperation with international universities will continue and grow, providing benefits for all parties involved. [Aulia]

Year-End Evaluation and Member Deliberation of Formasigen 2024

Student Activities Monday, 16 December 2024

On Friday, December 13, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM WIB, the Year-End Evaluation and Member Deliberation of Formasigen were held at the Genetics and Breeding Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, UGM. The activity was attended by Mrs. Ganies Riza Aristya, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., the Formasigen supervisor, the 2024 Formasigen team, and prospective members of the 2025 Formasigen team. This event served as a platform to review the Formasigen Bylaws and Articles of Association (AD/ART), evaluate the performance over the past year, and conduct a member deliberation to elect the 2025 Formasigen Chair. The objectives included updating the AD/ART based on recent agreements, monitoring the work programs carried out by the GenomCity Cabinet, identifying challenges encountered throughout the management period, providing constructive feedback and recommendations for program improvement, enhancing the quality of future work programs, and determining the next Formasigen Chair.

The event began with an opening by the MC, Enjang Sekaryati Prasetyaningrum, who served as the Head of the Public Relations and Networking Division of the 2024 GenomCity Cabinet. This was followed by a review of the AD/ART led by the first presidium, Muhammad Sena Budiman, and the second presidium, Ihsanti Tsania Fajriati. During this session, articles in the AD/ART were reviewed and updated to align with current conditions and ensure relevance for future management periods. After this session, there was a break for prayer, lunch, and rest.

The activity continued with the Year-End Evaluation and Member Deliberation. Before starting this session, remarks were delivered by Mrs. Ganies Riza Aristya, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., who expressed gratitude to the 2024 Formasigen management team for fulfilling their responsibilities well. She also emphasized that the evaluations presented during this session should serve as valuable lessons for the next management team. Furthermore, she extended her encouragement and congratulations to the candidates for the 2025 Formasigen Chair and management team. Following the remarks, presentations were conducted by the heads of each division to report on the work programs implemented throughout the year, along with evaluations and suggestions for improvement. The presentation began with the Chair, followed by the Secretary and Treasurer, and continued with the heads of the PSDM (Human Resources Development), Scientific, Household, Public Relations and Networking, and Media and Information Divisions.

The event then proceeded with the 2024 Member Deliberation. This session included the introduction and presentation of visions and missions by the candidates for the 2025 Formasigen Chair, Denianto Agung Wicaksono, Muhammad Meshal Ramdhayesa, and Muhammad Rafi Fairuza. A question-and-answer session was held with the 2024 Formasigen team and the prospective 2025 team. Subsequently, a deliberation was conducted to elect the chair. The announcement of the elected 2025 Formasigen Chair, Denianto Agung Wicaksono, followed, along with the handover of responsibilities from the 2024 Chair to the 2025 Chair. The event concluded with a documentation session and a closing. [Author: Formasigen]

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).

Biology Student Team Achieved Silver Medal (3rd Runner Up) Essay in the International Biology Competition (MIBC) 2024

Achivements Friday, 6 December 2024

The Faculty of Biology of Gadjah Mada University student team consisting of Feny Nur Nucfera (Biology 2021), Allya Heni Pramesti (Biology 2021), and Cindy Adisty Rudi Ananda Putri (Biology 2021) achieved 3rd Runner Up in the essay competition at the International Biology Competition (MIBC) 2024. International Biology Competition (MIBC) 2024 is a global scientific competition organized by the biology master program of UIN Maulana Malik Ibrahim Malang from October 8 to December 1, 2024. This global scientific competition was attended by more than 100 teams of both undergraduate (S1) and master (S2) students nationally and internationally. The competition with the theme “Innovative Scientific Solutions for Sustainable Development” aims to foster the interest of the younger generation in the field of research and scientific writing. The competition encourages students to develop skills in research, analysis, and scientific writing by utilizing technological advances to support sustainable development in accordance with the goals of Indonesia Emas 2045.

With a background in biology, the UGM Biology Student Team used a Biotechnology approach in their scientific paper entitled “GenPlast Solver: Genetic Engineering for PETase Gene Insertion in Lactobacillus sp. as a Smart Solution to the Plastic Waste Problem”. The background of this work is the increasing global plastic waste problem with global plastic production reaching 400 million tons per year and Indonesia being the second largest contributor to plastic waste in the world. Only 9% of plastic waste is successfully recycled. Current plastic waste management methods such as incineration and recycling have constraints, namely technology and public awareness. Plastic waste has a negative impact on human health and ecosystems. Therefore, it is necessary to develop environmentally friendly biotechnology-based innovations to address the global plastic waste problem.

One of the innovations raised by the team is the GenPlast Solver culture starter based on genetic engineering to tackle plastic waste efficiently. This idea explores the potential of genetic engineering techniques by inserting the PETase gene from Ideonella sakainensis into gram-positive bacteria Lactobacillus sp. as a solution to degrade plastic waste. The PETase enzyme derived from Ideonella sakaiensis showed much higher activity in degrading PET (polyethylene terephthalate) plastic compared to other enzymes. This makes it a promising candidate for bioremediation efforts. However, the growth of Ideonella sakaiensis has a negative impact on the environment. Lactobacillus compared to Ideonella sakainensis has the advantages of resistance to high salinity and adaptability to environmental pH, making it more suitable for direct application in ecosystems. The engineering process includes isolation of PETase gene, cloning into expression vector, transformation into Lactobacillus sp. and optimization of gene expression. The final product is a genetically modified Lactobacillus sp. starter culture that can be applied in the treatment of plastic waste in industries and landfills. This innovation offers a sustainable green technology approach (SDGs 3, 4 & 12), supports the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions (SDGs 13), and creates new economic opportunities through the production of GenPlast Solver-based starter cultures (SDGs 8). [Author: Feny Nur Nucfera]

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.

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