Yogyakarta, 11 November 2024 – The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada received a visit from Dr. Richard Kraince from Antioch College, Ohio, United States. The visit was welcomed by Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. as Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration and Alumni Affairs, Nur Indah Septriani, Ph.D. and Tyas Iksan Hikmawan, M.S., Ph.D. as Head of the International Affairs Office of the Faculty of Biology and lecturer from the Ecology and Conservation Laboratory, Faculty of Biology UGM, Mukhlis Jamal Musa Holle, M.Eng.Env., D.Phil.
Dr. Eko welcomed Dr. Richard to the Faculty of Biology UGM. He also introduced Dr. Richard at the Faculty of Biology, profile and potential for research and other collaborations.
Dr. Richard appreciated the welcome on Monday (11/11) morning. The member of the ASEAN University Network on Ecological and Environmental Change (AUN EEC) expressed his interest in social dynamics and the challenges of environmental and ecological change in Indonesia. His research focuses on developing environmental awareness through education, and his interest in community service programs, especially the Field Work Lecture Program – Community Empowerment Learning (KKN PPM), which is a superior program at Universitas Gadjah Mada.
Dr. Richard is also interested in the International Summer Course Program which is held every year by the Biology Faculty. He is interested in collaborating and bringing his students to participate.
Visit of Dr. Richard’s stay in Indonesia, especially at Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta, will last at least six weeks before leaving for the neighboring country, Malaysia. The research, which is supported by the Fullbright Program, USA, will focus heavily on the transformation of ecological and social education in Indonesia.
Visit of Dr. Richard’s stay in Indonesia, especially at Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta, will last at least six weeks before leaving for the neighboring country, Malaysia. The research, which is supported by the Fullbright Program, USA, will focus heavily on the transformation of ecological and social education in Indonesia.
Collaboration between the Faculty of Biology UGM and Antioch College USA through Dr. Richard is expected to be part of the Faculty of Biology’s commitment to its role in sustainable development in accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely healthy living (SDG 3), inclusive quality education for all groups (SDG 4), as well as partnerships in achieving sustainable goals (SDG 17).
On Tuesday and Wednesday, November 12-13, 2024, a training on Cytogenetics, Molecular Genetics, and Bioinformatics titled “Sanger Sequencing & Next Generation Sequencing” was held. The event is located at the Tropical Biology Auditorium, the Genetics and Breeding Laboratory, and Teaching Laboratory Faculty of Biology UGM. This event was attended by 10 participants from various professional backgrounds, including students, researchers, doctors, and lecturers from various institutions across Indonesia. It served as a platform for participants to enhance participant’s knowledge and skills in the field of molecular biology.
On the first day, Tuesday, November 12, 2024, the activities began with registration and an opening address by the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., at the Tropical Biology Auditorium Faculty of Biology UGM. This was followed by lecture on Molecular Genetics concerning Genetic Variation at the Species and Cultivar Levels by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. Participants then took part in a practical session on DNA extraction and nanodrop, as well as PCR and electrophoresis in the Genetics and Breeding Laboratory Faculty of Biology UGM. The event then concluded with a lecture on the Analysis of Sanger Sequencing Data Results, Blasting and Alignment, GeneStudio, MEGA, GenAlex, Network, and DnaSP by Dra. Tuty Arisuryanti, M.Sc., Ph.D., followed by a closing session at the Tropical Biology Auditorium Faculty of Biology UGM.
On the second day, Wednesday, November 13, 2024, the activities began with participant re-registration at the Genetics and Breeding Laboratory Faculty of Biology UGM. Participants guided on Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) data analysis and conducted phylogenetic tree practice using the Maximum Likelihood (IQTree) and Bayesian Inference (MrBayes) approaches. Later, participants joined activities within the Faculty of Biology UGM’s Research Day, including a lecture and introduction to Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) at Teaching Laboratory Faculty of Biology UGM. The workshop concluded with a certificate ceremony at the Tropical Biology Auditorium Faculty of Biology UGM.
