The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), organized a guest lecture featuring Bernhard Grimm from Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Germany. In addition to students enrolled in the Plant Physiology course, lecturers and students from other programs also attended the lectures, which were held on April 23 and May 7, 2026. The teaching team of the Plant Physiology course was also present, including Prof. Dr. Kumala Dewi, M.Sc.St., Prof. Dr. Diah Rachmawati, S.Si., M.Si, Dr. Dwi Umi Siswanti, S.Si., M.Sc., Dr. Siti Nurbaiti, S.Si., and Prof. Dr. Yekti Asih Purwestri, S.Si., M.Si. who served as the host for Prof. Bernhard Grimm’s visit to the Biotechnology Graduate Program at UGM through the 2026 UGM EQUITY Grant.

The event on April 23, 2026, was officially opened by the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Alumni Affairs (P2MKSA), Prof. Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. In his remarks, he emphasized that the guest lecture was an important part of strengthening international academic collaboration and broadening students’ global perspectives. “This activity provides a valuable opportunity for all participants to gain insights into plant physiology from different perspectives,” stated Prof. Eko. He further added that Prof. Bernhard Grimm’s return visit to the Faculty of Biology UGM reflects the continuity of a collaboration that is highly expected to continue developing in the future. The Head of the Plant Physiology Laboratory, Dr. Dwi Umi Siswanti, S.Si., M.Sc., also expressed her gratitude to Prof. Grimm and Prof. Yekti for the opportunity to organize a public lecture for the Plant Physiology class.

In his first lecture session, Prof. Grimm presented various types of phytohormones, including cytokinins, auxins, gibberellins, abscisic acid, and ethylene. He explained their characteristics, mechanisms of action, and diverse roles in coordinating plant growth and development. By incorporating examples from related research studies, the lecture became even more engaging and insightful. Plant hormones are not merely ordinary growth regulators, but rather a complex communication system that determines how plants respond to their environment. During the second lecture, Prof. Grimm discussed the role of light in the morphogenesis of higher plants. He explained how light intensity, direction, and duration act as signals perceived by photoreceptors and influence plant development, including growth direction, stomatal opening, and flowering. The students showed great enthusiasm by raising various questions, including discussions on up-to-date research related to the lecture topics. “I hope this public lecture can be well understood by all students, and I wish you success in your future studies,” said Prof. Grimm at the end of his lecture.

The organization of this guest lecture represents one of the Faculty of Biology’s efforts to realize its vision of becoming a globally recognized, excellent, and innovative higher education institution in biology, particularly tropical biology. The Faculty of Biology UGM continues to demonstrate its commitment to equipping students with global scientific perspectives that support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, by expanding access to knowledge from international experts, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, by strengthening international academic collaboration.

On 5 April 2026, undergraduate (S1) students enrolled in the Ethnobotany course (Class A) at the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, participated in a field lecture activity at the Kedhaton Museum in Yogyakarta. This field lecture is based on contextual, experiential and resource-based teaching and learning approaches. It connects course material with real-world contexts, such as museum collections and historical objects, to enhance active engagement, direct observation and critical thinking among students. The Ethnobotany course (Class A) is lectured by Prof. Dr. Ratna Susandarini M.Sc. and Ludmilla Fitri Untari S.Si., M.Si.

A total of 31 students, supervised by Ludmilla Fitri Untari, S.Si., M.Si., attended sessions delivered by two invited speakers: the Head of the Kedhaton Museum (RA Siti Amirul Nur Sundari, Carik Kawedanan Radyo Kartiyoso) and a member of the museum’s expert staff (Mas Jajar Praba Hanendra). A lecturer from the Faculty of Biology at UGM, Zuliyati Rohmah (S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D.Eng.), was also present.

During the session, the students studied the diversity of plants and their symbolic meanings in various Javanese rituals that represent the life cycle. These rituals include those performed during the early stage of the life cycle, which covers pregnancy and birth. This stage consists of the Mapati ceremony (held in the fourth month), the Mitoni/Tingkeban ceremony (held in the seventh month), the Brokohan ceremony, the Sepasan ceremony (held over five days), the Puputan ceremony (where the umbilical cord is detached), the Selapanan ceremony (held after 35 days), and the Tedak Siten ceremony (held when the baby takes its first steps). The middle stage of the life cycle covers adulthood and marriage, and includes circumcision, the Nontoni and proposal ceremony, the Siraman and Midodareni ceremony, the wedding ceremony (akad) and the Panggih ceremony. The final stage of the life cycle covers death and the returning journey, which represents the end of the cycle. These rituals aim to pray for God’s protection, express gratitude, and show respect to the universe. These rituals aim to ensure safety, express gratitude and show respect. By studying the symbolic meanings of the plant species used in these ceremonies, students gain an understanding of the spiritual values embedded in Javanese rituals. These spiritual values reflect the interrelationship between humans, between humans and the universe, and between humans and God the Almighty.

