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SDG 3 : Establish Good Health and Well-Being

UGM Faculty of Biology Launches MBKM Program to Raise Awareness and Independence in Inorganic Waste Management

Community Service Saturday, 1 November 2025

Yogyakarta, October 23, 2025 – The Faculty of Biology at Gadjah Mada University (UGM) held a community service program as part of the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) initiative with the theme “Inorganic Waste Management.” This initiative aims to enhance public understanding of the negative impacts of inorganic waste and the importance of independent and sustainable waste management to support SDGs 11 (Sustainable Cities), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and 13 (Climate Action).


The Piyungan Landfill, which was permanently closed on May 1, 2024, due to exceeding its capacity, is one example of the waste management issues in Yogyakarta and its surrounding areas. Before its closure, this landfill received around 742 tons of waste per day, far exceeding its ideal capacity of only 650 tons per day. As a result, waste piled up in depots and on roads, creating environmental and public health problems.

In facing this waste emergency, the community is expected to play an active role in waste management at the household and neighborhood levels. The PkM-MBKM team from the Faculty of Biology, consisting of Anissah Qurrotu Aini, Alma Puska Falasyifa, and Hafifah Nur Ainiyah, guided by Mrs. Novita Yustinadiar, S.Si., M.Si., provided education and practical skills to the community in waste management, so that they can reduce their dependence on landfills and manage waste independently.

This community service program was attended by women members of the GEMI Cooperative in Grojokan Hamlet, Witokerto, Bangungapan, Bantul. The activity began with an educational session on the types of inorganic waste, mistakes in managing inorganic waste, and its impact on health and the environment. One of the topics discussed was microplastics, small particles that originate from plastic waste and can pollute the environment and enter the food chain.
The community also participated in practical training on making sofa cushions from plastic waste and flower decorations from used plastic bottles. This activity aimed to show that inorganic waste can be recycled into useful and potentially economically valuable products, while educating the community about the principles of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle (3R).

As part of efforts to improve air quality, participants also received plants that absorb air pollution. These plants are expected to help reduce the negative impact of air pollution, including that caused by the improper burning of waste.

Through this program, the Faculty of Biology at UGM hopes to encourage changes in community behavior in waste management, thereby creating a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable environment.

Environmental Acoustics and Sound System Arrangement Techniques for Worship House in Sardonoharjo, Ngaglik, Sleman by the PkM-MBKM Team of the Faculty of Biology, UGM.

Community Service Wednesday, 29 October 2025

by the PkM-MBKM Team of the Faculty of Biology UGM

Development based on human ego satisfaction, through the exploitation of natural resources, often results in widespread environmental degradation. Development not only transforms natural landscapes into artificial areas such as residential, agricultural, and industrial areas, but also alters the quality of water, soil, and air. Likewise airspace, besides being a source of life for humans, it is serves also as a space for anthropogenic and non-anthropogenic acoustic communication. Currently, airspace is filled with artificial sounds, resulting in various forms of noise and silence has even become a rare commodity. This program is based on issues related to environmental acoustics.


In 2025, the Community Service Team-Independent Learning Independent Campus (PkM-MBKM) Faculty of Biology UGM led by Susilo Hadi and assisted by three students consisting of Qodriyah Nur Kharisma, Aisyah Eka Nurjanah and Rifda Qonita, implemented a program on Acoustic Ecology and sound system arrangement of worship places, mainly in mosque and mushola. In some places, especially in urban areas, the disharmony of volume of speaker sound from mosques can cause social conflict. The locus of this activity was carried out in Sardonoharjo, Ngaglik, Sleman. This program consists of two main activities, namely an environmental acoustic survey and socialization on proper sound system arrangement in accordance with ethical criteria from the government and acoustic aesthetics related to loudspeakers in mosques and mushola.

