Arsip:

SDGs

Gentalk 6 by Formasigen: Detection of Leptin Gene (LEP) and Leptin Receptor (LEPR) Genetic Variation in People with Obesity

Student Activities Monday, 2 June 2025

On Friday, 16th of May 2025 at 1-2.30 PM, Gentalk 6 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 alumni or senior student and Formasigen’s member about the undergraduate thesis they are working on. In this Gentalk edition, the speakers are Maylisa Andini and Enjang Sekaryati, Faculty of Biology UGM students batch 2021 under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Niken Satuti Nur Handayani, M.Sc. for their undergraduate thesis.


This program started with an opening from the Master of Ceremony, Muhammad Rafi Fairuza, as the head of the Public Relation Division of HomeoGenesis Cabinet. The next activity is a presentation about “ Detection of Leptin Gene (LEP) and Leptin Receptor (LEPR) Genetic Variation in People with Obesity”. In this session, presenters explain about the cause of obesity, methods used for detecting Leptin gene (LEP) and Leptin receptor (LEPR) variation, genes that regulate appetite, and genes associated with obesity . 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 better understanding about 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 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that is Good Health and Well-Being. [Author: Formasigen]

Education and Action: MBKM Community Service Team 2025 of Biology, UGM Introduces the Benefits of Herbal Plants in Pajangan Hamlet, Wedomartani, Ngemplak, Sleman, Yogyakarta

Community ServiceNews Release Friday, 30 May 2025

The Community Service Team – Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (PkM-MBKM) from the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) 2025, supervised by Dr. Ardaning Nuriliani, S.Si., M.Kes., has successfully conducted a series of educational activities in Pajangan Hamlet, Wedomartani, Sleman. Under the theme “Improving Family Health through Cultivation and Processing of Herbal Plants”, the program aims to raise awareness and promote the use of herbal plants within the local community—supporting the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-being. The initiative involved five active undergraduate students of the Faculty of Biology, UGM grade 2022.


The activities began with the distribution of questionnaires and direct interviews with 50 residents to assess their perceptions and habits regarding herbal plant usage. The results revealed that most residents are familiar with and regularly use herbal plants in their daily lives. This provided a strong foundation for the team to continue with further educational outreach, particularly on the types and benefits of herbal plants—supporting SDG 4: Quality Education at the hamlet level. The enthusiasm of the community confirmed that this grassroots approach is effective in unlocking local potential for health improvement.

The next phase of the program included an educational seminar and herbal plant distribution, held at Masjid Jami’ Darussalam on Sunday, May 24, 2025. The session was presented by Chelsy Ammara Septiani and Nimas Ayu Pramesthi, covering the introduction to herbal plants, their benefits, and their role in preventing degenerative diseases. A lively and interactive Q&A session followed, with participants showing interest in innovative uses of herbal plants such as modern herbal beverages and aromatherapy candles. This response reflects a growing community awareness of responsible consumption and production, in line with SDG 12.

The event concluded with the distribution of herbal plants—including pandan, cat’s whiskers/Java tea, bilimbi, and bay leaf—to encourage continued cultivation and conservation of these plants within the community, thus contributing to SDG 15: Life on Land. The program will continue in the Odd Semester of the 2025/2026 academic year, focusing on both physical and mental health. It is hoped that the PkM-MBKM program will continue to bring tangible benefits to the residents of Pajangan Hamlet and serve as a model of collaborative service between academia and society through partnerships to achieve the goals (SDG 17).

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

Collaboration between PKM-MBKM Faculty of Biology UGM and the Women’s Economic Movement (GEMI): Training on Making Compost Fertilizer with the Berkeley Method in a Compost Bag

Community Service Wednesday, 28 May 2025

The Community Service Team – Independent Campus Learning Program (PKM-MBKM) of Faculty of Biology UGM 2025 led by three lecturers, namely Novita Yustinadiar, M.Si, Woro Anindito Sri Tunjung, Ph.D., and Wahyu Aristyaning Putri, Ph.D., together with 11 students have carried out the third activity in a series of PkM-MBKM programs in partnership with the GEMI Sharia Cooperative (Gerakan Ekonomi Kaum Ibu). The third activity was carried out in Panggungharjo Village, Sewon District, Bantul Regency, Yogyakarta Special Region. This team involved three students, namely Anisah Qurrotu’Ainii (Chairperson), Hafifah Nur Ainiyah (Secretary), Alma Puska Falasyifa (Treasurer) and the help of 8 other students with a theme entitled “Application of Zero Waste System in an Effort to Realize a Clean, Healthy and Green Environment in Members of the Economic Movement of the Mothers (GEMI) Yogyakarta”. This PkM-MBKM program supports the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDGS 3 (Good health and well-being), 12 (Responsible consumption and production), 15 (Maintaining Land Ecosystems). This program is planned to take place for two semesters with a total of 6x direct counseling to GEMI partners.


Socialization and practice activities were carried out on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at 09.00–12.00 WIB at the home of one of the GEMI members. This activity was attended by GEMI members and waste bank members. Before the practice, there was a pre-test to map the participants’ understanding before participating in the material presentation, followed by a material presentation related to organic waste and exposure related to compost fertilizer with the Berkeley method in a compost bag, then continued with demonstrative practices by a team of students and accompanying lecturers related to making compost bags.

The event continued with a question and answer session and quizzes related to the material that had been delivered. The women participants seemed very enthusiastic about asking and also answering the questions asked. There was a two-way discussion between the organizers and the participants who participated in the activity. As a form of appreciation, active participants were given gifts in the form of tumblers and bags as a form of circular economy and zero waste to reduce the use of plastic bags and bottles. The event was then closed and continued with a joint documentation session.

