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Community Service Program (PkM) Desa Mitra 2025: Introducing Microalgae and Fish Diversity to Strengthen Science Literacy among Students of SDN Pusmalang, Wukirsari Village, Cangkringan Sub-district, Sleman Regency #3

Community Service Thursday, 9 October 2025

Sleman, 7 October 2025 — The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), through the 2025 Desa Mitra Program, carried out a community service activity at SDN Pusmalang, Wukirsari Village, Cangkringan Sub-district, Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta Special Region. The event was held on Tuesday, 7 October 2025, from 08.00 to 10.30 AM, with the theme of introducing microalgae and fish diversity to elementary school students.


The program is part of the Desa Mitra initiative in Wukirsari, coordinated by Prof. Rina Sri Kasiamdari, S.Si., Ph.D. The academic team from the Faculty of Biology UGM attending the event included Prof. Dr. Diah Rachmawati, M.Si.; Prof. Dra. Tuty Arisuryanti, M.Sc. Ph.D.; Dr. Utaminingsih, S.Si., M.Sc.; Dr. Eng. Thoriq Teja Samudra, S.Si., Bio.Cur., M.Sc.; Dr. Aprilia Sufi Subiastuti, S.Si.; and Dr. Wiko Arif Wibowo, S.Si. In addition, the event was also attended by doctoral student representative Sidiq Permana Putra, M.Sc. as well as master’s program student representatives Ulil Albab and Putri Syah Astari.

The first session was delivered by Dr. Eng. Thoriq Teja Samudra, S.Si., Bio.Cur., M.Sc., who introduced microalgae as microscopic organisms that require a microscope for observation. Several types of microalgae were presented, along with their ecological roles, such as producing oxygen through photosynthesis and serving as a natural food source for fish.

This topic was followed by a session on fish diversity, presented by Prof. Dra. Tuty Arisuryanti, M.Sc., Ph.D. She introduced common ornamental and aquaculture fish species and showed live examples, including catfish (Clarias), tilapia (Oreochromis), and goldfish (Carassius auratus).

At the end of the program, students were asked to draw fish based on their imagination. Three selected drawings were awarded with the opportunity to bring home the fish specimens used in the demonstration.

The event received positive enthusiasm from SDN Pusmalang students and is part of the ongoing community service agenda of the Faculty of Biology UGM in Wukirsari. The program aims to strengthen scientific literacy among young students and foster collaboration between academia and the community. This program contributes to SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water).

Ethnobiology Lecture at the Yogyakarta Palace: Exploring Cultural Wisdom in Preserving Biodiversity

News ReleaseStudent Activities Wednesday, 8 October 2025

On Saturday, September 27, 2025, students of the Master’s Program in Biology, Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, who are enrolled in the Ethnobiology course, participated in a unique field lecture held at the Yogyakarta Palace (Keraton Yogyakarta). The session, which began at 11.00 a.m., took the form of an open discussion on cultural wisdom within the Palace environment and its relationship to biodiversity. The students, accompanied by the course lecturer, Dr.Eng. Zuliyati Rohmah, S.Si., M.Si., engaged in an interactive discussion with two speakers representing the Palace: R.A. Siti Amirul Nur Sundari (Carik Kawedanan Radyo Kartiyoso) and Mas Jajar Praba Hanendra (Mas Irmawan).


The activity began with introductions between the students and the speakers, followed by a brief explanation of the genealogy of the Yogyakarta Palace, the meaning of candrasengkala (symbolic inscriptions) on palace buildings, and the etiquette of dressing within the royal grounds. The main discussion then focused on cultural wisdom and its connection to biodiversity. The speakers explained that many plants growing within the Palace grounds hold specific symbolic meanings and ecological functions. Some of these—such as beringin (banyan), sawo kecik, gayem, and kepel trees—are cultivated and maintained with special care by the Palace. There are also naturally growing plants, such as various ferns that attach themselves to large trees.