This training aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by supporting Goal 4 (Quality Education), particularly in Genetics, by expanding knowledge and skills in modern genetic techniques such as Sanger Sequencing and NGS analysis. It also contributes to Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by fostering advancements in molecular genetics and bioinformatics research and innovation in Indonesia. Furthermore, it promotes SDG Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by encouraging stronger collaboration between participants from various institutions in Indonesia and the Faculty of Biology UGM.
To initiate the implementation of cooperation with universities and institutes in Singapore, the Faculty of Biology Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) sent Sukirno, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D. as Head of the Undergraduate Biology Study Program to participate in The 3rd Republic of Indonesia – Singapore University Network Meeting (RI-SING) at Singapore Management University on 11-13 November 2024. In this meeting, the UGM Delegation: Prof. Dr. Puji Astuti, S.Si., M.Sc., Apt. as Director of the Directorate of Partnership, Alumni, and International Affairs, Prof. Suadi, S.Pi., M.Agr.Sc., Ph.D as Director of the Directorate of Human Resources, drg. Trianna Wahyu Utami, MD.Sc., Ph.D. as Vice Dean for Research, Community Service and Cooperation, and drg. Anrizandy Narwidina, MD.Sc, Sp.KGA, Ph.D. from Faculty of Dentistry. This meeting was also attended by delegates from ITB, IPB, ITS, and UI. Meanwhile, from Singapore, it was attended by National University Singapore (NUS), Nanyang Technology University (NTU), Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS), Singapore Management University (SMU), and Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD). The event was opened by Prof. Lily Kong as President of SMU, and Prof. Dr. Ir. M. Faiz Syuaib, M.Agr. Director of the Directorate of Research, Technology, and Community Service, DIKTI.
On this occasion, UGM, ITB, and ITS signed an MoU with SIT. For UGM, the signing was represented by Prof. Dr. Puji Astuti, S.Si., M.Sc., Apt. and Prof. Chua Kee Chaing as President of SIT. The programs planned and agreed upon with partners include the initiation of a double degree program and student mobility in summer course activities with SMU, a mobility program for 2 to 3 months in the form of a summer course or community engagement and training activities for staff and lecturers with SIT. Meanwhile, with NTU, the programs that can be implemented are the Summer Course program, student mobility, joint research, and the initiation of a double degree program in biodiversity, especially in the field of bioengineering.
The potential for DD with SMU for S1 is 3 years at the home university + 1 year abroad, and 1 year for the master’s program and student exchange. The potential for collaboration with SUSS that has the potential to be implemented is joint collaboration on community service and health development based on social prescription to be implemented in the Capital City of the Archipelago (IKN). SUSS also offers DD with a 3.5 + 0.5 + 1 scheme for a master’s degree. The program initiation agreed upon with SUTD is student exchange and 1 + 1 master’s program. As a further stage of this initiation, for the implementation of the Cooperation, curriculum matching and exploration of schemes that can be taken for funding and student recruitment between policy holders of each Faculty with partners from Universities/Institutes in Singapore will be carried out. This activity is one of the real steps of the Faculty of Biology UGM in implementing SDG’s 4 in Quality Education, SDG’s 17 Partnership in achieving goals.
