**Jakarta, July 1-5, 2024** – Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono, a lecturer from the Biology Department of Gadjah Mada University (UGM), has been invited to serve as a judge at the National Science Olympiad for Elementary and Middle School Levels (OSN-P). The event, organized by the Indonesian Talent Development Center, National Achievement Center, Secretariat General, Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology, took place from July 1 to July 5, 2024.

The National Science Olympiad at the provincial level (OSN-P) for elementary (SD/MI) and middle school (SMP/MTs) students was conducted using the Computer-Based National Assessment (ANBK) application. This innovative approach ensures a fair and efficient evaluation process, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of promoting quality basic education and fostering development.

Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono was among the 50 judges from various universities and institutions across Indonesia. His expertise in biology and commitment to educational development made him a valuable addition to the judging panel. The judges were tasked with evaluating the performances of 2,061 participants, a challenging yet rewarding responsibility.

The OSN-P aims to identify and nurture young talents in science, providing them with opportunities to excel and contribute to the nation’s development. By involving experts like Dr. Priyono, the event ensures that the assessment process is rigorous and credible, promoting a culture of excellence in basic education.

Throughout the five-day event, participants demonstrated their knowledge and skills in various scientific disciplines. The use of the ANBK application facilitated a smooth and transparent evaluation process, allowing judges to focus on the participants’ performance without technical hindrances.

Dr. Priyono expressed his enthusiasm for being part of the OSN-P, highlighting the importance of such events in inspiring young minds. “It’s an honor to contribute to the development of our future scientists. These young talents are the backbone of our nation’s progress,” he said.

The involvement of university lecturers and professionals in the judging process underscores the commitment to maintaining high standards in educational assessments. This collaboration between educational institutions and the government is crucial for achieving the SDGs related to quality education and sustainable development.

The OSN-P not only provides a platform for students to showcase their abilities but also encourages them to pursue careers in science and technology. This aligns with the broader goal of fostering innovation and development in Indonesia.

As the event concluded, the organizers expressed their gratitude to all judges, participants, and supporting institutions. The success of the OSN-P is a testament to the collective effort in promoting quality education and nurturing the next generation of scientists.

On Saturday and Sunday, May 18-19, 2024, the Faculty of Biology Universitas Gadjah Mada conducted training for the 2024 Buddy Counselors. These Buddy Counselors are students selected through a screening process by the Faculty of Biology’s Mental Health Team during the recruitment, held from February 12-16, 2024. They are tasked with providing emotional support and adequate counseling to fellow students in need. The Buddy Counselor program aims to help UGM become a Health Promoting University (HPU) with a focus on Mental Health and a Zero Tolerance for Violence, Bullying, and Harassment, which are the priorities of the UGM HPU activities. For 2024, Buddy Counselors are also assigned to mentor ten new students each during the PPSMB (Student Orientation).

This two-day training took place at the Faculty of Biology UGM and Kaliurang. The first session, held in the Faculty of Biology UGM Auditorium, began with a welcome speech from the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Prof. Dr. Budi S. Daryono, M.Agr.Sc. In his speech, Prof. Budi stated that this training activity is a commendable initiative. Being a Buddy is a noble task, and those selected should be grateful as not everyone gets this opportunity. The Buddies are responsible for helping to achieve a balance in mental and physical health. According to the training theme, “Be a Listener, Understand Better,” Buddies must be good listeners. Just like waiting, being a listener requires patience. Those who can wait will achieve success. At the end of his speech, Prof. Budi announced that there would be an award for the best Buddy Counselor during the Dies Natalis ceremony. “There will be an award for the best Buddy, the best of the bestie,” concluded the Dean. Following his speech, the Dean inaugurated the 2024 Buddy Counselors of the Faculty of Biology UGM by presenting jackets to one of the Buddy Counselors.

The first session on Zero Tolerance for Violence, Bullying, and Harassment delivered by Sri Wiyanti Eddyono, S.H., LL.M.(HR), Ph.D., known as Bu Iyik, a lecturer at the Faculty of Law UGM and serves as the Chair of the POKJA Zero-Tolerance Bullying, Violence, and Harassment HPU UGM, as well as the Head of the Task Force for the Prevention and Handling of Sexual Violence (PPKS) at UGM. Her presentation covered:

Besides delivering the material, participants also learn to resolve violence cases that occur at UGM, which is followed with great enthusiasm by all participants.

The second session on Mental Health was conducted in the meeting room of Wisma Pesanggrahan PU, Kaliurang. This session was delivered by Yudhistira Adi Perdana, M.Psi., Psychologist from the Faculty of Biology UGM. Mas Yudhis provided insights on how Buddy Counselors should handle counselees, from listening, questioning, to giving advice.

After a break, the evening featured a discussion on the work program to be implemented over a year. Participants were divided into two groups, and each group must present their discussion results, which then summarized by the Mental Health Team consisting of Psychologist Yudhistira Adi Perdana, M.Psi., and Faculty Counselor Lecturers, Dwi Umi Siswanti, S.Si., M.Sc., Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono, S.Si., M.Si., and Dr.rer.nat. Abdul Rahman Siregar, M.Biotech., as well as PIC HPU Faculty of Biology UGM, Titin Fauziah, S.E., M.B.A. To conclude the training, there was a bonding activity involving a bonfire and gift exchange among participants. The next morning, on Sunday, May 19, 2024, all participants went trekking around Kaliurang.

This training is an effort by the Faculty of Biology UGM to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Good Health and Well-being, Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions.

“A rose blooms since yesterday, Growing beside the moringa tree. Welcome, dear guests, to the Inauguration and Training of Buddy Counselors.”