Through this activity, students not only learned about the close interrelation between culture and the environment but also came to understand that biodiversity conservation has long been an integral part of the cultural heritage of the Yogyakarta Palace.

The vegetation within the Palace grounds serves not merely as landscape decoration but carries deep philosophical and ecological significance in Javanese life, particularly within the royal setting. These plants are arranged meaningfully to serve various purposes—as shade providers, pollutant absorbers, water retainers, and windbreaks. According to R.A. Siti Amirul Nur Sundari, each plant in the Palace embodies both symbolic and ecological roles that complement one another. She explained the meanings and functions of several important plants, including the beringin, gayam, jambu dersana, sawo kecik, and kepel.

Banyan Tree (Beringin): A Symbol of Sacredness and Life Sustenance

The banyan tree is regarded as sacred within the Palace grounds. Ecologically, it plays an essential role as a source of oxygen, a groundwater reservoir, and a habitat for various small animals and epiphytic plants. Due to its importance, only the Sultan has the authority to plant a banyan tree. The Sultan also prohibits excessive planting of banyans to maintain biodiversity and prevent a monoculture environment that could threaten other plant species. Additionally, the tree’s large, spreading roots can damage building foundations and drainage systems if planted too close to infrastructure.

Jambu Dersana: A Symbol of Serenity and Inner Peace

The jambu dersana symbolizes tranquility and calmness. The word durs refers to rain that brings coolness and peace. This philosophy teaches that anyone entering the Palace area should carry an aura of peace and composure, both outwardly and inwardly. It reflects the importance of emotional intelligence, calmness, and courtesy within the Palace setting.

 

Gayam Tree: Strength and Balance

The gayam tree represents resilience and stability. It thrives even under harsh conditions, symbolizing steadfastness, purity, and balance in life. This value teaches that individuals entering the Palace should maintain harmony between nature and spirituality.

 

Sawo Kecik: Patience and Virtue

The sawo kecik tree symbolizes patience and perseverance. Its sweet fruit takes a long time to ripen, representing that goodness and wisdom are achieved through time and effort. In Javanese philosophy, the word sawo is associated with refinement and gentleness. Though modest in appearance, the fruit’s sweetness and nutritional value reflect the idea that a person’s true worth lies in their words and actions, not in outward appearance—echoing the Javanese proverb, “Ajining diri saka lathi, ajining raga saka busana” (One’s dignity comes from their speech, one’s honor from their attire).

 

Kepel: A Symbol of Purity, Grace, and the Soul of a Warrior

The kepel tree holds profound meaning in Javanese royal culture. It symbolizes purity and inner fragrance—traits of a person who is virtuous, gentle, and pure-hearted. The kepel also embodies the noble qualities of a Javanese warrior, summarized in four philosophical principles: nyawiji (unity and harmony), greget (enthusiasm), sengguh (self-confidence), and ora mingkuh (responsibility and perseverance).

Philosophically, these four values represent stages of a warrior’s inner journey—beginning with unity and dedication to one’s duty (nyawiji), fostering passion and commitment (greget), building confidence (sengguh), and culminating in integrity (ora mingkuh), which signifies resilience in the face of challenges. Within the Palace, kepel trees are typically planted in sacred areas or near the keputren (the royal women’s residence). Being a rare species, its conservation is carried out by the Palace in collaboration with supporting institutions to ensure its preservation.

Beyond their symbolic and ecological meanings, many plants are also used in traditional ceremonies and daily activities within the Palace, reflecting a balance of local wisdom, cultural symbolism, and environmental sustainability.

A notable example is the Yasa Peksi Burak ceremony, held to commemorate the Prophet Muhammad’s Isra Mi’raj. In this ritual, the Palace creates a bird replica symbolizing Buraq, the Prophet’s mythical mount, crafted from pomelo peel. The base of the figure is decorated with a nest made of pacar leaves and layers of fruits, representing beauty and prosperity.

