Yogyakarta, July 25, 2024 – The Faculty of Biology Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) successfully conducted training in Orchid Cultivation and a competency test for Orchid Planting Practitioners qualification. The Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., officially opened the training on July 22, 2024. The training had 16 attendees, while the competency test saw participation from 22 individuals hailing from different regions across Indonesia, comprising academics, practitioners, alumni, and students. The event successfully enhanced the participants’ knowledge and skills in orchid cultivation.

The intensive three-day training, from July 22 to 24, 2024, focused on orchid planting techniques, from preparing planting media to caring for mature plants. The training materials were presented by orchid experts, including Prof. Dr. Endang Semiarti, M.S., M.Sc., and Aries Bagus Sasongko from the Faculty of Biology UGM, Dr. Ixora Sartika Mercuriani from Yogyakarta State University, and Eniek Sulistyanti, an experienced orchid practitioner. The training covers theoretical and practical sessions on planting bottled orchid seedlings, repotting, grading, sorting orchids, and post-harvest handling of orchids. The training was a collaboration between the Laboratory of Biotechnology Faculty of Biology UGM and Orchid Enthusiasts Association (PAI) DPD DIY.

“This training aims to enhance participants’ knowledge and skills in orchid cultivation, thus contributing to the development of the orchid industry in Indonesia,” said Prof. Dr. Budi during the opening ceremony.

After the training, participants took the competency test held at the Biotechnology Competency Test Center, Faculty of Biology UGM, on July 25, 2024, with assessors from the National Agriculture Professional Certification Agency (LSP) Malang, Drs. Surini Santosa, M.Si., Ari Setyowati, M.P, and Drs. Kaswan Badami, M.Si. The exam assesses participants’ competencies, consisting of 24 competency units required by orchid planting practitioners. Coordinator of the Biotechnology Competency Test Center, Prof. Dr. Endang Semiarti, M.S., M.Sc., welcomed the enthusiasm of the competency test participants, marking the first batch for Orchid Planting Practitioner competency at the Biotechnology Competency Test Center, Faculty of Biology UGM.

“Competency certification is important for orchid cultivation business actors, as it can enhance the competitiveness of their products in the market,” said Drs. Surini Santoso, M.Si., in his speech as Director of the LSP Agriculture Malang. The Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration, and Alumni Affairs officially opened the Competency Test. He stated, “Besides the competency for Orchid Planting Practitioners, the Biotechnology Competency Test Center also holds Competency Tests for other competencies such as Plant Tissue Culture and invites participants to take the competency test scheduled for late 2024.”

The competency test results announced on Thursday afternoon showed that all participants were recommended as competent. Responding to the recommendations, all participants were happy and hoped to continue orchid cultivation activities in their respective places. (A.B. Sasongko)

Wednesday, July 24, 2024, The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, held a Graduation Ceremony for the Postgraduate Program 2023/2024 period IV at 01.00 p.m.. The event attended by the Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, M.Sc., the Vice Dean for Finance, Assets, and Human Resources, Dr. Slamet Widianto, S.Si., M.Sc., the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration and Alumni Affairs, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, S.Si., M.App.Sc., the Head of Master in Biology Study Program, Dr.rer.nat. Andhika Puspito Nugroho, S.Si., M.Si., and the Head of Doctor in Biology Study Program, Prof. Dr. Endah Retnaningrum, M.Eng.. The ceremony was opened by the Dean of the Faculty of Biology Prof. Dr. Budi Setyadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., and followed by singing Indonesia Raya, Hymne Gadjah Mada, and Faculty of Biology March. The event continued with performances of the traditional dance “Golek Ayun-Ayun” from Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta.

Then, the graduation report was delivered by the Head of Doctor in Biology Study Program, Prof. Dr. Endah Retnaningrum, M.Eng.. Up to this period, the Postgraduate program of Biology UGM had graduated 136 doctoral students and 1729 master students. In the IV Period of Academic Year 2023/2024, there were 14 graduates for the master program with 11 graduates with cumlaude predicates. The average length of study was one year and 11 months eighteen days, with an average GPA of 3.84. The highest GPA was obtained by Shela Delfia Ramadhana, S.Pd., M.Sc. with a GPA of 3.98, meanwhile, the graduate with the fastest completion time was Siti Shofa Assyifa’ul Qulbi Barid, S.Pd., M.Sc., with a study period of 1 year, 4 months, and 7 days.

