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SDG 4 : Provide Quality Education

Capacity Building for Sustainable Future Crops Development: Lecturer of Faculty of Biology UGM Participates in Genome Editing Training at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Philippines

News Release Friday, 28 February 2025

Starting from Monday, January 27, until Friday, February 21, 2025, a faculty member from the Faculty of Biology UGM, Prof. Dr. Yekti Asih Purwestri, had the opportunity to participate in the training program “Gene Editing for Indica Rice and Excellence Through Stewardship” at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) in Los Baños, the Philippines. This program is a significant milestone of the KONEKSI partnership program between Australia and Indonesia, titled “Building a Sustainable Future: Developing Nutritious and Climate-Resilient Crop Varieties” in collaboration with IRRI Philippines and BRIN Indonesia. Aimed at enhancing capacity building, this funding also provided an opportunity for a young lecturer, Dr. Siti Nurbaiti, to take part in the program, as she is also conducting research on rice.


During the four-week training at IRRI, all activities were supervised by Dr. Inez Slamet-Loedin, an Indonesian diaspora who also serves as Principal Scientist and Head of the Genetic Design and Validation Unit at IRRI, Philippines. Before actively engaging in laboratory activities, Prof. Yekti and Dr. Baiti had to complete an online course on Good and Safe Laboratory Practices, studied about Stewardship, Biosafety, and Regulations regarding plant products derived from the use of Plant Breeding Innovations (PBIs) in the Philippines. In general, these genome editing activities in the Rice Breeding Innovation unit involved two laboratories: Gene Editing and Transformation Lab (GETL) led by Dr. Inez Slamet-Loedin, and Gene Identification and Validation Lab (GIV) led by Dr. Sung Ryul Kim.

The introduction to Genome Editing (GEd), Escherichia coli plasmid vector design and guide RNA construction, oligonucleotide duplex synthesis, ligation, Agrobacterium transformation, confirmation and validation, and glycerol stock preparation were conducted in the GIV Lab. The developed constructs were then transferred to the GETL Lab, where they were introduced into plants through Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of immature embryos via tissue culture. The resulting plants were grown in regulated greenhouse and screenhouse facilities, followed by mutation screening using molecular genotyping analysis from DNA and phenotyping analysis based on growth and development parameters such as tillering capacity, leaf number, leaf greenness, and stress responses. Additionally, Prof. Yekti and Dr. Baiti also studied seed processing, covering harvesting, storage techniques, and maintaining seed viability for both daily use and long-term preservation. Some GEd projects conducted include the development of rice varieties with enhanced Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) and the improvement of Zinc (Zn) and Iron (Fe) content in rice.

In addition to laboratory activities, Prof. Yekti and Dr. Baiti had the opportunity to visit the IRRI Genebank, which houses a vast collection of cultivated rice varieties from various countries, including wild rice species. They also explored the Speed Breeding Facilities, which enable studies on rice growth and development under various controlled environmental conditions. Meetings and discussions with experts from various fields were also conducted, including Dr. R. Mauleon and Dr. Dmytro Chebotarov, experts in bioinformatics, who introduced the SNP-Seek platform, which was developed by IRRI (https://snp-seek.irri.org/); Dr. Amelia Henry, an expert in root system research; and Rice breeders from Korea. The program concluded with a final presentation summarizing all the knowledge and experiences gained, held on Friday, February 21, 2025. During the training, Dr. Baiti also had the opportunity to meet with a collaborator from the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Alona C. Linatoc, who has been actively involved in the Summer Course program organized by the Faculty of Biology UGM.

This program also supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Looking ahead, it is hoped that more collaborations and opportunities will be created to continuously enhance the capacity of faculty members at the Faculty of Biology, UGM, further contributing to the advancement of education in Indonesia.

UGM Biology Students Participate in Sakura Science Program at Yamagata University, Japan

News ReleaseStudent Activities Thursday, 27 February 2025

Yogyakarta, February 26, 2025 – Sixteen students from the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), participated in the Sakura Science Program at the Faculty of Science, Yamagata University, Japan. The program took place from February 15 to 23, 2025.


Accompanied by Prof. Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, the students began their activities with a field trip to the Mt. Gassan region to observe the environmental conditions covered in heavy snow in northern Japan. Led by Prof. Jun Yokoyama, the students were also taken on a tour of Yamagata City.