Other traditional practices, such as thanksgiving ceremonies, feature polo-poloan, a classification of foods derived from plants with distinct growth characteristics:

  • Polo Kesimpar: fruits growing along the ground, such as watermelon, melon, and cantaloupe.
  • Polo Pendem: underground crops like yam, cassava, potato, taro, and peanut.
  • Polo Gantung: fruits growing above ground, hanging from trees such as mango, guava, pomelo, and grape.
In addition to ceremonial use, plants also play practical roles in daily palace life. For instance, tamarind is used for cleaning royal carriages to enhance their durability, while lime and young coconut water are employed to cleanse royal heirlooms (keris) during the sacred month of Suro. These practices reflect how the Yogyakarta Palace preserves harmony between nature, spirituality, and tradition—continuing the legacy of ecological and cultural wisdom passed down through generations.

The meeting with Ibu Amirul and Bapak Irmawan left a profound impression on the students. They gained valuable insights into the use of plants and animals within the Palace and their connection to Javanese culture. The students came to appreciate the deep philosophy embedded in these traditions and their relevance to both ecological balance and cultural identity.

Ethnobiological knowledge passed down through generations represents a vital form of local wisdom that must be sustained. Through this study visit, students learned from the Palace’s conservation initiatives aimed at preserving rare and culturally significant plants. As Biology students of UGM, they felt a moral responsibility to contribute to the preservation of Indonesia’s native biodiversity.

Interactive and contextual learning experiences such as this not only enrich academic understanding but also foster a deeper appreciation for nature and culture. The activity left a lasting impression and inspired students to continue engaging in meaningful field-based learning.

This activity also aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), notably Goal 4 (Quality Education) through contextual learning based on local wisdom, Goal 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) through the preservation of cultural values and traditions, and Goal 15 (Life on Land) through the conservation of biodiversity and rare plant species within the Palace grounds. Thus, this activity not only strengthens students’ academic insight but also supports tangible contributions to sustainable development in Indonesia (GAL/ZR).

The activity was attended by graduate students from the Master’s Program in Biology, Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, namely Mahyono Hassanudin, Ogilvy Galang Rizki, Arbiatun Nurlaili Assyifa, Syarafina Azzahra, Naufal Rafif Zain, Inez Maylida, and Ani Saputri.

The 2025 UGM Biology Community Service Program (PKM-MBKM) Team Holds Outreach on the Relationship Between Mental and Physical Health and Free Health Checks in Pajangan Hamlet, Wedomartani, Ngemplak, Sleman, Yogyakarta

Community ServiceNews Release Thursday, 2 October 2025

The Community Service Team – Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (PkM-MBKM) of the Faculty of Biology, UGM 2025, carried out a series of educational activities in Pajangan Hamlet, Wedomartani, Ngemplak, Sleman, themed “The Relationship Between Mental and Physical Health”. These activities aimed to increase public understanding of the importance of mental health as an integral part of overall health, in line with the implementation of sustainable development towards a healthy and prosperous life (SDGs No. 3). The team involved five active students from the Faculty of Biology, Gadjah Mada University (UGM), Class of 2022 supervised by Dr. Ardaning Nuriliani, S.Si., M.Kes.


The activity began with the distribution of questionnaires and direct interviews with 50 residents on September 5th – 7th, 2025 to determine their perceptions and practices regarding mental and physical health. The results indicated that most residents recognize the importance of mental health, but many still lack understanding of how to maintain and improve their mental health. These findings served as the basis for the team to continue with a more in-depth educational program on ways to maintain a balance between mental and physical health. The enthusiasm of the residents further confirmed the effectiveness of a community-based approach in optimizing local potential for health.

A follow-up activity included an interactive outreach and discussion held at the Jami’ Darussalam Mosque in Pajangan Hamlet on Sunday, September 28th, 2025. The outreach material was delivered by Namaskara Tawang Kusuma, S.Psi. (alumnus of Faculty of Psychology UGM), who discussed the concept of mental health, its impact on physical health, and strategies for maintaining a balance between the two. The Q & A session was lively and interactive, marked by active participation from residents, who asked various questions related to their personal experiences and conditions they had experienced. The speaker emphasized that mental health involves stress, which can be both positive and negative, depending on how a person handles it. He also emphasized the importance of parents’ role in sharing experiences and knowledge, thus providing them with the necessary tools to face life’s challenges.