Next, there was a reading of the graduate’s graduation results. Furthermore, there was a speech by representatives of the graduates Shofa Assyifa’ul Qulbi Barid, S.Pd., M.Sc. She expressed that the Faculty of Biology has become a second home for graduates to gain knowledge, engage in discussions, serve the community, and conduct scientific research to uphold the Tri Dharma of higher education. On behalf of the graduates, she thanked everyone who supported them through the challenges of postgraduate life. She also apologized for any mistakes made during their studies. She extended heartfelt gratitude to the parents and families of the graduates for their sacrifices and prayers. She noted that this graduation is not the pinnacle of achievement but a small token of appreciation for the parents’ hard work and love. She also thanked friends and companions who added color to their lives. With this graduation, their moral responsibility for their degree increases. She ended her speech by asking for prayers and support for their future endeavors.

The ceremony continued with a remark from the representative of the parents, Captain Bambang Lasito, M.Mar., father of Shela Delfia Ramadhana, S.Pd., M.Sc.. He congratulated and praised the graduates for completing their study with exceptional excellence. He expressed pride in their achievements, which reflect their commitment to knowledge and education. He thanks the lecturers, especially the advisors, for their dedication and the life lessons imparted to the graduates. He also thanked the Faculty of Biology staff for their support and services, which enabled their children to complete their postgraduate studies smoothly. His message to the graduates was to remain humble with their new titles and knowledge, continue learning and innovating for the benefit of society and the nation, and always support and pray for their success. He reminded them that their success was the beginning of future achievements and hoped that Allah SWT would always guide and protect them.

The ceremony continued with a pin awarding as a sign of membership in the Faculty of Biology Family by the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration and Alumni Affairs, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, S.Si., M.App.Sc., represented by graduates Adam Astiti, S.Si., M.Sc., and Arinda Widi Antari, S.Pd., M.Sc. Following that was a speech by the Dean, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. He congratulated the graduates and their parents. Not all parents can afford to educate their children to the level of a master’s. He cited the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) on July 2, which highlighted Indonesia’s demographic trend where there used to be a shortage of S1 degree holders, but now the number of S2 graduates is increasing. S2 graduates, especially from UGM’s accredited Faculty of Biology, are in demand by various institutions, including government, private sectors, and higher education institutions. The faculty’s unique offerings, such as the Master of Science (M.Sc.) degree and publications, provide graduates with a competitive edge. He also mentioned that the faculty offers two further study options: a professional program for biodiversity curatorship, the only one in Asia and Indonesia, addressing environmental and biomedical challenges, and a doctoral program in biology. He emphasized the importance of maintaining ethics and morals and respecting parents. He concluded by expressing gratitude to the lecturers and educational staff for their dedication and prayed for the graduate’s success and benefits to society.

The event continued with a presentation of mementos from the graduates of Period IV, Academic Year 2023/2024, represented by Wildan Alfian Fahmi, S.Si., M.Sc., to the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM. The ceremony ended with a prayer by Mr. Sumarno, S.Si., M.Sc., and a group photo. [Author: KMP Biology]

On Monday, July 22, 2024, The Faculty of Biology conducted an introduction to KABIOGAMA and a Tracer Study for prospective graduates of the Postgraduate Program for the fourth period of the 2023/2024 academic year. The event was held online and featured Ganies Riza Aristya, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D. as a speaker. She opened the event by congratulating and wishing success to the prospective graduates who had completed their studies. She congratulates their upcoming official induction into the Alumni Family of Universitas Gadjah Mada (KAGAMA) and the Alumni Family of the Faculty of Biology UGM (KABIOGAMA), one of Indonesia’s largest alumni communities. She provided an overview of KABIOGAMA, including the meaning of the KABIOGAMA logo, vision and mission, organizational structure, and regional coordinators available to assist alumni in their hometowns. Mrs. Ganies highlighted several activities actively conducted by KABIOGAMA, such as the “bela beli bolo” initiative (purchasing alumni products), scientific writing seminars, webinars, alumni training, and alumni teaching programs.

In addition to academic activities, KABIOGAMA has contributed to the Faculty of Biology by providing aid, such as assistance for Semeru victims and support for Biology students affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Contributions have also been made towards building facilities like the Al Hayat Mosque, the Sinar Mas Building, the Kabiogama Pavilion, and supporting activities of KAGAMA, the Faculty of Biology UGM, and the Indonesia Biologist Association. KABIOGAMA also organizes annual alumni reunions.