Department of Biology FMIPA Syiah Kuala University and The Indonesian Biology Consortium (KOBI) in collaboration with the Biology Study Program, FKIP, Syiah Kuala University, and the Biology Study Program, Faculty of Science and Technology, UIN Ar-Raniry Banda Aceh, has successfully held a National Meeting (Rakernas) on November 5-6, 2024 at the FMIPA Hall, Syiah Kuala University, Banda Aceh. This Rakernas was attended by 31 delegates who were representatives of Biology study programs throughout Indonesia. The delegation from the Faculty of Biology UGM itself was attended by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., as the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM and also the Chairman of KOBI. In addition, along with the group, Prof. Dr. Suwarno Hadisusanto, S.U. as the Advisory Board of KOBI, Prof. Dr.rer.nat. Andhika Puspito Nugroho, S.Si., M.Si., as Secretary of KOBI and Head of the Master of Biology Program, Prof. Dr. Endah Retnaningrum, M.Eng., as Head of the Biology Doctoral Study Program, Prof. Rina Sri Kasiamdari, S.Si., Ph.D., as Head of the Biodiversity Curator Professional Program, and Sukirno, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D. as Head of the Undergraduate Biology Study Program.
Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., in his remarks said that KOBI celebrated its 13th anniversary on September 22, 2024. KOBI has made important contributions to the development and sustainability of biodiversity in Indonesia, especially in recording biodiversity indexes. The National Meeting was opened by the Chancellor of Syiah Kuala University, Prof. Dr. Ir. Marwan. He emphasized the importance of biodiversity and sustainable management and encouraged collaboration and synergy of research cooperation between universities. Mayor of Banda Aceh Mr. Ade Surya, S.T., M.E. in his speech said that the Banda Aceh City Government hopes that the KOBI meeting will be a forum for friendship in every national working meeting and congress activity, especially in the application of the biodiversity index to support the achievement of Indonesia Emas 2045.
This national working meeting also held a workshop on the Initiation and Strengthening of the Biology Professional Program from the National Professional Certification Agency, Socialization of the 2024 Permendikbudristek No.44/2024 from KOBI, Living Planet Report 2024 from WWF Indonesia, the Indonesian Biodiversity Atlas Compilation Plan from the Geospatial Information Agency and the Postgraduate Curriculum Based on Academic Manuscripts based on OBE from KOBI.
This KOBI National Working Meeting is expected to not only be a forum for the exchange of knowledge and collaboration, but also to affirm KOBI’s commitment to play an active role in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) program, especially improving inclusive education (SDG 4) through sustainable collaboration (SDG 17). In addition, this activity also encourages the advancement of biological science in Indonesia, especially in biodiversity conservation, including the preservation of marine ecosystems (SDG 14) and terrestrial ecosystems (SDG 15), as well as the application of biological science for environmental sustainability.
Yogyakarta, 5 November 2024 – Faculty of Biology UGM initiated a double degree collaboration with the University of Philippines Los Banos (UPLB) and the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA). This initiation was conveyed in an online meeting with Dr. Maria Genaleen Q. Diaz from the Institute of Biological Sciences Director, University of the Philippines at Los Banos (UPLB), and Dr. Mom. Carmin as IBS Graduate Program Committee. The meeting was also attended by Dr. Bambang Retnoaji as Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. as Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation and Alumni Affairs and Nur Indah Septriani, Ph.D. as Head of the International Affairs Office, Faculty of Biology, UGM.
During the meeting, the initiation of a 2+2 double degree collaboration between the Faculty of Biology UGM and UPLB was discussed. Dr. Ma and Dr. Maria appreciated this initiation. Both of them said that UPLB already has a double degree program running with 13 universities in the United Kingdom and Australia, especially for double degree doctoral programs, but did not rule out the possibility of double degree collaboration for masters. The program covers the fields of genetics, botany, microbiology, and molecular biotechnology.
Dr. Eko and Dr. Bambang added that the initiation of the double degree collaboration could be supported by the SEARCA (Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture) scholarship. It is hoped that this collaboration will attract more students to pursue their education at the two universities.
The collaboration between the Faculty of Biology UGM and UPLB is expected to be part of the Biology Faculty’s commitment to its role in sustainable development in accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely healthy living (SDG 3), inclusive quality education for all groups (SDG 4), as well as partnerships in achieve sustainable goals (SDG 17).