The event concluded with a free health check-up led by Andika Jatra Pratama, an active student at the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing at Gadjah Mada University (UGM). The health check-up included blood pressure and blood sugar levels, giving residents the opportunity to directly assess and evaluate their health. Residents also received direct guidance on the test results, including suggestions and simple steps they can take to maintain and improve their health. In the future, this activity is also expected to further strengthen the partnership between Dusun Pajangan, Wedomartani, Ngemplak, Sleman and the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (SDGs No.17).

Contributors: Ardaning Nuriliani, Chelsy Ammara Septiani, Syifa Aneira, Meinawa Amaliah, Nimas Ayu Pramesthi, Muhammad Fathin Setya Daffa

UGM Double Degree Doctoral Student from Faculty of Biology Wins Poster Prize at the 77th Annual Conference of the German Society for Hygiene and Microbiology (DGHM) 2025

AchivementsNews Release Friday, 26 September 2025

Yogyakarta/Jena – September 2025

Tiara Putri, a double-degree doctoral student from the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, in collaboration with the University of Greifswald, Germany, has been awarded one of the Poster Prizes at the 77th Annual Conference of the German Society for Hygiene and Microbiology (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Hygiene und Mikrobiologie, DGHM), held this year in Jena, Germany.


The DGHM conference is one of the most renowned microbiology meetings in Europe, attracting hundreds of researchers and clinicians working in the fields of infectious diseases, microbiology, and immunology. Winning this prize underscores the high quality of UGM’s international research collaborations and the contributions of its students to global scientific advancement.

Out of 188 poster presenters from various countries, including Germany, South Africa, Bulgaria, and Algeria, only five participants were selected for the award — with Tiara being among this distinguished group of winners.

The awarded poster, titled “Impact of pneumolysin, hydrogen peroxide, and Streptococcus pneumoniae strains on blood–CSF barrier integrity in a human choroid plexus co-culture model,” presents novel insights into the mechanisms by which Streptococcus pneumoniae, a major human pathogen, compromises the integrity of the blood–cerebrospinal fluid barrier. The study contributes to a better understanding of bacterial meningitis pathogenesis, with potential implications for future therapeutic strategies.

“This recognition is not only a personal honor but also a reflection of the strong academic collaboration between UGM and the University of Greifswald,” Tiara said.

Tiara also shared that the conference was especially meaningful for her because the organizers provided a free childcare facility throughout the three-day conference. Children of participants were cared for by a professional Tagesmutter (childminder), allowing parents to attend the scientific sessions with peace of mind. “I truly appreciated this family-friendly facility that understands the needs of researchers who are also parents. It was very helpful for me, especially since I live in Germany alone with my children and could not leave them at home,” she added.

This achievement shows how strong academic support, combined with a family-friendly conference environment, can truly help researchers (especially those who are also parents of young children) to thrive and gain recognition internationally.

First Gathering Formasigen 2026

Student Activities Friday, 26 September 2025

On Thursday, September 18, 2025, the First Gathering of Formasigen 2026 was held in Room 2 of Building B, Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada. The event was intended for members of Formasigen 2025 and 2026. The First Gathering was held to welcome new members of Formasigen and to strengthen the bond between Formasigen 2025 and the new members. In addition, this activity aimed to increase familiarity and camaraderie among members of the lecturer research team. This activity also aimed to introduce the divisions in Formasigen to new members. The First Gathering consisted of four sessions, namely division introduction, introduction of Formasigen 2026 members, games, and lecturer team bonding.