The second part of the session involved the introduction of UGM’s Tracer Study. Mrs. Ganies explained that in the following year, the faculty would contact the graduates to participate in the Tracer Study. The Tracer Study aimed to improve the curriculum, gather information from alumna on their competency development, inventory the benefits gained by alumna, and track their employment status, job fields, and job levels. Through the Tracer Study, it hoped that alumni could provide feedback on the curriculum’s flexibility at the Faculty of Biology. She also discussed the key performance indicators for higher education institutions, the mechanism for completing the Tracer Study, and the IKU 1 Tracer Study UGM 2024 achievement guidelines.

Mrs. Ganies highlighted UGM’s global reputation, ranking 231st in the World University Rankings for 2023. As a prospective alumni, she encouraged all graduates to join the Simponi platform through SIMASTER, connect with KABIOGAMA’s social media accounts such as Facebook and Instagram, and maintain ties with the Faculty of Biology UGM. During the discussion session, she mentioned that UGM has a career center specifically for the Biology program, which includes the Biology Career and Alumni Development Centre (BCADC) website integrated with Facebook and the Simponi web portal. This platform provides alumni with job and career-related information, usually disseminated via individual emails.

Additionally, Mrs. Ganies emphasized the importance of relationships and collaboration as alumni. She noted that information stems from networks built through cooperation and connections, which can serve as a valuable resource for advancing further. Alumna should leverage information systems, knowledge, and technology to enhance access to information. Collaboration and networking expand the potential benefits, aligning with the motto “Ngawiji wiguanani,” which means “Let us unite to mutually benefit and support each other,” not just for personal but for broader benefits through mutual support and assistance. She also reminded alumna not to hide behind UGM’s prestigious name but to demonstrate their competence and potential to compete with graduates from other universities. Alumna should be confident, leading the way, and upholding UGM’s values and integrity in their professional lives. [Author: KMP Biologi]

Yogyakarta, Indonesia – The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), held a general lecture delivered by Dr. Kengo Suzuki, Co-Founder and Head of Research at Euglena Co. Ltd., Japan. The lecture, titled “Research and Development on the Functional Components Derived from Microalgae,” was opened by the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., with Dr. Eng. Thoriq Teja Samudra, M.Sc. as the moderator. It was attended by lecturers and students from UGM, Sanata Dharma University, Atmajaya University, and Ahmad Dahlan University.

The lecture provided in-depth insights into Euglena sp. research, covering strain isolation, purification, mass cultivation, and harvesting processes. Known for its resilience in low pH conditions, Euglena sp. holds significant potential for large-scale applications such as CO2 capture, phytoremediation, food supplements, animal feed, fuel, and fertilizers. Since 2018, Euglena Co. Ltd. has collaborated with the Faculty of Biology UGM to advance research on Euglena sp. isolation and cultivation in Indonesia, including genetic modification through polyploidization by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., and his team. The Faculty, along with researchers from the PUI-PT Mikroalga UGM led by Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., has also discovered a local Euglena sp. strain ready for mass cultivation.

During their visit, the Euglena Co. Ltd delegation visited UGM’s microalgae cultivation facilities in Nogotirto and Minggir. Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration, and Alumni Affairs, emphasized the importance of strengthening research partnerships. The visit also included researchers from PT Jawa Power, who are interested in collaborating on microalgae research for fuel and CO2 capture with Euglena Co. Ltd and the Faculty of Biology UGM.

This collaboration aligns with the Faculty of Biology UGM’s commitment to sustainable development goals. The Faculty is dedicated not only to advancing science and technology but also to applying sustainability principles in all aspects of research and education. This partnership aims to produce innovations with positive impacts on the environment and society. The Faculty of Biology UGM strives to become a leading center in microalgae research, integrating scientific knowledge with sustainable practices for a better future. This initiative also supports Sustainable Development Goals 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 4 (Quality Education), and 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), reflecting the Faculty’s dedication to health, quality education, and access to clean energy.

The rapid advancement of technology has caused significant concern among the residents of Kampung Terban, particularly in RW 5, due to the rise in juvenile delinquency. Addressing technological advancement requires anticipation and preparation to mitigate its negative impacts. One such negative impact is sexual violence, proven by easy access to pornography on the internet, cases of cybersex, and promiscuity among children and teenagers. Even though Kampung Terban RW 5 is close to Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), sexual education has not yet reached the residents of Kampung Terban RW 5. The societal taboo on sex education is a reason sexual education is rarely taught by parents or teachers in schools. However, sexual education is a crucial foundation for reducing cases of sexual violence.