This local Javanese wisdom, passed down through generations, constitutes a highly valuable cultural asset that should be preserved for future generations. Students can play an active role in conserving this traditional knowledge and preventing its disappearance in modern society. Furthermore, in addition to preserving ethnobotanical knowledge, the Yogyakarta Palace (Kraton Yogyakarta) has undertaken various efforts to conserve rare plant species of high historical and cultural value.

These efforts support the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 4 (Quality Education) through experiential, field-based learning; SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) by utilising cultural heritage sites as educational media; SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by encouraging the responsible use of natural resources; SDG 13 (Climate Action) by strengthening environmental literacy and fostering closer human–nature relationships; SDG 15 (Life on Land) by raising awareness of biodiversity; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by promoting collaboration among institutions to enhance the quality of education. – Ludmilla –

Yogyakarta, April 25, 2026 – The Master’s Program in Biology, Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada conducted a field course for the Ethnobiology subject at the Prambanan Temple area on Saturday, April 25, 2026. This activity is part of strengthening contextual learning, integrating an interdisciplinary approach between biology and culture.

The course is under the academic coordination of Prof. Dr. Ratna Susandarini, M.Sc., who serves as the course coordinator, with Zuliyati Rohmah, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D. Eng. as one of the lecturers facilitating the implementation of this field course. In her capacity as coordinator, Prof. Ratna Susandarini plays a strategic role in designing the direction of learning, ensuring alignment with learning outcomes, and comprehensively integrating ethnobiological approaches into the Master of Biology curriculum.

This activity utilizes temple reliefs as a source of scientific data to explore human–fauna relationships from historical and cultural perspectives. Students conducted direct observations of animal representations depicted in reliefs illustrating the stories of Ramayana and Krisnayana, two important narratives in classical Javanese tradition.

Through this activity, students not only identified the morphological forms of fauna depicted in the reliefs but also analysed their symbolic, ecological, and cultural meanings. This approach demonstrates how past local knowledge systems recorded human interactions with biodiversity in visually rich and meaningful forms.

In her statement, Dr. Rohmah emphasized that ethnobiology provides space for students to understand biodiversity more holistically. “Temple reliefs serve as cultural archives that document how past societies observed, recognized, and assigned meaning to the fauna around them. This represents a form of knowledge that remains highly relevant to be studied in the context of modern biology,” she stated.

This activity also supports the implementation of Outcome-Based Education (OBE), particularly in strengthening critical analytical skills, interdisciplinary synthesis, and interpretation skills based on field data.

Furthermore, this activity contributes to the achievement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 4 (Quality Education): through experiential, field-based learning. SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): by utilizing cultural heritage sites as learning resources. SDG 15 (Life on Land): by increasing awareness of biodiversity, and SDG 13 (Climate Action): through strengthening environmental literacy and human–nature relationships.

This activity reaffirms the commitment of the Master’s Degree Program in Biology at UGM to delivering integrative, contextual, and sustainability-oriented biological education, positioning culture as an essential component in understanding life systems.

In 2026, the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), established a strategic partnership with Wedomartani Village, Ngemplak, Sleman, Special Region of Yogyakarta, through several community service programs. This collaboration includes one Desa Mitra grant program, three Community Service (PkM) grant programs, and one KKN-PPN UGM program, which will be implemented from May to October 2026. The initiative aims to strengthen household food security, improve community welfare through sustainable waste management, and develop local potential—particularly orchid cultivation—based on education and environmental sustainability, in line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17.

The initial programs socialization was held at the Wedomartani Village Office on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. The event was officially opened by the Village Secretary, Mr. R. Rohmad Gunawan Hardono, S.Pd., followed by welcoming remarks from the Village Head, Mr. H. Teguh Budiyanto. Program presentations were delivered by the Faculty of Biology UGM team, consisting of Dr. Ardaning Nuriliani, S.Si., M.Kes., Prof. Dr.med.vet. Hendry Saragih, M.P., and Prof. Dr. Rarastoeti Pratiwi, M.Sc. The event was also attended by the Director of Bumkal Wedomartani, Mr. H. Iskandar, S.E., M.E., as well as nine student representatives who will participate in the program implementation.