Environmental acoustic data collection was conducted in August 2025 consisting of acoustic recording and measuring sound intensity (decibel meter) between ambient environmental acoustics, as a control, and volume of loudspeakers  during the call to prayer (adzan) and other activities within mosques and mushola. In summary, the data obtained showed a striking difference between the ambient environmental acoustics as a control, around 40 dB, compared to the average intensity of the call to prayer in mosques and mushola in the study area of ​​80 dB. However, based on government criteria the sound intensity is still within the limits tolerated by the rules ( Surat Edaran of the Ministry of Religious Affairs: SE 05/2022).

Meanwhile, the socialization activity for sound system settings for places of worship was held on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at mushola  in Manongsari Kring Rejosari,  Sardonoharjo. A number of representatives from mosque and mushola aministrators (Ta’mir) were invited. The activity, attended by 20 participants. Start with a socialization on environmental acoustics conducted by a team from the Faculty of Biology and the second part related to sound system setting techniques presented specifically by Mr. Riyana, as an audio engineering practitioner. This activity was interesting because the all participants gave feedback each other and shared experiences related to the use of sound systems in every place of worship. In general, this socialization activity is important as a space to align perceptions about government regulations regarding the use of loudspeakers and share knowledge related to the correct and aesthetic audio arrangement in places of worship.

The entire PkM-MBKM program is carried out over two semesters, namely the Even Semester of the 2024/2025 Academic Year and the Odd Semester of the 2025/2026 Academic Year. This program is also carried out in order to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG number 3 Healthy and Prosperous Lives; 11 Sustainable Cities and Settlements; and SDG 15 Terrestrial Ecosystems.

The 9th International Conference on Biological Science (ICBS) 2025: Unraveling Biodiversity through Multi-Omics Integration from Genes to Ecosystems

News Release Monday, 20 October 2025

Yogyakarta, October 17–18, 2025 — The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, proudly hosts The 9th International Conference on Biological Science (ICBS) 2025 on October 17–18, 2025, at Main Ballroom Loman Park Hotel, Yogyakarta. This prestigious international conference brings together more than 200 participants from various national and international institutions, including academics, researchers, students, and professionals in the field of biological sciences.


The conference was officially opened by Prof. Dr. Danang Sri Hadmoko, S.Si., M.Sc., Vice-Rector for Research, Business Development, and Cooperation, Universitas Gadjah Mada, and Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., Dean of the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada.

In his welcoming remarks, Dr. rer. nat. Abdul Rahman Siregar, S.Si., M.Biotech, as the Chair of ICBS 2025, explained that this year’s theme, “Unraveling Biodiversity through Multi-Omics Integration: From Genes to Ecosystems,” reflects the spirit of bridging molecular and ecological sciences to uncover the complexity of life on Earth. Through the integration of various omics approaches—such as genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics—scientists aim to gain deeper insights into the vital roles of biodiversity in maintaining ecosystem resilience and supporting human well-being.

Dr. Abdul also expressed his appreciation to all partners and participants for their support in the organization of this event. He emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary and international scientific collaboration in addressing global challenges in the field of biology, including climate change, environmental degradation, and food security.

ICBS 2025 serves as a scientific platform for sharing research findings and discussing the latest developments in biotechnology, genomics, ecology, conservation, and the application of multi-omics approaches to understanding biodiversity across different levels of biological organization.

This year’s conference features two distinguished keynote speakers:

  • Dr. Thomas Sicheritz Ponten, Center for Evolutionary Hologenomics, The Globe Institute – Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Denmark; and
  • Thorunn Helgason, Chair in Ecology, School of Biological Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Scotland.

In addition, ICBS 2025 presents invited speakers from leading institutions across the world, including:

  • Prof. Dr. Bent Petersen, Center for Evolutionary Hologenomics, The Globe Institute – University of Copenhagen, Denmark;
  • Dra. Tuty Arisuryanti, M.Sc., Ph.D., Department of Tropical Biology, Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada;
  • Chiharu Nakashima, Ph.D., Graduate School of Bioresources, Mie University, Japan;
  • Madya Ts. Dr. Muhammad Abdul Latiff Bin Abu Bakar, Faculty of Applied Sciences and Technology, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia; and
  • Riza Arief Putranto, D.E.A., Indonesian Oil Palm Research Institute (IOPRI), RPN Holding PTPN III.