Yogyakarta, 4 November 2024 – Faculty of Biology UGM received a visit from Medical Bioinformatics Expert from National Central University (NCU), Taiwan, Dr. Hui-Yin Chang. The visit took place at the Faculty of Biology UGM, attended by Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, M.Sc. as Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. as Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration and Alumni Affairs. Also present were several lecturers with a focus on biomedical research, including Dr.biol.hom. Nastiti Wijayanti from the Animal Physiology Laboratory, Dr.rer.nat. Abdul Rahman Siregar, M.Biotech from the Microbiology Laboratory, and Tyas Iksan Hikmawan, Ph.D. from the Biochemistry Laboratory, as well as an NCU alumni and researcher at the Integrated Genome Factory (IGF) Faculty of Biology, Raden Aditya Aryandi, M.Sc.
Dr. Eko as Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration and Alumni Affairs welcomed the visit. He said that the Faculty of Biology had established good communication and initiated cooperation since Prof. Chien-Chia Wang, Dean for College of Health Sciences & Technology, NCU Taiwan some time ago. Dr. Eko also conveyed the profile of the Faculty of Biology, from study program profiles, facilities to international collaborations that are ongoing to date.
Dr. Hui-Yin Chang appreciated the opportunity for discussion and explained information about the Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering. She conveyed the potential for collaboration with experts and professors in the fields of bio-engineering, bio-materials, bio-medicine and bio-informatics. This matter was also discussed with lecturers at the Faculty of Biology who have research related to biomedicine. Dr. Chang expressed her enthusiasm for collaborative projects that could be initiated either with her in the field of bioinformatics, or with other NCU professors.
In this discussion, student exchange collaboration with the potential for double degrees with the College of Health Science and Technology NCU was also initiated. Experts from both institutions can also work together in guiding students through joint supervision, as well as collaborative research and publications through joint publications and joint authorship.
The collaboration between the Faculty of Biology UGM and NCU is expected to be part of the Faculty of Biology’s commitment to its role in sustainable development in accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely healthy living (SDG 3), inclusive quality education for all groups (SDG 4), as well as partnerships in achieving sustainable goals (SDG 17).
As a mega biodiversity country, Indonesia possesses extensive biological resources that hold significant potential not only for bioprospecting but also for biodiversity monitoring research. Distribution and biodiversity have become key indicators of environmental quality. With the advent of next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies, biodiversity monitoring can now leverage environmental DNA (eDNA), facilitating rapid and comprehensive community assessments. This approach enables the detection of a wide range of taxa, including not only conventionally sampled flora and fauna but also microbial communities that remain unculturable through traditional methods.
As part of its commitment to advancing research capacity, the Integrated Genome Factory (IGF) recently hosted the IGF MasterClass, a specialized training in eDNA metabarcoding for researchers from Universitas Sriwijaya. Held from October 28 to 30, 2024, at the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Yogyakarta, the event commenced with an opening address by Dr. Slamet Widiyanto, S.Si., M.Sc., Vice Dean for Finance, Assets, and Human Resources at UGM’s Faculty of Biology. Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono, S.Si., M.Si., the Master Trainer, initiated the training with an in-depth introduction to eDNA theoretical foundations. The first day included field-based eDNA sampling techniques, led by Assistant Andryan, followed by DNA extraction and PCR sample preparation conducted by Adhisa F. P., S.Si., and Ashfiya Hanif, S.Si.
Once participants mastered rigorous sampling methodologies and acquired high-quality samples, IGF personnel guided them through hands-on library preparation workflows on the second day. This session was designed to prepare participants for metabarcoding sequencing using the Nanopore platform. The participants engaged enthusiastically, actively participating in each step of the training process.
On the third day, the focus shifted to the data interpretation necessary for accurate metabarcoding analysis. Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono, S.Si., M.Si., led sessions on Nanopore software operation, data refinement, processing, and best practices for achieving publication-standard representation of sequencing data. Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., Vice Dean for Research, Community Engagement, Cooperation, and Alumni at UGM’s Faculty of Biology, concluded the event, expressing hope that the training outcomes would be directly applied by the researchers in their respective institutions and foster future collaborations with IGF and the Faculty of Biology at UGM.