One of the main focuses of the Desa Mitra program this year is the innovative utilization of household organic waste through fermentation-based chicken feed to enhance the production of nutrient-rich eggs. This approach encourages the community to process food leftovers using fermentation techniques involving yeast and natural attractants such as fish waste. In addition, participants were introduced to efficient laying hen management systems, particularly the use of Elba chickens—a crossbreed with Arabian chickens—known for their higher egg productivity. The use of battery cage systems was also recommended to optimize production efficiency and livestock management.

Beyond the livestock sector, the program also includes the cultivation of black rice as a functional food with potential benefits in enhancing the immune system and preventing degenerative diseases, including cancer. The utilization of village land through collaboration with BumKal serves as a key implementation strategy, considering that black rice cultivation requires relatively low water input. The program also introduced value-added products derived from black rice, such as gluten-free flour and modern food products like sushi, to increase economic value and market appeal.

Other PkM grant programs focus on community-based waste management, including training on converting organic waste into ecoenzymes and liquid fertilizers, as well as the establishment and strengthening of waste banks, particularly in Pajangan Hamlet, Wonosari Sub-village. Additionally, orchid hydroponic cultivation training was introduced as an initial step toward developing an education-based tourism (edutourism) area. These activities complement existing and planned village initiatives, such as fruit-picking tourism involving longan and avocado trees. Interactive discussions among academics, village officials, and Bumkal representatives generated valuable inputs, including the need for sustained assistance, equitable program distribution, and active student involvement in field implementation.

This initiative also strengthens synergy with the KKN-PPN UGM program, which in 2026 is supervised by Prof. Rarastoeti Pratiwi across two locations: Wedomartani and Widodomartani. Through a collaborative approach involving academia, local government, and the community, the program is expected to generate tangible and sustainable impacts. Overall, this initiative contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) through improved food security, SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) through nutritious food and waste management, SDG 4 (Quality Education) through community and student empowerment, SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) through local economic development and waste bank initiatives, and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) through sustainable resource and waste management. This program is expected to serve as a model for science-based and sustainable village development.

Yamagata, Japan – February 2026 — Following the completion of the lecture sessions on the first day, participants of the Sakura Science Program 2026 continued with an intensive laboratory practicum from day two to day five at Yamagata University, Japan.

Over the course of four days, the program focused on the application of molecular biology techniques to analyze the diversity and evolutionary relationships of several orchid species from various countries, including Indonesia. The practicum was designed as a comprehensive learning experience, integrating hands-on laboratory work with phylogenetic data analysis.

 

Hands-On Molecular Techniques

Participants were divided into four groups to ensure that each student gained direct experience in every stage of molecular analysis. The techniques practiced included:

• DNA extraction
• Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
• Gel electrophoresis
• Targeted Sanger sequencing
• Phylogenetic analysis using MEGA software

Throughout the sessions, students demonstrated high enthusiasm and engagement. Rather than merely observing demonstrations, they performed each procedure independently under the guidance of professors and laboratory assistants.

Amarthya Aulia Vadela shared that the experience significantly deepened his understanding of molecular techniques:

“I learned many new techniques. This experience was very different from our preparation sessions because we conducted each step ourselves.”

Similarly, Nayla Dwiputri Adelis expressed her appreciation:

“I feel very fortunate to perform molecular techniques directly, which I had previously only seen demonstrated.”

 

From PCR to Phylogenetic Trees

One of the key highlights of the practicum was conducting Sanger sequencing on marker genes obtained through PCR. Participants then analyzed the sequence data using MEGA (Molecular Evolutionary Genetics Analysis) software to construct phylogenetic trees and interpret evolutionary relationships among species.

For some students, bioinformatics analysis presented a new challenge. Ahmad Faidullah Haqqi reflected:

“At first it felt difficult, but after trying it myself and understanding the workflow, the analysis became much smoother.”

Meanwhile, Tasya Syifa Alfadhiilah shared:

“I had never taken a course covering this type of analysis before, so I was worried I wouldn’t be able to follow. However, after Jun-sensei explained it clearly and I tried it myself, I found it really exciting and enjoyable.”

A particularly meaningful experience came from Kaylana Fikria Akbar, a first-year student who was newly introduced to molecular biology:

“As a first-year student, I was completely new to molecular biology, so at first I doubted whether I could understand each process. However, with guidance from Jun-sensei and the assistants who explained everything clearly, I found the activities exciting and became even more interested in learning these techniques and their applications.”

These reflections highlight that the program not only enhanced technical skills but also built academic confidence among students at different levels of study.