Based on the issue the team from UGM consists of Hafifah Nur Ainiyah (Biology 2022), Aulia Robiatul Adawiyah (Biology 2022), Diyan Ulsa (Psychology 2022), Danila Nur Rahmawati (Environmental Geography 2022), and Alma Puska Falasyifa (Biology 2022), under the guidance of Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono, S.Si., M.Si conducted community service program titled “SCASE: School of Sexuality Education through Smart Snakes and Ladders Game as a Character-Building Medium for Kampung Terban Residents,” focuses on delivering age-appropriate sexual education, as recommended by WHO, through an interactive Snakes and Ladders game. This method ensures that the material is both well-understood and engaging.

Through the SCASE program, Hafifah and her team aim to enhance the welfare of the local community by empowering Desa Mitra. They use socialization, education, and training with the youth organization Karang Taruna Kampung Terban RW 5 (R05TER). Adina, a member of R05TER, stated, “There is a desire among the community to learn about sexual education, but they are still confused about where to start because it is considered a taboo topic, and there has never been a sexual education outreach program in this village.”

Supriyanto, the head of RW 5 Kampung Terban, said, “This program greatly assists the community, especially parents, who are unsure how to start discussions on sexual education with their children. It has had a very positive impact, particularly on children, who now understand which parts of their bodies should not be touched by others and know how to protect themselves to prevent sexual violence.”

The program expected to provide proper sexual education for residents Kampung Terban RW 5, and the community will be better prepared to face potential cases of sexual violence. It also hoped that the program would inspire other initiatives focused on sexual education, whether by the government or other community empowerment organizations. Author: Hafifah Nur Ainiyah.

The rapid advancement of technology has caused significant concern among the residents of Kampung Terban, particularly in RW 5, due to the rise in juvenile delinquency. Addressing technological advancement requires anticipation and preparation to mitigate its negative impacts. One such negative impact is sexual violence, proven by easy access to pornography on the internet, cases of cybersex, and promiscuity among children and teenagers. Even though Kampung Terban RW 5 is close to Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), sexual education has not yet reached the residents of Kampung Terban RW 5. The societal taboo on sex education is a reason sexual education is rarely taught by parents or teachers in schools. However, sexual education is a crucial foundation for reducing cases of sexual violence.

Based on the issue the team from UGM consists of Hafifah Nur Ainiyah (Biology 2022), Aulia Robiatul Adawiyah (Biology 2022), Diyan Ulsa (Psychology 2022), Danila Nur Rahmawati (Environmental Geography 2022), and Alma Puska Falasyifa (Biology 2022), under the guidance of Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono, S.Si., M.Si conducted community service program titled “SCASE: School of Sexuality Education through Smart Snakes and Ladders Game as a Character-Building Medium for Kampung Terban Residents,” focuses on delivering age-appropriate sexual education, as recommended by WHO, through an interactive Snakes and Ladders game. This method ensures that the material is both well-understood and engaging.

Through the SCASE program, Hafifah and her team aim to enhance the welfare of the local community by empowering Desa Mitra. They use socialization, education, and training with the youth organization Karang Taruna Kampung Terban RW 5 (R05TER). Adina, a member of R05TER, stated, “There is a desire among the community to learn about sexual education, but they are still confused about where to start because it is considered a taboo topic, and there has never been a sexual education outreach program in this village.”

Supriyanto, the head of RW 5 Kampung Terban, said, “This program greatly assists the community, especially parents, who are unsure how to start discussions on sexual education with their children. It has had a very positive impact, particularly on children, who now understand which parts of their bodies should not be touched by others and know how to protect themselves to prevent sexual violence.”

The program expected to provide proper sexual education for residents Kampung Terban RW 5, and the community will be better prepared to face potential cases of sexual violence. It also hoped that the program would inspire other initiatives focused on sexual education, whether by the government or other community empowerment organizations. Author: Hafifah Nur Ainiyah.