The event began with an opening by Intan Nur Aprilia and Dwi Ayu Kurniasih, as the Masters of Ceremony. The event continued with an opening speech by the chairman of Formasigen, Denianto Agung Wicaksono. After that, the event continued with an introduction to the divisions in Formasigen, including the chairperson and vice chairperson, secretary, finance, human resource, science, household, media and information, as well as public relations and networking. The introduction to the divisions was carried out by introducing the work programs of each division by the daily administrators. Following the division introductions, the event continued with the introduction of Formasigen 2026 members. Each member of Formasigen 2026 introduced themselves in turn. After that, there was a games session and an awarding ceremony for the winners, followed by team bonding for the lecturers. The event was then closed with a group photo. With the implementation of this First Gathering, it is hoped that the members of Formasigen 2025 and 2026 can establish good rapport and cooperation. This event was also hoped to support the sustainable development goals number 17 which is partnership for the goals.

[Author: Formasigen]

Gentalk 7 by Formasigen

Student Activities Friday, 26 September 2025

On Wednesday, 17th of September 2025 at 1-2.30 PM, Gentalk 7 was held in the Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding, Faculty of Biology UGM. This program is targeted for all Formasigen members and Biology UGM students in general. Gentalk is an active discussion and sharing session between guest speakers and Formasigen’s members about the project they are working on. In this Gentalk edition, the speakers are Tsaqifa Zuhayra Emery Bagus (iGEM UGM Wet Lab) and Nauval Rajwaa Raysendria (iGEM UGM Dry Lab) as Faculty of Biology UGM’s students batch 2023 and Fauzil Azhiim (iGEM UGM HPR) as Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing UGM’s student batch 2023.


This program started with an opening from the Master of Ceremony, Hanan Zharifah Zahra, as a part of the Public Relation Division of HomeoGenesis Cabinet. The next activity is a presentation about “Sal-TY: Designing Salt Sensitive Expression System Based on TYDV Rep/RepA for Vaccine Production of Subunit DENV-2 Domain III on Nicotiana tabacum”. In this session, presenters explain about the high rates of Dengue fever in Indonesia and the lack of preventive steps for it. Vaccines have been the only solution for this illness. This project focuses on vaccine production using salt induced overexpression using Nicotiana tabacum. After that, is the Q&A session followed by closing from the master of ceremony. Through Gentalk, we hoped that this could be a good start to create a vessel for an interesting and beneficial discussion. We also hope that this program can give a new insight for all the research done by all the lecturers and their students in the Laboratory of Genetics and Breeding, Faculty of Biologi UGM. This research also hoped to help actualize the 3rd, 4th, and 17th Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that is Good Health and Well-Being, Quality Education, and Partnership For the Goals.

[Author: Formasigen]

PRACTICAL PROCESSING OF HOME GARDEN CROPS INTO MARKETABLE PRODUCTS

Community Service Wednesday, 24 September 2025

In order to increase the economic value of home garden crops, PkM-MBKM 2025 Team, led by Prof. Dr. Diah Rachmawati, S.Si., M.Si. conducted a practical session on processing the home garden crop into marketable products on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at Padukuhan Kepuh Wetan, Kalurahan Wirokerten, Kapanewon Banguntapan, Bantul Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta. The PkM-MBKM team from the Faculty of Biology, UGM, consisting of Jovanka, Khansa Fauziah Rachman, Samantha Sonya Putri, and Dhea Amelia, first presented the procedures on how to process the crops, followed by a joint practice session on processing rosella (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.), butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea L.), ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe), and lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf). During this activity, the cultivated products were processed into rosella syrup and jam, rosella tea, butterfly pea tea, ginger tea, lemongrass tea, and butterfly pea noodles.