The following day, February 17, 2025, the students attended a series of lectures on biodiversity and recent advances in biological studies delivered by several professors, including Dr. Taisuke Kanao on “Termitophily: Unique insect diversity in termite nests”, Prof. Naoyuki Fujiyama on “Diversity of Asian insects with particular attention to researches on herbivorous ladybird beetles”, and Prof. Yutaka Miyazawa on “How do plant roots respond to water deficit? : Physiological and molecular biological dissection of root hydrotropism”.

From February 18 to 21, 2025, the students conducted a series of practical activities, including material selection for experiments, DNA isolation from organisms, DNA sequencing, and data analysis from PCR results. The outcomes of these activities were then compiled into reports and presented.

This program not only focused on academic aspects but also provided opportunities for students to learn about Japanese culture by visiting the Yamagata Prefectural Museum.

The Sakura Science Program aims to strengthen cooperation and knowledge exchange between the Faculty of Biology, UGM, and Yamagata University. This activity is expected to broaden students’ knowledge and insights in biology and strengthen the Faculty of Biology’s international network.

The Role of Biology in Infertility Treatment: Guest Lecture and Career Talk by the Faculty of Biology UGM and Morula IVF Indonesia

News Release Monday, 24 February 2025

Yogyakarta, February 24, 2025 – The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), in collaboration with PT Morula IVF Indonesia, successfully held a Guest Lecture and Career Talk titled “The Role of Biology in Infertility Treatment through Assisted Reproductive Technology.” This event took place at the Auditorium of the Faculty of Biology UGM and was attended by lecturers, students, academics, and practitioners interested in reproductive biotechnology.

The event was officially opened by Dr. Eko Agu Suyono, M.App.Sc., Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Alumni Affairs, who emphasized that this event is part of the ongoing collaboration between the Faculty of Biology UGM and Morula IVF Indonesia. “We hope this event provides broad insights for students and academics on the role of biology in assisted reproductive technology while fostering stronger collaborations between academia and industry,” Dr. Eko stated in his speech. From Morula IVF Indonesia, Ms. Viola Mursally also delivered a speech highlighting the benefits of this event for students’ academic and career development. “Infertility is a global health issue that requires a multidisciplinary approach, including biology. We hope this event broadens students’ perspectives on various innovations in assisted reproductive technology and inspires them to pursue careers in this industry,” said Viola.

The keynote speaker, Prof. Dr. dr. Dicky Moch. Rizal, M.Kes, Sp.And, AIFM, SubspFER, an expert in andrology and reproductive technology, delivered an in-depth lecture on various aspects of infertility treatment. He discussed the advancements in in vitro fertilization (IVF) technology, challenges in male reproductive health, and the role of biology in developing innovative solutions to help couples conceive. The interactive discussion between participants and the speaker further enriched attendees’ understanding of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART), as well as research and innovation opportunities in this field.

In addition to the guest lecture, the event featured a Career Talk session, showcasing Human Capital Morula IVF Indonesia and a Sharing Session by Wisnu Anindyojati, S.Si., a Faculty of Biology UGM alumnus who has been working at PT Morula IVF Indonesia for over four years. This session provided insights into career prospects for biology graduates in the reproductive technology industry, as well as the essential skills required to contribute to this field. This event aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including: SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being, by increasing access to reproductive health services and fertility technologies, SDG 4 – Quality Education, by disseminating knowledge and technology to students and academics, and SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, through academic-industry collaboration in the development of biology-based medical technologies. Through this initiative, the Faculty of Biology UGM and Morula IVF Indonesia reaffirm their commitment to fostering an educational and research ecosystem that supports advancements in assisted reproductive technology. It is hoped that this collaboration will continue to grow and bring greater benefits to academia, industry, and society.

Open Innovation Program of PT Bumitama Gunajaya Agro 2025

CooperationNews Release Friday, 21 February 2025

Yogyakarta, 20 February 2025 , PT Bumitama Gunajaya Agro (BGA) continues to demonstrate its commitment to advancing innovation within Indonesia’s palm oil sector through the implementation of its 2025 Open Innovation Program. The program was formally introduced during a socialization event held at the Tropical Biology Auditorium, Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), and was attended by faculty members and students.


This activity also marked the continuation of collaboration between PT BGA and the Faculty of Biology UGM in the previous year. In his opening address, Dean of the Faculty of Biology, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., underscored the strategic importance of partnerships between academia and industry in enhancing the relevance and quality of research and innovation. He expressed appreciation for the opportunity to strengthen this partnership, noting that he was a recipient of the BGA Innovation Grant in the previous cycle.