“This training was exceptional. The materials were presented effectively by the young, experienced trainers, making complex concepts accessible,” commented Dr. Melki, S.Si., M.Si., at the session’s close.
IGF and the Faculty of Biology UGM are committed to enhancing research capacity and collective action to conserve Indonesia’s biological diversity by advancing genomics technology through the Nanopore sequencing platform. The IGF, equipped with ONT PromethION 24 and a Data Acquisition Unit (DAU) capable of processing up to 720 Gb of DNA sequencing daily, is well-positioned to offer high-throughput sequencing services and collaborative opportunities with institutions across Indonesia.
Students from the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), achieved a remarkable achievement by winning third place in the UBIQUINON 2024 Scientific Writing Competition. This prestigious event, themed “The INCREDIBLE of Biochemistry: INtelligent, CREative, and DIstant Beyond the Limit of Biochemistry,” was organized by the Community of Research and Education in Biochemistry (CREBs) at Institut Pertanian Bogor (IPB) on September 21–22, 2024.
The UGM team, consisting of Nisa Abidah and Almas Lathifatul Ula, class of 2021, presented their scientific work titled “Future Therapeutic Development Based on Mutation Trend Analysis and Design of Antibiotic Resistance Detection to Prevent the Superbug Gonorrhea Phenomenon.” The research, supervised by Tyas Ikhsan Hikmawan, S.Si., M.S., Ph.D., addresses the critical challenge of antibiotic resistance, focused on gonorrhea, one of the most dangerous superbugs. The study proposes innovative future solutions through the development of diagnostic tools for detecting antibiotic resistance.
UBIQUINON 2024 aimed to enhance understanding of biochemistry’s pivotal role as a foundational science for numerous applied disciplines. The event consisted of two main segments: Competitions in three categories—Scientific Writing, Essay, and Infographics and UBITALK, a seminar discussing cutting-edge issues in applied biochemistry.
The competition attracted dozens of submissions, with only 15 finalists selected from leading universities across Indonesia, including Universitas Indonesia (UI), Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS), Institut Pertanian Bogor (IPB), Universitas Hang Tuah, and Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP).
The competition attracted dozens of submissions, with only 15 finalists selected from leading universities across Indonesia, including Universitas Indonesia (UI), Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS), Institut Pertanian Bogor (IPB), Universitas Hang Tuah, and Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP).
The overarching theme of UBIQUINON 2024 explored sub themes such as Renewable Energy Applications, Biotechnology, and Medicine. The UGM team’s work fell under the medical subtheme, showcasing a groundbreaking approach to combating antibiotic resistance.
This achievement highlights not only the innovative capacity of UGM’s Faculty of Biology students but also their commitment to advancing impactful scientific knowledge, particularly in addressing global health challenges. The success reinforces UGM’s dedication to supporting the realization of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in promoting health and fostering sustainable scientific advancements.
[Author: Nisa Abidah]
A student team from the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), class of 2022, under the guidance of Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Andhika Puspito Nugroho, S.Si., M.Si., achieved a remarkable achievement at the 2024 Science Event (SCEVENT) Essay Competition organized by the Scientific Reasoning Student Unit (UKM Penalaran) of Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember.
During the final presentation on Sunday, October 27, 2024, The OTW team, led by Avriena Lintang Aulia Riefa’i and team members Fatiha Esti Murwani and Nova Nana Nadiya, presented “The Potential of Acinetobacter sp. and Sphingomonas sp. Biofilms for Reducing Metal Contaminants in Optimizing Potable Water Quality.” The essay addressed the poor quality of drinking water due to metal contaminants such as iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn), that lead to metallic tastes and odors in drinking water. Beyond discomfort, these contaminants pose health risks if present in concentrations exceeding safe limits. The team proposed an innovative solution by utilizing biofilms formed by metal-oxidizing bacteria, Acinetobacter sp. and Sphingomonas sp., as bioremediation agents by modifying water filtration systems in wastewater treatment plants (WWTP) to optimize the filtration process.