Yogyakarta, 20 July 2024 — The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held the 8th National Seminar on Tropical Biology (SNBT) on 20 July 2024. This year, the seminar was held in a hybrid with “Biosecurity Innovation and Tropical Biodiversity Conservation” theme. This event, which was held at the Auditorium of the Faculty of Biology, aims to provide a platform for academics, researchers, practitioners and students to discuss current issues and innovative solutions in biosecurity and biodiversity conservation in tropical regions. This seminar activity began with a report from Dr. Siti Nurbaiti as chair of the 2024 SNBT Committee, followed by remarks by Prof. Dr. Mirwan Ushada, Director of Research representing the Rector of UGM and opened by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono. M.Agr.Sc., as Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM. This seminar was attended by around 100 participants from 21 institutions in Indonesia. On this occasion, an MoU was also signed between the Faculty of Biology UGM and PT. Rentokil Indonesia. It is hoped that this collaboration can be a form of synergy between academics and industry, especially regarding the issue of biosecurity and Indonesian biodiversity.

As the first keynote speaker, Ir. Medrilzam from BAPPENAS raised the topic “The Role of Government Policy for Biodiversity Conservation”. In his presentation, Ir. Medrilzam delivered the Indonesian Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (IBSAP), the Indonesian government’s strategy for preserving biodiversity, and how these policies are expected to shape people’s behavior towards a positive nature.

As the second speaker, Drs. Heri Susanto from PT. Rentokil Indonesia discussed “The Role of Biological Science and Digital Technology in Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly Pest Control”. In this session, Drs. Heri Susanto conveyed the exploration of the integration of biological science with digital technology to develop pest control methods that are more effective and environmentally friendly.

The third speaker, Mrs. Rina Sri Kasiamdari, Ph.D. delivered material on “The Role of Fungi in Biosecurity and Biodiversity Conservation”. The focus of this discussion is the role of fungi as biosecurity agents in maintaining biodiversity, as well as how fungi can be used in conservation efforts.

The plenary session of the three speakers was enlivened with questions from seminar participants ranging from biodiversity protection related to infrastructure developments to opportunities for food source options with high nutrition from the variety of diversity that Indonesia has to meet food needs and in terms of handling. pest. The seminar activities were continued with parallel sessions filled with presentations by the participant speakers on various research titles, which were carried out offline and online.

The 8th SNBT in 2024 was closed by Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., as Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration and Alumni Affairs. In his closing remarks, he said that SNBT is a forum for increasing understanding of biosecurity and tropical biodiversity conservation through in-depth discussions with experts in the field, thereby inspiring innovation and collaboration between academics, researchers and practitioners in efforts to protect biodiversity, encourage policy development and new strategies that can be implemented to preserve the environment and support the sustainability of tropical ecosystems. It is also hoped that this national seminar will create synergistic cooperation between the participants who attend, which is expected to be a positive thing that can build and provide more impact regarding issues related to the topic of biosecurity and tropical biodiversity conservation in the future. Furthermore, this seminar plays a role in implementing several points of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG’s): 2. Zero hunger, 3. Good health and well-being, 4. Quality education, 6. Access to clean water and sanitation, 7. Affordable and clean and energy, 9. Industry, innovation and infrastructure, 11. Sustainable cities and communities, 13. Climate change action, 14. Maintaining marine ecosystems, 15. Maintaining land ecosystems and 17. Partnerships for the goals.

Yogyakarta, 22 July 2024 – The 7th International Summer Course in Sustainable Development: Sustainable Bioprospecting of Tropical Biodiversity lecture series in 2024 continues by presenting various experts from all over the world. In this series, we present a professor in the field of Pollination Biology from Yamagata University, Prof. Jun Yokoyama who brought up the topic of disruption in pollinator insect diversity and how it affects world climate change.

This session was moderated by Atikah Fitria Muharromah, S.Si., M.Eng. from the Entomology Laboratory, Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada. Atikah introduced Prof. Jun is an expert in the fields of evolutionary biology, ecology and conservation. His research examines many pollinator insects, ecosystems and their effects on the environment.

Prof. Jun started his presentation by explaining pollinating insects, especially Hymenoptera, and emphasized the mutualistic relationship between insects and plants through the exchange of pollen and nectar. He highlighted how insect groups have preferences for certain flowers. Certain insects, especially bees and wasps, play a large role in global food production, Prof. Jun added. These insects bridge the process of flower pollination and influence the amount of food production.

Prof. Jun highlighted the current climate change conditions, especially in tropical areas, heavy logging of forests, and food production which has increased significantly to meet the needs of the ever-increasing human population. He emphasized that there had been a reduction in the number of pollinators by up to 40%. The urgency of dealing with increasingly extreme climate change is important in efforts to conserve resources and mitigate other larger disasters.

The professor from Yamagata University then introduced the “Hamanaru Maruhana Project”, an effort to conserve and collect data on the distribution of bees in Japan. The project aims to estimate past, present and future distributions to be used as reference data for analysis of conservation efforts.