Dr. Ade Agung Laksono, Head of the Bumitama Academy Department at PT BGA, delivered the keynote presentation titled “Integrated Innovation for Advancing the Indonesian Palm Oil Industry.” In his presentation, Dr. Ade reaffirmed BGA’s dedication to facilitating broader participation by Indonesian researchers in addressing practical challenges within the national palm oil industry.

“BGA operates primarily in upstream plantation management. Through this research grant initiative, we seek to explore the potential of Indonesian researchers in delivering applied solutions to key issues in the palm oil sector,” Dr. Ade stated.
Among the critical challenges highlighted were the decline in production capacity due to pest outbreaks and inefficiencies in the processing of crude palm oil into refined products. To address these issues, BGA is offering researchers access to plantation land, thereby providing an opportunity to apply their research’s findings.

In addition to faculty researchers, the 2025 Open Innovation Program is also open to university students across Indonesia. This initiative is expected to further promote research-based innovation originating from academic institutions such as the Faculty of Biology UGM, contributing meaningfully to the development of the national palm oil industry. Furthermore, it aligns with key objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDGs No. 4 on Quality Education and SDGs No.17 on Partnerships for the Goals.

Through this initiative, PT BGA aspires to strengthen the integration between higher education institutions and industry, while fostering impactful and solution-oriented research in the fields of agriculture and plantation science in Indonesia.

Open Innovation Program by PT Bumitama Gunajaya Agro 2025

CooperationNews Release Friday, 21 February 2025

Yogyakarta, February 20, 2025 – PT Bumitama Gunajaya Agro (BGA) continues to strengthen its commitment to driving innovation in Indonesia’s palm oil industry through its Open Innovation program. The socialization of this program was held at the Tropical Biology Auditorium of the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Yogyakarta, and was attended by both faculty members and students from the Faculty of Biology UGM. This event also marked the continuation of the collaboration between BGA and the Faculty of Biology UGM, which began last year.


In his opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, emphasized the importance of cooperation between academic and industry to enhance the quality of research and innovation. He expressed great appreciation for the opportunity to continue this collaboration, especially since the Dean himself was one of the recipients of BGA’s innovation grant last year.

During the event, Dr. Ade Agung Laksono, Bumitama Academy Department Head at PT BGA, served as the keynote speaker. Under the theme “Integrated Innovation to Advance the Indonesian Palm Oil Industry,” Dr. Ade shared BGA’s commitment to opening opportunities for Indonesian researchers to directly contribute to the development and sustainability of the national palm oil industry. “BGA focuses on the upstream management of palm oil plantations, and through the research grant we offer, we aim to explore the potential of Indonesian researchers in providing practical solutions to the various challenges in the palm oil sector,” said Dr. Ade.

In his presentation, Dr. Ade also highlighted some of the main challenges facing the Indonesian palm oil industry this year, including reduced production capacity due to pest attacks and suboptimal processing of crude palm oil into edible oils. To address these issues, BGA is offering researchers the opportunity to apply their findings directly in the field, utilizing the land provided by BGA.

This year, the BGA research grant program not only invites faculty members but also opens up participation to students from universities across Indonesia. Through this initiative, it is hoped that the research innovations emerging from the Faculty of Biology UGM can further contribute to the advancement of the palm oil industry in Indonesia, while supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly for inclusive education (SDG 4) and collaborative innovation (SDG 17). This initiative is expected to strengthen the synergy between education and industry, opening opportunities for more applicable research that can have a direct impact on the agricultural and palm oil plantation sectors in Indonesia.

Histology and Animal Anatomy Learning for SMPIT Muhammadiyah An Najah, Klaten Students at the Faculty of Biology, UGM

News Release Thursday, 20 February 2025

On Tuesday, February 18, 2025, 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 29 students, accompanied by four 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 undergraduate and 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. At the end of the session, students visited the anatomy section of the Laboratory of Animal Structure and Development, where they observed preserved specimens of various animal species as well as skeletal structures. 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.

UGM and WSU Collaborate in International Summer Course at Setulang Village and Tane Olen Community Forest, North Kalimantan

CooperationNews Release Tuesday, 18 February 2025

The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), in collaboration with Western Sydney University (WSU), successfully conducted the International Summer Course (ISC) program in Setulang Village and the Tane Olen Community Forest, Malinau Regency, North Kalimantan. This program followed a series of academic and cultural exchanges held earlier in Yogyakarta and Tarakan.