With this concept, the OTW team developed a biofilm-mediated bioremediation system for domestic applications. Their innovative approach earned them first place, triumphing over 47 competing teams.This outstanding achievement inspires other students to continually develop creative ideas and practical solutions to address diverse challenges, thereby contributing to support the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The OTW team aspires for their innovation to lay the groundwork for future advancements in potable water filtration methods, specifically through microbial biofilm utilization. Aligned with SDG Goal 6, “Clean Water and Sanitation for All,” this initiative underscores the importance of ensuring the availability and sustainable management of clean water for everyone.
[Author: Fatiha Esti Murwani]
Yogyakarta, October 26, 2024 – The Community Service Team of the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (PkM-MBKM) Program from the 2024 Biology Study Program conducted a community service activity titled “Processing Inorganic Waste and Combating Air Pollution Using Plants” on Saturday, October 26, 2024. Guided by supervising lecturer Mrs. Novita Yustinadiar, S.Si., M.Si., this event aimed to raise community awareness of sustainable inorganic waste management and the utilization of plants to reduce air pollution caused by waste incineration and motor vehicle emissions.
The event began at 2:00 PM WIB with an opening address from Mrs. Novita Yustinadiar, S.Si., M.Si., followed by the main presentation delivered by Aisyah Balqis Febriana. In her session, Aisyah explained that inorganic waste such as plastic, bottles, paper, and cardboard can be sorted and sent to waste banks for recycling, thereby enhancing their utility. Additionally, the concept of waste-to-energy was introduced, specifically the use of waste combustion heat as an environmentally friendly source of electricity, similar to Japan’s use of incineration technology. However, this technology is not yet feasible in Indonesia due to technological limitations. Currently, many people resort to burning waste to eliminate it, which has negative consequences for the environment, health, and society. One example discussed in the session was the production of microplastics from waste burning, which can contaminate soil, water, and air, posing risks to human, animal, and plant health. Thus, raising awareness about the dangers of waste burning and exploring alternative solutions for inorganic waste management is essential. In addition to recycling through waste banks, other potential solutions for managing inorganic waste include creating crafts and upcycling waste into valuable and marketable items. The session also covered air pollution mitigation using plants, including types of plants that absorb air pollution and the mechanisms by which plants reduce pollutants.
Following the presentation, Wisnu Prabowo conducted a hands-on demonstration, showing participants how to make sofa cushions filled with clean, recycled plastic, followed by the distribution of cushion covers and plastic zip covers to all attendees. Then, Ardiah Pramesti Cahyani presented a tutorial video along with a display of creative items made by the student team, such as lanterns from plastic spoons, flowers from plastic bags, flowers from used plastic bottles, frames from bottle caps, flower pots from bottles, and glass bottle vases for water propagation. These creations served as daily-life inspirations for repurposing inorganic waste.
Participants engaged in a Q&A session and took a post-test to assess their understanding of the material. Attractive door prizes, including air-purifying houseplants and other gifts, were awarded to participants who actively engaged in the discussion. The event concluded with a recap video of the PkM-MBKM 2024 program, highlighting the series of environmental education activities.
The program closed with a farewell from Mrs. Novita, a group photo session with all participants and the team, and the distribution of souvenirs as tokens of appreciation. This community service program, which concluded at 4:00 PM WIB, is hoped to provide the community with new insights on environmental preservation through waste management and plant use as a solution for air pollution mitigation. We extend our gratitude to the Faculty of Biology for funding this event through the 2024 PKM-MBKM Grant, hoping it will continue to benefit the broader community.