The conference is structured into three main sessions: Keynote Session, Plenary Session, and Parallel Session. Through these sessions, the 80 presenters share their research findings and engage in scientific discussions addressing the challenges and opportunities of applying multi-omics approaches to biodiversity conservation and ecosystem management.

Beyond its scientific objectives, ICBS 2025 also contributes to the advancement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly:

SDG 13: Climate Action – promoting research on adaptation and mitigation to climate change,

SDG 14: Life Below Water and SDG 15: Life on Land – supporting biodiversity conservation and sustainable management of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems,

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – advancing biotechnological and genomic research that benefits human and environmental health, and

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – fostering global scientific collaboration among Universitas Gadjah Mada, the Consortium of Indonesian Biologists (KOBI), and Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia.

ICBS 2025 is expected to strengthen interdisciplinary and international collaboration in addressing global challenges such as climate change, ecosystem degradation, and biodiversity loss. With the spirit of innovation and cooperation, this conference reaffirms the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada’s commitment to advancing tropical biology research and supporting sustainability initiatives in alignment with the university’s role as a Sustainability University.

Bioinformatics Workshop ICBS 2025: Exploring Metagenome Analysis and Phage Mining with an Expert from the University of Copenhagen

News Release Thursday, 16 October 2025

Yogyakarta, October 16, 2025 — The series of Pre-Conference Workshops of the 9th International Conference on Biological Sciences (ICBS) 2025 continued with the Bioinformatics Workshop under the theme “Metagenome Analysis and Phage Mining.”


The workshop took place at the Teaching Laboratory, 2nd floor of the Sinar Mas Building, Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), from 08.00 to 15.30 WIB. The event was opened by Lucia Arum Sekar as the master of ceremonies, followed by the main session delivered by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bent Petersen from the Center for Evolutionary Hologenomics, University of Copenhagen.

In his presentation, Dr. Bent Petersen introduced various bioinformatics approaches used to interpret metagenomic data, including the identification of phages (bacteria-infecting viruses) and their applications in health, environmental studies, and biotechnology.
A key highlight of the session was the introduction to KBase (the Department of Energy Systems Biology Knowledgebase) a collaborative online platform for efficiently analyzing and integrating genomic data.
Through live demonstrations, participants learned how to process sequencing data, perform gene annotation, and explore functional relationships among microorganisms using the latest bioinformatics tools and databases.

“The ability to understand and interpret genomic data is fundamental in modern biological research. This workshop helps prepare young Indonesian researchers to contribute at the global level,” said Dr. Bent Petersen.

The workshop was attended by participants from diverse academic and research backgrounds who showed great enthusiasm in learning about metagenome analysis and phage mining as innovative approaches to understanding microbial ecology. Through a combination of theoretical and practical sessions, this activity not only strengthened participants’ competencies in bioinformatics but also fostered interdisciplinary and international research collaboration.

In accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this workshop contributes to SDG 4 (Quality Education) by enhancing academic capacity and digital literacy in bioinformatics; SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) through the application of data analysis technologies and collaborative platforms such as KBase; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by strengthening cooperation between the Faculty of Biology UGM and the University of Copenhagen. Moreover, the utilization of metagenomic insights in environmental research also supports SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 15 (Life on Land), promoting the balance and sustainability of microbial biodiversity.

Through this event, the Faculty of Biology UGM reaffirms its commitment to advancing bioinformatics research and expanding international academic collaboration to foster sustainable scientific innovation.