Closing the online lecture session, Prof. Jun again emphasized the importance of the role of pollinators and how climate and environmental change affects them. It is hoped that through this lecture, ISC participants can contribute to sustainable conservation efforts in the future.

The UGM Biology team, consisting of Irfan Agus Nugroho (Biology 2021), Laila Nurul Ilma (Biology 2021), and Fika Zulfiani (Biology 2021), successfully earned a Bronze Medal Quartile nomination in the Scientific Paper competition at the Agritech Research and Entrepreneurship Innovation (AGREETION) 2024. The subtheme of their entry was “Environmental Sustainability Innovation.” AGREETION 2024 is an international scientific paper and business plan competition organized by the Agritech Research and Study Club (ARSC) of the Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Universitas Brawijaya. This year’s theme was “Accelerating Agriculture and Agro-Industry Towards Sustainable Welfare with Eco-Friendly and Clean Production Principles.” Forty-two universities from 3 countries participated in this competition that was held online from April 20 to June 1, 2024.

The team presented an essay titled “Algae Screens: Eco-friendly Sunscreen Based on Red Algae (Palmaria palmata) as an Effort to Prevent Damaged Coral Reef Ecosystems.” The paper was inspired by Indonesia’s abundant coral reefs, which are threatened by degradation, partly due to sunscreen chemicals dissolving in the water. Chemicals in conventional sunscreens, oxybenzone and octinoxate can lead to coral bleaching. As a result, research conducted to develop eco-friendly sunscreen from natural ingredients. The natural compounds focused in this research were Mycosporine-Like Amino Acids (MAAs), abundant in red algae like Palmaria palmata. The research employed a literature study and molecular docking methods between MAA compounds (mycosporine glycine, porphyra-334, and shinorine) as ligands and the target protein Procollagen C-endopeptidase 1 (PCOLCE1). PCOLCE1 is a protein involved in regulating skin aging due to UV exposure, while the three MAA compounds used are known to possess the best antioxidant properties among MAA compounds. The research found that all three MAA compounds could bind to the target protein PCOLCE1, with porphyra-334 being the most effective. Therefore, the Algae-Screen product has the potential to be an effective natural sunscreen alternative to prevent photoaging while being safe for coral reef ecosystems. However, further research is needed to develop and refine the Algae-Screen formulation.

The UGM Biology team, consisting of Irfan Agus Nugroho (Biology 2021), Laila Nurul Ilma (Biology 2021), and Fika Zulfiani (Biology 2021), successfully earned a Bronze Medal Quartile nomination in the Scientific Paper competition at the Agritech Research and Entrepreneurship Innovation (AGREETION) 2024. The subtheme of their entry was “Environmental Sustainability Innovation.” AGREETION 2024 is an international scientific paper and business plan competition organized by the Agritech Research and Study Club (ARSC) of the Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Universitas Brawijaya. This year’s theme was “Accelerating Agriculture and Agro-Industry Towards Sustainable Welfare with Eco-Friendly and Clean Production Principles.” Forty-two universities from 3 countries participated in this competition that was held online from April 20 to June 1, 2024.

The team presented an essay titled “Algae Screens: Eco-friendly Sunscreen Based on Red Algae (Palmaria palmata) as an Effort to Prevent Damaged Coral Reef Ecosystems.” The paper was inspired by Indonesia’s abundant coral reefs, which are threatened by degradation, partly due to sunscreen chemicals dissolving in the water. Chemicals in conventional sunscreens, oxybenzone and octinoxate can lead to coral bleaching. As a result, research conducted to develop eco-friendly sunscreen from natural ingredients. The natural compounds focused in this research were Mycosporine-Like Amino Acids (MAAs), abundant in red algae like Palmaria palmata. The research employed a literature study and molecular docking methods between MAA compounds (mycosporine glycine, porphyra-334, and shinorine) as ligands and the target protein Procollagen C-endopeptidase 1 (PCOLCE1). PCOLCE1 is a protein involved in regulating skin aging due to UV exposure, while the three MAA compounds used are known to possess the best antioxidant properties among MAA compounds. The research found that all three MAA compounds could bind to the target protein PCOLCE1, with porphyra-334 being the most effective. Therefore, the Algae-Screen product has the potential to be an effective natural sunscreen alternative to prevent photoaging while being safe for coral reef ecosystems. However, further research is needed to develop and refine the Algae-Screen formulation.