The activity began with a presentation on the procedures for making rosella syrup and jam, teas made from rosella, butterfly pea, ginger, and lemongrass, as well as butterfly pea noodles–starting from drying the harvested home garden crops, preparing the ingredients, and processing them. The presentation was then followed by a demonstration on making rosella syrup using dried rosella petals which then reused to make rosella jam to minimize waste. The activity continued with the making of tea from rosella, telang, lemongrass, and ginger with combinations according to the KWT Amanda members’ personal preference and creativity. The PkM MBKM team and KWT Amanda members also collaborated to make noodles with butterfly pea flower coloring, starting from making the dough, flattening, and cutting the noodle dough, then cooking them with various seasonings and toppings such as bok choys, meatballs, sausages, and eggs. The noodle dough was processed in two different ways: some were steamed and then dried, and some were boiled for immediate cooking. All processed products were made without preservatives. At the end of this activity, everyone enjoyed the processed products they had made together.

In this home garden crops product processing practice, KWT Amanda members were very enthusiastic about following each step of making the products from rosella, butterfly pea, lemongrass, and ginger, which they will later be able to do independently when the plants are mature enough to be harvested. KWT Amanda members also actively asked questions and participated in making the processed products, resulting in active interaction between both parties. Additionally, they greatly enjoyed the processed products that were made, which could serve as inspiration for processed home garden crops products that appeal to various groups of society. This activity is expected to increase food availability and security (SDG 2) and produce processed products that can improve the nutritional quality and health of the community (SDG 3). The development of value-added products opens up new business opportunities and strengthens the local resource-based economy (SDG 9), while this collaboration strengthens the relationship between the implementing team and the partner community (SDG 17).

Biothoprak 2025 of the Faculty of Biology UGM Presents the Play “Ande-Ande Lumuten” as Part of the 14th Lustrum and 70th Anniversary Celebration

News Release Monday, 22 September 2025

Yogyakarta, 19 September 2025 – For the first time, the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), staged the spectacular Biothoprak 2025 art performance as part of the celebration of its 14th Lustrum and 70th Anniversary. Held in front of Al-Hayat Mosque at the Faculty of Biology, the performance brought to life the classic folklore “Ande-Ande Lumuten”, creatively adapted with modern elements and rich moral values.

Biothoprak is a traditional Indonesian theatrical art, and this year the Faculty of Biology UGM successfully presented a remarkable collaboration between lecturers, students, staff, and alumni. The performance became a platform for intergenerational togetherness within the academic community, reflecting the spirit of kinship that has long been a hallmark of the Faculty. “Through Biothoprak, we aim not only to provide entertainment but also to convey the importance of culture, unity, and the noble values of our nation. This year, we chose the play Ande-Ande Lumuten, which carries meaningful messages of honesty, loyalty, and kindness,” said Prof. Dr. Budi S. Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM.

The Ande-Ande Lumuten performance was enhanced with modern stage design, creative costumes, and multimedia technology, offering the audience a refreshing theatrical experience. The enthusiasm of the audience was evident, with more than 1.000 onsite attendees, including lecturers and their families, staff members with their families, retirees, alumni, students, and the general public. In addition, hundreds of viewers joined online via the Faculty of Biology’s YouTube channel. The celebration was further enlivened with exciting door prizes and traditional Jogja culinary treats, including angkringan dishes and live-cooked noodles.

As part of the 70th Anniversary of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Biothoprak 2025 was not only a cultural performance but also a realization of the values of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly: SDG 4: Quality Education – through collaborative, intergenerational learning, SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – by preserving and revitalizing local culture, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – through synergy between the academic community, alumni, and society.

The event was warmly received by the academic community, alumni, and the wider public, serving as a vibrant closing highlight of the 14th Lustrum and 70th Anniversary of the Faculty of Biology UGM, held under the overarching theme “Biology for Environment and Humanity.”

Biology for Environment and Humanity: Faculty of Biology UGM Celebrates 70 Years of Contribution Toward Global Sustainability

News Release Monday, 22 September 2025

Yogyakarta, 18 September 2025 – The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), held the peak ceremony of its 14th Lustrum and 70th Anniversary on Thursday (18/9) at the Tropical Biology Auditorium. Carrying the theme “Biology for Environment and Humanity”, the event reaffirmed the Faculty’s commitment to advancing environmental sustainability and improving the quality of human life, both nationally and globally. The ceremony was also broadcast live through the Faculty of Biology UGM’s YouTube channel, enabling wider public participation.