#ICBS2025 #FakultyOfBiologyUGM #BioinformaticsWorkshop #UniversityofCopenhagen #MetagenomeAnalysis #PhageMining #KBase #SDG4 #SDG9 #SDG14 #SDG15 #SDG17 #GlobalCollaboration #GenomicInnovation #SustainableScience

Faculty of Biology UGM Hosts Oxford Nanopore Technology Workshop as the Opening Event of ICBS 2025

News Release Thursday, 16 October 2025

Yogyakarta, 15 October 2025 — The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), held the first day of the Pre-Conference Workshop as part of the 9th International Conference on Biological Sciences (ICBS) 2025. The workshop carried the theme “Hands-on Library Preparation for Metagenome Long-Read Sequencing using Oxford Nanopore Technology.”


Held at the Teaching Laboratory, 2nd Floor of the Sinar Mas Building, Faculty of Biology UGM, the workshop was organized in collaboration with Integrated Genome Factory (IGF) and Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) as key partners. This program provided participants with a direct hands-on experience in library preparation for metagenomic analysis using the latest long-read sequencing technology.

The workshop, which took place from 08.00 to 17.00 WIB, was attended by at least 25 participants from various academic and research institutions who were enthusiastic about deepening their knowledge in biotechnology and genomics. Through a practical, hands-on approach, participants were guided through each critical stage, from DNA extraction and quantification to sample preparation for sequencing.

The event began with an opening remark by Mr. Aditya Aryandi S., S.Si., M.Sc., representing Integrated Genome Factory (IGF), who expressed appreciation for the strategic collaboration between IGF and the Faculty of Biology UGM in introducing advanced sequencing technologies to Indonesia’s academic community.
The opening continued with a welcoming address from Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Alumni, who emphasized the importance of mastering modern genomic technologies to advance molecular biology research in Indonesia.

“Oxford Nanopore Technology opens vast opportunities for microbial biodiversity and bioprospecting research in Indonesia. We hope participants not only understand the concepts but are also able to apply them directly in the laboratory,” stated Dr. Eko.

In addition to the laboratory practice session, the workshop also featured an introduction to Oxford Nanopore Technologies, highlighting the principles and advantages of real-time sequencing and its potential applications in genomic, metagenomic, and molecular diagnostic research.

In accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this workshop contributes to several global objectives. It supports SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) by promoting the use of genomic technologies in health and biotechnology research, and SDG 4 (Quality Education) by enhancing the capacity of students and young researchers. It also aligns with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) through the application of advanced sequencing technologies that strengthen scientific innovation. Furthermore, the metagenomic approaches introduced in this program contribute to SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 15 (Life on Land) by encouraging the exploration and conservation of microbial biodiversity. By fostering collaboration among academia, industry, and global research partners such as Oxford Nanopore Technologies, this event also reflects SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals), emphasizing the importance of international cooperation for sustainable scientific advancement.

As the opening event of the 9th ICBS, this workshop marks an important step in strengthening the capacity of young scientists and fostering genomic research collaboration in Indonesia. The Faculty of Biology UGM remains committed to advancing innovation and the application of cutting-edge technologies in the fields of genomics and bioinformatics.

#ICBS2025 #FakultasBiologiUGM #OxfordNanopore #IntegratedGenomeFactory #BioinformaticsWorkshop #Metagenomics #GenomicInnovation #SDG3 #SDG4 #SDG9 #SDG14 #SDG15 #SDG17 #SustainableScience #ResearchForSustainability

Monitoring the Development of KUB Local Superior Chicken Breeds in Wedomartani, Ngemplak, Sleman, Yogyakarta