 

Reflection from the Academic Supervisor

The academic supervisor from the Faculty of Biology UGM, Dr. Luthfi Nurhidayat, M.Sc., emphasized the significance of the experience for student development:

“This program provides a highly comprehensive learning experience. Students not only understand molecular concepts theoretically, but also go through the complete research workflow—from DNA extraction to phylogenetic analysis. Direct interaction with professors and exposure to laboratory standards at Yamagata University broaden their perspective on international research practices.”

He further noted that the program represents an important step in strengthening academic collaboration between the Faculty of Biology UGM and Yamagata University, particularly in the fields of molecular biology and biodiversity research.

 

Presentations and Warm Closing Ceremony

At the end of the practicum sessions, each group presented their findings, including sequence analysis results and phylogenetic interpretations. All four groups delivered strong presentations and received appreciation from Prof. Jun Yokoyama for completing their analyses and presentations within a relatively short time frame. The practicum concluded with the awarding of certificates to all participants as recognition of their active engagement during the program.

The academic activities of Sakura Science Program 2026 were then closed with a small celebration attended by professors, assistants, and participants. Despite the winter season in Japan, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming, complemented by halal Japanese cuisine. The event concluded with the presentation of tokens of appreciation to the professors and assistants in gratitude for their guidance and collaboration.

Through this intensive laboratory experience, participants not only strengthened their technical competencies in molecular biology and phylogenetic analysis but also expanded their global academic networks and research perspectives. Sakura Science Program 2026 once again demonstrates the importance of international collaboration in nurturing the next generation of globally competitive scientists.

The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), organized the Open House and Introduction to Research Topics (BIOENTRI) 2026 on Monday to Thursday, February 9–12, 2026, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM WIB. The event took place in Lecture Rooms 1, 2, and 3, as well as in the Teaching Laboratory of the Faculty of Biology UGM. It was designed to introduce the range of research topics available within the Faculty and to provide a platform for direct interaction between lecturers and students regarding research opportunities for undergraduate thesis work.

BIOENTRI 2026 became a dynamic and well-attended forum, reflected in the strong enthusiasm of participants. In addition to the primary target group of undergraduate students preparing to determine their thesis topics, the event also drew participation from students across different cohorts, including the class of 2025 and postgraduate students, who attended the sessions, engaged in discussions, and explored potential research collaborations.

The program featured presentation sessions and discussions on research topics, with each lecturer allocated approximately 25 minutes to present and engage in dialogue regarding the research themes offered. The series of activities also included formally scheduled opening and closing sessions, marking the commencement and conclusion of BIOENTRI 2026.

Participants’ enthusiasm was also evident in the booth area organized by the committee. The booths were consistently crowded, reflecting the distinct creativity of each team, from the presentation of posters and research materials to the way scientific ideas were communicated, making discussions feel more engaging and accessible.

In accordance with the event guidelines, each booth was attended by two supervised students appointed by their respective lecturers, serving on the day their lecturer was scheduled to present. BIOENTRI is mandatory for undergraduate students of the 2024 cohort who are preparing to determine their Seminar or Thesis topics. Therefore, the program serves as an important platform for students to map their academic interests, understand the capacity of laboratories and research groups, and identify prospective supervisors.

Through both presentation sessions and booth discussions, students gained deeper insight into available research opportunities, interacted directly with potential academic advisors, and obtained valuable considerations in selecting topics aligned with their interests and future career plans. The event is also expected to foster motivation and inspire students to pursue their research process with greater dedication.

This activity was carried out well due to the collaboration between the student committee and the lecturer committee led by Prof. Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, S.Si., M.App.Sc., so that the entire BIOENTRI 2026 agenda ran smoothly and optimally.

Through BIOENTRI 2026, the Faculty of Biology at Universitas Gadjah Mada reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening a research ecosystem and experience-based learning environment that is inclusive and collaborative.

This spirit aligns with the advancement of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Quality Education (SDG 4) through the enhancement of research literacy and mentoring practices, Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure (SDG 9) through the introduction of strategic research topics, and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17) by fostering cross-level academic networks between lecturers and students to promote meaningful scientific contributions for society and the environment.

Yamagata, Japan – February 16, 2026 — Eighteen members of the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), consisting of 2 faculty members and 16 students, are participating in the Sakura Science Program 2026 hosted by Yamagata University, Japan. Several participants are funded by the Japan Sakura Science Program 2026, an international initiative designed to strengthen scientific collaboration and academic exchange between Japan and partner countries.

This program represents a significant step in expanding international cooperation in the fields of molecular biology, ecology, and biodiversity research, while providing participants with direct academic experience in a global research environment.

The program began with an online preparatory session on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, delivered by Prof. Jun Yokoyama of Yamagata University. In this session, Prof. Yokoyama introduced the geographical characteristics and environmental conditions of Yamagata City, offering ecological context for the upcoming field and laboratory activities.