The Open Senate Meeting was attended virtually by the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia, Prof. Brian Yuliarto, S.T., M.Eng., Ph.D., who emphasized the importance of collaborative tropical biology research to address future challenges in food, energy, and the environment. The Rector of UGM, Prof. dr. Ova Emilia, M.Med.Ed., Sp.OG(K), Ph.D., expressed her appreciation for the Faculty’s achievements in generating impactful innovations in tropical biology. She further highlighted UGM’s position, through the Faculty of Biology, as a National and International Center of Excellence in Tropical Biology.

The keynote scientific lecture was delivered by Drs. Heri Susanto, S.Si., M.M., Managing Director of Rentokil Initial (Indonesia, Sri Lanka & Maldives), with a presentation entitled “The Role and Application of Biology in the Pest Management Industry in Indonesia and the World”. He emphasized the critical role of biology in integrated pest management to support food security, public health, and the sustainability of environmentally conscious industries.

Meanwhile, the Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Prof. Dr. Budi S. Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., presented the Faculty’s accomplishments over the past five years, including the strengthening of tropical biotechnology research, the development of international curricula, and the contributions of alumni across various sectors. He also announced the soft launching of the Bio Medic Center building plan, envisioned as a new center of excellence for tropical biodiversity-based biomedical research and services.

The Open Senate Meeting served as the main agenda of a series of Lustrum XIV and 70th Anniversary activities that had been held since May 2025. These included a Fun Walk, Book Review and Blood Donation Drive, National Seminar on Tropical Biology, International Summer Course, Alumni Gathering, and the BioToprak Creative Stage. All activities were designed to strengthen the networks among academics, alumni, and partners, while reinforcing the Faculty’s role as a leading center for tropical biology at both the national and international levels.

The event also featured the signing of memorandums of understanding with PT. Biogen, the Marine and Fisheries Office of the Special Region of Yogyakarta, and St. Augustine Catholic University, focusing on collaboration in education, research, and community service.

“The theme Biology for Environment and Humanity serves as a reminder that innovations in biology must always be directed toward sustainable solutions for the planet and the welfare of humankind,” remarked Prof. Budi S. Daryono.

Fast-Track Master’s Student of Biology UGM Wins Favorite Poster Award at Indonesia Research and Innovation Fair (IRIFair) 2025

Achivements Friday, 12 September 2025

Indonesia Research and Innovation Fair (IRIFair) 2025 is a scientific competition for undergraduate and master’s students showcasing their thesis research. This event represents the commitment of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) to discover young research talents from higher education. The fair aims to improve both the quality and quantity of Indonesia’s research and innovation talents through scouting missions and comprehensive, sustainable, and innovative mentoring programs. This year, IRIFair 2025 was held on September 9–10 at the Polytechnic Institute of Nuclear Technology, coinciding with its 40th Dies Natalis celebration.

In this prestigious event, Tiara Putria Judith, a Fast-Track Master’s student at the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (class of 2024/2025), won the Favorite Poster Award in the Research Poster Competition (RPC). She also received a research grant to further develop her undergraduate thesis entitled “Genetic Variation and Phylogenetic Relationships of Sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrid) Based on the Chloroplast rbcL Gene”.

Tiara’s poster effectively optimized visual communication by combining impactful graphics with concise text, enabling her to present research findings clearly and attractively. Beyond serving as a medium of scientific communication, the poster also sparked engaging discussions with audiences, offering new insights into the advantages of DNA barcoding for overcoming the limitations of conventional identification methods in potential parental candidates for sugarcane hybridization in Indonesia.

This achievement underscores Tiara’s active role as a UGM Biology student in advancing innovations in life sciences and technology to address the challenges of sustainable agriculture. Her success is expected to become an early milestone for more innovative and impactful research explorations in the future.