Community ServiceNews Release Thursday, 16 October 2025

As a follow-up to the outreach activity entitled “Selection and Production of Superior Local Chicken Breeds Based on the Wedomartani Community, Ngemplak, Sleman” held on July 28, 2025, the Community Partner Team of the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, represented by Dr. med. vet. Hendry Saragih, M.P. and Dr. Ardaning Nuriliani, S.Si., M.Kes., in collaboration with the Government of Wedomartani Village, conducted a monitoring activity on the development of the superior local chicken breed KUB (Kampung Unggul Balitbangtan). In the previous activity, a total of 48 KUB chickens were distributed to 16 representatives of farmer groups from several hamlets in Wedomartani, with each group receiving one male and two female chickens. This initiative represents a tangible implementation of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through cross-institutional collaboration aimed at strengthening community capacity based on scientific knowledge and appropriate technology.
The monitoring was conducted to assess the growth, health, and performance of the KUB chickens, which are now approximately five months old. Field observations showed that all distributed chickens are healthy, well-nourished, and highly adaptable to their rearing environment. The monitoring process was carried out participatively, involving representatives of farmer groups, the community partner team, and Mr. R. Rohmad Gunawan Hardono, S.Pd., the Carik (Village Secretary) of Wedomartani. Mr. Rohmad actively supervised and provided guidance to the beneficiaries. This effort supports the achievement of SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by ensuring the availability of sustainable and high-quality animal protein sources at the household level.
In addition to ensuring the success of the breeding program, this activity also serves as a continuous educational platform for the community in aspects such as feed management, biosecurity, and maintenance of superior local chicken breeds. By enhancing farmers’ skills and understanding, the program is expected to improve productivity and the sustainability of small-scale poultry enterprises in Wedomartani. Through its participatory and educational approach, this initiative contributes to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) by creating new economic opportunities and increasing rural household income through independent and competitive poultry farming.
The development program of KUB chickens also has a significant social and public health impact. With the availability of affordable and nutritious animal protein sources, this initiative is expected to help improve family nutrition and support healthy and prosperous living, aligning with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). In the coming months, the chickens are expected to enter the egg-laying and breeding phase, producing offspring that can be further developed as new superior local breeds to strengthen local food security. Overall, this activity serves as a model of community empowerment that integrates scientific knowledge, local wisdom, and the principles of sustainable development at the grassroots level.

Contributors: Ardaning Nuriliani, Hendry Saragih, and R. Rohmad Gunawan Hardono.

Training on Making Natural Hair Oil and Hand Gel by the PkM-MBKM Team of the Faculty of Biology UGM in Segoroyoso, Pleret, Bantul

Community ServiceNews Release Wednesday, 15 October 2025

The 2025 Community Service – Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (PkM-MBKM) Team from the Faculty of Biology UGM, led by Woro Anindito Sri Tunjung, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., held an event themed “Training on Making Natural Hair Oil and Hand Gel for the Community” in RT 1 (Dahromo Indah group) and RT 3 (Cempaka group), Segoroyoso, Pleret, Bantul, Yogyakarta. This activity was presented by a student team consisting of Lusiyana Prihatini, Zahra Karimah Nuha, Kholish Naufal Pamungkas, and Elisabeth Kurniawati, with support from the technical team. The interactive event was attended by 15 members of the GEMI partner forum (Women’s Economic Movement) and two GEMI administrators, who actively supported this community empowerment activity.


The event took place on Monday, October 13, 2025, from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM, at the home of Mrs. Zanimah (RT 1). The session began with socialization about the contents and benefits of lemongrass and aloe vera as natural body care ingredients. Participants learned that lemongrass contains essential oils that can reduce dandruff and itching, cool the scalp, and provide a naturally fresh aroma to their hair. Meanwhile, aloe vera is rich in gel containing vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds that moisturize and nourish the skin and hair.

The next session was a hands-on practice of making natural hair oil and hand gel. Three demonstrations were conducted: (1) making hair oil from Aloe vera mixed with olive oil, (2) making hand gel from Aloe vera and lime juice mixed with alcohol as a natural antiseptic, and (3) making hair oil from lemongrass and cloves, heated together with oil, then adding vitamin E, which functions as an antioxidant to extend product shelf life.

The activity was highly interactive, with a Q&A session covering ingredient variations, additional benefits, and product shelf-life. The most active participant received a door prize, which boosted the spirit of the event. As a form of program sustainability, each participant also received aloe vera and lemongrass seedlings to plant at home, so they could immediately put the training material into practice at home.