The session was followed by an introductory lecture on plant DNA extraction techniques, which will serve as the foundation for laboratory practice during the program.

Participants departed from Indonesia on Sunday, February 15, 2026, and arrived at Narita International Airport on the same day before continuing their journey to Yamagata.

The official program commenced on Monday, February 16, 2026, with an opening lecture by Prof. Jun Yokoyama, Program Manager of the Sakura Science Program at Yamagata University. He outlined the agenda for the seven-day program, running through February 22, 2026, which includes:

The academic atmosphere continued with a lecture by Prof. Yutaka Miyazawa, who presented on plant physiology, particularly the phenomenon of root hydrotropism — the directional growth response of plant roots to moisture gradients. His lecture enriched participants’ understanding of plant adaptation mechanisms to environmental conditions.

Following the morning sessions, participants enjoyed lunch at the university cafeteria, experiencing Japanese cuisine and campus culture as part of their international academic immersion.

The afternoon session featured a lecture by Prof. Naoyuki Fujiyama, who discussed Asian insect biodiversity, with special emphasis on herbivorous lady beetles in Indonesia. He highlighted the application of DNA sequencing data in biodiversity studies and in determining the phylogenetic relationships of Indonesian herbivorous beetles.

The first day concluded with a lecture by Dr. Taisuke Kanao, focusing on termite diversity and the ecological roles of social insects in various ecosystems.

The first day of Sakura Science Program 2026 was marked by enthusiastic participation and intensive academic exchange. Beyond enhancing scientific knowledge and laboratory skills, the program fosters stronger international collaboration between the Faculty of Biology UGM and Yamagata University.

Through this initiative, both institutions aim to deepen research partnerships, particularly in molecular biology, biodiversity, and ecological studies across East and Southeast Asia.

On Wednesday, February 11, 2026, students from SMPIT Muhammadiyah An Najah, Klaten, had the opportunity to study biology with a focus on histology and animal anatomy at the Laboratory of Animal Structure and Development, Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). This activity was attended by 45 students, accompanied by 6 teachers. The event began with an opening speech by Dr. Ardaning Nuriliani, M.Kes, Head of the Laboratory.

During this activity, students had the chance to learn directly about the structure and function of animals. The learning process included a hands-on dissection of Nile tilapia, guided by the laboratory assistants, who are graduate students. In this lab. work, students learned how to dissect animal in accordance with animal welfare principles and studied the topography and anatomical structure of organs. They also observed histological slides of various organ types to gain a deeper understanding of the cellular and tissue components that make up an organ. This activity is expected to enhance students’ practical skills and enrich their learning experience in biology while also supporting SDG 4 on quality education.

Furthermore, this initiative is also aimed at strengthening collaboration and the university’s role in supporting primary education from elementary to senior high school. By doing so, it contributes to the achievement of SDG 17, which focuses on partnerships for the goals.

Cairo, 12 February 2026 — The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), conducted an official cooperation visit to Egypt, with key agendas at Badr University in Cairo (BUC). The delegation was led by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, accompanied by Dr.rer.nat. Abdul Rahman Siregar, M.Biotech, Head of the Microbiology Laboratory, Faculty of Biology UGM.

At Badr University in Cairo, the delegation was formally welcomed by the President of BUC, Prof. Dr. Ashraf Mohamed El-Shihy, and the Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary, Food Nutrition and Biotechnology, Prof. Adel Abd El-Khaleq. The meeting focused on initiating several strategic academic programs, including the development of an International Summer Course, a Double Degree program, and the organization of an International Conference. The visit also marked the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) between the Faculty of Biology UGM and Badr University in Cairo, signifying a shared commitment to strengthening academic and research collaboration between the two institutions.

Meanwhile, the visit to Cairo University served as a continuation of the existing partnership. The UGM delegation was welcomed by Prof. Said El-Salamouny and Dr. Ibrahim. Discussions centered on the implementation of the International Summer Course on Tropical Biodiversity and Sustainable Development to be hosted by the Faculty of Biology UGM. Both institutions also explored opportunities for sending Cairo University students to pursue Master’s (M.Sc.) and Doctoral (Ph.D.) studies at the Faculty of Biology UGM. In addition, the collaboration will be strengthened through joint supervision, joint research, and joint publications.

Through this visit, the Faculty of Biology UGM reaffirmed its commitment to expanding global academic networks and fostering sustainable international collaboration in the fields of biology, tropical biodiversity, biotechnology, and sustainable development. The partnership is expected to enhance student and faculty mobility, promote high-impact collaborative research, and contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 15 (Life on Land), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).