On Sunday, January 26, 2025, ISC participants arrived in Malinau and continued their journey to Setulang Village. The UGM delegation included two faculty members ; Dr. Rury Eprilurahman and Mukhlish Jamal Musa Holle, M.Env.Sc, D.Phil. and six students. The WSU delegation, consisting of two staff members, Dr. John Hunt and Louise Graham, and 16 students.

The program commenced with a warm welcome from the Setulang community, featuring traditional dance performances and remarks from the Village Head, Mr. Saleh Wang. Field activities began the following day with observations of rice fields and home gardens owned by local residents, including an introduction to farming system and the diversity of plant species cultivated in the Mr. Philius’s home garden, a village elder.

On January 28, the program moved to the Tane Olen Community Forest, a lowland dipterocarp forest known for its rich biodiversity. Participants traveled by pickup and continued on foot along river trails to two basecamps: Lepo Kalung and Waterfall Basecamp. From January 28 to February 5, daily activities included birdwatching, jungle trekking, herpetofauna observation (herping), and thematic discussions with local guides and researchers.
Dr. Rury Eprilurahman led herpetofauna identification sessions and delivered a herpetology sharing session on January 29. On January 30, local guides introduced participants to useful plant species during a trek through riparian and hilly zones. That evening, an ethnobotany discussion was held between ISC participants and the local community.

A key highlight took place on February 1 with a dialogue involving village elder Mr. Philius, Village Head Mr. Saleh Wang, and forest management representatives Andrew and Ran. The discussion focused on the history of Setulang, community conservation efforts, and sustainable forest management practices in Tane Olen.

The ISC program concluded on February 5 with a closing ceremony in Setulang Village. The event was attended by the Subdistrict Head of South Malinau Hilir, village officials, and community leaders, and featured traditional dance performances by residents of all ages.

This international collaboration not only enhanced cross-cultural academic exchange but also embodied the principles of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), 14 (Life Below Water), and 15 (Life on Land).

Faculty of Biology UGM and Faculty of Science, Leiden University Celebrate a Decade of Academic and Research Partnership

CooperationNews Release Monday, 17 February 2025

Yogyakarta, 14 February 2025 – Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) and Faculty of Science, Leiden University, celebrate a decade of academic and research partnership which has had a major impact on the development of biological science. Prof. dr. Herman Spaink from the Faculty of Science Leiden University, visits Faculty of Biology to celebrates their collaboration together with the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. and Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration and Alumni Affairs, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc. along with Dr. Luthfi Nur Hidayat, S.Sc., M.Sc., lecturer at of Faculty of Biology as well as alumnus of Leiden University.

Since the collaboration began in 2015, Faculty of Biology UGM and Leiden University have carried out various joint research projects, student and lecturer exchange programs, as well as international scientific publications. Ultimately, in September 2024, Faculty of Biology UGM and the Graduate School, Faculty of Science, Leiden University signed a Joint Doctoral Degree Agreement. This program allows students from both universities to earn a doctoral degree with guidance from experts at both institutions. This agreement confirms the commitment of both institutions to strengthening academic and research relations in the field of biology.

Apart from that, the two universities also collaborated in establishing the Zebrafish Research Facility. This facility is expected to become an international research center to support the development of research in the health and natural products potential from Indonesia. This collaboration is in line with UGM’s vision of developing superior research in the fields of biotechnology and public health.

With a decade of success under their belt, both institutions are committed to continuing to expand the impact of research and innovation at the global level while strengthening their role as centers of excellence for biological research. It is hoped that this collaboration will continue to produce collaborative programs, student exchanges, joint research and quality scientific publications, providing significant benefits to the academic community and wider society.

This collaboration also contributes to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). In particular, SDG 4 (Quality Education) which supports access to quality education at the global level, SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) where the development of research facilities and scientific innovation in the field of biotechnology supports the progress of research infrastructure at the international level, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) where collaboration between UGM and Leiden University reflects the importance of global partnerships in supporting research, innovation and academic development. Thus, this collaboration not only strengthens academic and research networks, but also contributes to achieving broader sustainable development goals.