The PkM-MBKM program is part of the Faculty of Biology UGM’s commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). The activity is designed to run for two semesters, namely the Even Semester of the 2024/2025 Academic Year and the Odd Semester of the 2025/2026 Academic Year, as a continuous effort to educate the community on the independent and sustainable use of natural ingredients.

 

Herbal and Aromatherapy Education: UGM Faculty of Biology PkM-MBKM Team Promotes Health Innovation in Pajangan Hamlet, Wedomartani, Ngemplak, Sleman, Yogyakarta

Community ServiceNews Release Monday, 13 October 2025

The 2025 Community Service – Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (PkM-MBKM) Team of the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), successfully conducted an educational program in Pajangan Hamlet, Wedomartani, Ngemplak, Sleman, under the title “Health Innovation through the Making of Aromatherapy Candles and Sharing Healthy Herbal Drink Recipes.” This program aimed to enhance community knowledge and skills in utilizing herbal ingredients for health and well-being—aligned with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) No. 3: Good Health and Well-Being and No. 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. The team consisted of five active Biology students from the class of 2022, supervised by Dr. Ardaning Nuriliani, S.Si., M.Kes and partner Mr. Gunardi, S.Si.


The event took place on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Masjid Jami’ Darussalam, Pajangan Hamlet. The session began with educational talks delivered by Ghefira Nur Fatimah and Nimas Ayu Pramesthi, focusing on two main topics: techniques for making aromatherapy candles and healthy herbal drink recipes. During the hands-on session, participants practiced making aromatherapy candles using natural essential oils such as lavender, lemon, peppermint, and lemongrass. The participants enthusiastically created candles of their own preferences. Beyond serving as air fresheners, aromatherapy candles also help promote relaxation, enhance focus, improve sleep quality, and support meditation and emotional balance. In addition, participants were introduced to various easy-to-make herbal drink recipes designed for home preparation. Each recipe was selected based on its health benefits, such as boosting immunity, aiding detoxification, and maintaining metabolic balance. Thus, participants gained not only theoretical understanding but also practical skills that can be directly applied in daily life. Each participant brought home their own handmade aromatherapy candle as a symbol of the new knowledge and skills they had gained—supporting SDG No. 4: Quality Education.

This program is expected to bring direct benefits to the residents of Pajangan Hamlet while serving as an inspiration for sustainable collaboration between academia and local communities. Through such partnerships, the Faculty of Biology UGM reaffirms its commitment to promoting SDG No. 17: Partnerships for the Goals. With a spirit of sustainability and innovation, the PkM-MBKM Team of the Faculty of Biology UGM demonstrates how scientific knowledge can be applied in real life to improve community well-being.

Contributors: Ardaning Nuriliani, Chelsy Ammara Septiani, Meinawa Amaliah, Nimas Ayu Pramesthi, Syifa Aneira, and Muhammad Fathin Setya Daffa.

The 2025 UGM Biology Community Service Program (PKM-MBKM) Team Holds Outreach on the Relationship Between Mental and Physical Health and Free Health Checks in Pajangan Hamlet, Wedomartani, Ngemplak, Sleman, Yogyakarta

Community ServiceNews Release Thursday, 2 October 2025

The Community Service Team – Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (PkM-MBKM) of the Faculty of Biology, UGM 2025, carried out a series of educational activities in Pajangan Hamlet, Wedomartani, Ngemplak, Sleman, themed “The Relationship Between Mental and Physical Health”. These activities aimed to increase public understanding of the importance of mental health as an integral part of overall health, in line with the implementation of sustainable development towards a healthy and prosperous life (SDGs No. 3). The team involved five active students from the Faculty of Biology, Gadjah Mada University (UGM), Class of 2022 supervised by Dr. Ardaning Nuriliani, S.Si., M.Kes.


The activity began with the distribution of questionnaires and direct interviews with 50 residents on September 5th – 7th, 2025 to determine their perceptions and practices regarding mental and physical health. The results indicated that most residents recognize the importance of mental health, but many still lack understanding of how to maintain and improve their mental health. These findings served as the basis for the team to continue with a more in-depth educational program on ways to maintain a balance between mental and physical health. The enthusiasm of the residents further confirmed the effectiveness of a community-based approach in optimizing local potential for health.

A follow-up activity included an interactive outreach and discussion held at the Jami’ Darussalam Mosque in Pajangan Hamlet on Sunday, September 28th, 2025. The outreach material was delivered by Namaskara Tawang Kusuma, S.Psi. (alumnus of Faculty of Psychology UGM), who discussed the concept of mental health, its impact on physical health, and strategies for maintaining a balance between the two. The Q & A session was lively and interactive, marked by active participation from residents, who asked various questions related to their personal experiences and conditions they had experienced. The speaker emphasized that mental health involves stress, which can be both positive and negative, depending on how a person handles it. He also emphasized the importance of parents’ role in sharing experiences and knowledge, thus providing them with the necessary tools to face life’s challenges.

The event concluded with a free health check-up led by Andika Jatra Pratama, an active student at the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing at Gadjah Mada University (UGM). The health check-up included blood pressure and blood sugar levels, giving residents the opportunity to directly assess and evaluate their health. Residents also received direct guidance on the test results, including suggestions and simple steps they can take to maintain and improve their health. In the future, this activity is also expected to further strengthen the partnership between Dusun Pajangan, Wedomartani, Ngemplak, Sleman and the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (SDGs No.17).

Contributors: Ardaning Nuriliani, Chelsy Ammara Septiani, Syifa Aneira, Meinawa Amaliah, Nimas Ayu Pramesthi, Muhammad Fathin Setya Daffa

UGM Double Degree Doctoral Student from Faculty of Biology Wins Poster Prize at the 77th Annual Conference of the German Society for Hygiene and Microbiology (DGHM) 2025

AchivementsNews Release Friday, 26 September 2025

Yogyakarta/Jena – September 2025

Tiara Putri, a double-degree doctoral student from the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, in collaboration with the University of Greifswald, Germany, has been awarded one of the Poster Prizes at the 77th Annual Conference of the German Society for Hygiene and Microbiology (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Hygiene und Mikrobiologie, DGHM), held this year in Jena, Germany.


The DGHM conference is one of the most renowned microbiology meetings in Europe, attracting hundreds of researchers and clinicians working in the fields of infectious diseases, microbiology, and immunology. Winning this prize underscores the high quality of UGM’s international research collaborations and the contributions of its students to global scientific advancement.

Out of 188 poster presenters from various countries, including Germany, South Africa, Bulgaria, and Algeria, only five participants were selected for the award — with Tiara being among this distinguished group of winners.

The awarded poster, titled “Impact of pneumolysin, hydrogen peroxide, and Streptococcus pneumoniae strains on blood–CSF barrier integrity in a human choroid plexus co-culture model,” presents novel insights into the mechanisms by which Streptococcus pneumoniae, a major human pathogen, compromises the integrity of the blood–cerebrospinal fluid barrier. The study contributes to a better understanding of bacterial meningitis pathogenesis, with potential implications for future therapeutic strategies.

“This recognition is not only a personal honor but also a reflection of the strong academic collaboration between UGM and the University of Greifswald,” Tiara said.

Tiara also shared that the conference was especially meaningful for her because the organizers provided a free childcare facility throughout the three-day conference. Children of participants were cared for by a professional Tagesmutter (childminder), allowing parents to attend the scientific sessions with peace of mind. “I truly appreciated this family-friendly facility that understands the needs of researchers who are also parents. It was very helpful for me, especially since I live in Germany alone with my children and could not leave them at home,” she added.

This achievement shows how strong academic support, combined with a family-friendly conference environment, can truly help researchers (especially those who are also parents of young children) to thrive and gain recognition internationally.