Faculty of Biology Explores Academic Collaboration with University College Cork, Ireland

CooperationNews Release Monday, 17 February 2025

Yogyakarta, 13 February 2024 – Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) participated in discussions to initiate collaboration with University College Cork (UCC), Ireland. This discussion was led by the Secretary of the Directorate of Global Partnerships and Relations at UGM, Prof. Ir. Wiratni, S.T., M.T., Ph.D., IPM, and attended by delegates from various faculties at UGM, including the Faculty of Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (MIPA), and Faculty of Agricultural Technology. The Faculty of Biology delegation was represented by Nur Indah Septriani, Ph.D., as Head of the International Affairs Office of the Faculty of Biology.

Ms. Neasa O’Connor, International Recruitment Manager College of Science, Engineering and Food Science UCC, conveyed the potential for collaboration between the UGM Faculty of Biology and the UCC School of Microbiology. On this occasion, UCC offers two master’s program schemes, regular and by research, as part of the initiation of a double degree program with the Biology Master’s program at UGM. Ms. Neasa highlighted the potential for double degree collaboration in the Master of Microbiome Science program, a new study program at UCC, as well as other master’s programs such as the Master in Bioinformatics and Master in Biotechnology and Industrial Sciences.

Nur Indah Septriani, Ph.D., expressed her appreciation and welcomed the initiation of collaboration with UCC. She mentioned that the Faculty of Biology UGM has established double degree collaborations with various world universities at undergraduate level through the International Undergraduate Program (IUP), as well as at master’s and doctoral levels. Apart from that, she also offers the potential for collaboration in annual international programs organized by the Faculty of Biology UGM, such as the International Summer Course (ISC) and the International Conference on Biological Science (ICBS).

This discussion is a strategic step in strengthening academic relations between the Faculty of Biology UGM and University College Cork, Ireland. The initiation of this collaboration is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4) which aims to improve access and quality of higher education through international academic collaboration. Apart from that, this collaboration also supports SDG 17, which emphasizes the importance of partnerships between educational institutions in creating a positive impact on the development of science and human resources at the global level.

University of Dundee visit supports follow-up collaboration with the Faculty of Biology

CooperationNews Release Monday, 17 February 2025

Yogyakarta, 14 February 2025 – The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) received a visit from delegation from the University of Dundee, United Kingdom, in order to discuss the follow-up to academic cooperation between the two institutions. The University of Dundee delegation was represented by Dr. Christine Graham as Academic Regional Lead for South East Asia and Associate Dean for Student Recruitment and Global Partnership, School of Life Science. This visit took place in the KPTU Meeting Room, Faculty of Biology UGM and was also attended by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono (Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM), Dr. Eko Agus Suyono (Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration and Alumni Affairs), Sukirno, Ph.D. (Head of the Undergraduate Study Program), and Matin Nuhamunada, Ph.D. (Secretary of the Office of International Affairs, Faculty of Biology, UGM).


Since 2024, the Faculty of Biology together with several other faculties at UGM have established double degree collaboration with the University of Dundee, especially in the biology master’s program through the School of Life Science. This program is supported by various scholarship schemes, including the LPDP scholarship by the Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Indonesia as well as various other scholarships offered by the University of Dundee.

During this visit, Dr. Graham further introduced the University of Dundee, especially the School of Life Science, by explaining various student activities, campus facilities, and research focused in the field of Cell and Molecular Biology. This session was followed by a presentation from Dr. Eko Agus Suyono who introduced the Faculty of Biology UGM to the University of Dundee delegation.

Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono welcomed this discussion and emphasized the commitment of the Faculty of Biology UGM in supporting international academic collaboration. He highlighted the high interest of students to continue their education abroad as well as the various scholarship opportunities available. Apart from that, Prof. Budi also mentioned that several students from the International Undergraduate Program (IUP) Faculty of Biology UGM are currently undergoing a double degree program at the University of Leeds, United Kingdom, and the Australian National University, Australia.

The discussion also included the potential for developing an Academic Validation Program, an inter-university curriculum validation program that allows students to obtain degree recognition from the University of Dundee without having to attend lectures directly. This program is expected to run continuously with the initiation of the 4+1 (Undergraduate-Master) scheme. In addition, Matin Nuhamunada, Ph.D. adding that the University of Dundee has the opportunity to participate in the Faculty of Biology UGM’s annual international agenda, such as the International Summer Course (ISC) and the International Conference on Biological Science (ICBS).

This visit is a strategic step in strengthening relations between the Faculty of Biology UGM and the University of Dundee. This follow-up discussion is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals which encourage increasing access and quality of higher education through international academic collaboration (SDG 4) and emphasizes the importance of synergy between educational institutions in creating a positive impact on the development of science and human resources at the global level (SDG 17).