Designing of the MBKM Village Development Program: Optimization of Tlatar Fruit Garden as a Fruit Center and Tourism Village

Community Service Wednesday, 28 May 2025

On April 13, 2025, students of the Independent Learning Independent Campus (MBKM) Village Development program again demonstrated real contributions in developing the potential of tourism villages through the design of sustainable agriculture-based programs and empowerment of local resources in the tourist destination village of Kabut Kebonalas Manisrenggo Klaten. This discussion activity was carried out by Nurhayati, together with her team, namely Tiara Syifa Wididevani, Putri Ramadhanti, and Mirmastu Lintu Nirmala Wasti, under the guidance of Mr. Sukirno, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D. This discussion was carried out directly with Mr. Drs. Suwadi as the the secretary of Kebonalas and also as the Head of POKDARWIS Kabut Kebonalas, as a form of initial collaboration in the implementation of the integrative program between MBKM and KKN PPM UGM for the period June 20–August 2025. This activity also involved Mr. Yousuf Sulaiman, S.IP as a practitioner. The main focus of the program is the management and optimization of the Tlatar Fruit Garden through an educational approach, sustainable agriculture, and innovation based on local biodiversity.


The scope of the program includes greenhouse management as a center for education and production of horticultural plants, especially eggplant and melon plants. In addition, this activity will also provide education related to fertilization techniques and care for starfruit and longan plants. The MBKM program also encourages the use of local plants as alternative food sources, such as cincau leaves and moringa leaves which have the potential to become processed products with high economic value.

This discussion is the first step in preparing for the implementation of KKN with the theme “Optimizing the Potential of Tourism Villages in Manisrenggo through the Integration of Health, Agriculture, and Digitalization in the Development of Local Potential Based on Biodiversity to Support Sustainable Development Goals.” The theme was raised in line with the MBKM program which is oriented towards sustainable agriculture and supports the SDGs for dealing with hunger, SDGs for poverty, SDGs for health, and SDGs for terrestrial ecosystem conservation. Through this program, it is hoped that Kebon Alas Village can become an example of developing an integrated agricultural and health-based tourism village, while also encouraging food independence and improving community welfare through empowering local potential.

LAMSAMA On-Site Assessment for the Master’s and Doctoral Programs in Biology at the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada

News Release Wednesday, 28 May 2025

Yogyakarta, 28 May 2025 — The Faculty of Biology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) has received an on-site accreditation assessment by the Independent Accreditation Institute for Natural Sciences and Formal Sciences (LAMSAMA) for the Master’s and Doctoral Programs in Biology on 26–27 May 2025. This assessment is part of a strategic initiative to obtain formal recognition of academic quality achievements and to reinforce the status of these study programs as leading institutions of higher education in the biological sciences.


The assessment commenced on Monday, 26 May 2025, at the Biologi Tropika Auditorium, Faculty of Biology, UGM, with an official opening delivered by the Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, M.Sc. In his opening remarks, Prof. Bambang extended a formal welcome to the LAMSAMA assessment team and articulated the expectation that this process would serve as a meaningful opportunity for reflection and internal evaluation.

“We hope this assessment will provide constructive feedback to enhance the quality of both programs,” stated Prof. Bambang.

The LAMSAMA assessment panel consisted of distinguished academics and experts in the field of biology representing various universities across Indonesia. The Master’s Program in Biology was assessed by Prof. Dr. Yosephine Sri Wulan Manuhara, M.Si., and Prof. Amin Setyo Leksono, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D., while the Doctoral Program in Biology was evaluated by Dr. Sony Heru Sumarsono and Prof. Dr. Sri Puji Astuti Wahyuningsih, M.Si.

During the two-day evaluation, the assessors conducted a comprehensive review of multiple academic and supporting components, including curriculum structure, pedagogical processes, human resources, facilities and infrastructure, research outputs and scholarly publications, as well as tracer studies. The assessment also incorporated interviews with program leadership, faculty members, students, alumni, and stakeholders employing graduates, in order to gain an extensive understanding of the quality and relevance of the programs offered.

The Faculty of Biology at UGM aspires that the outcomes of this assessment will provide strategic and constructive guidance to strengthen academic governance and advance sustainable quality improvement. Accreditation by LAMSAMA not only serves as formal external validation of the accomplishments achieved but also as an impetus for continued innovation and contribution to the advancement of tropical biology, with significant societal and environmental impact. This aligns with UGM’s commitment to supporting the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4, which emphasizes quality education.

MBKM Songgo Manisrenggo Team Conducts Moringa and Black Grass Jelly Planting Activities in Kabut Kebonalas Tourism Village

Community Service Saturday, 24 May 2025

On May 12, 2025, students from the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka program demonstrated their commitment to developing the potential of tourism villages through activities focused on environmental conservation and local food empowerment. This initiative was led by Nurhayati and her team, Mirmastu Lintu Nirmala Wasti, Tiara Syifa Wididevani, and Putri Ramadhanti, with support from Eben Ariesto Purnama Jati and Mazaya Tijani Ulayya, under the supervision of Sukirno, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D..


The primary activity involved planting moringa along the riverbanks. This strategic location was chosen to prevent erosion, reinforce the area’s natural boundaries, and create a living fence. Furthermore, the highly nutritious moringa leaves, particularly their protein content, can be processed into vegetables and used as a complementary food source to combat stunting.

In addition, the student team planted black grass jelly seedlings in the Tlatar fruit garden area. The mature grass jelly leaves will serve as raw materials for refreshing and healthy traditional grass jelly drinks, with the aim of bolstering agro-tourism and local culinary offerings in the Kabut Kebonalas area.

This planting initiative garnered considerable support and enthusiasm from local residents, who actively participated in the planting process. This collaboration between students, supervising lecturers, and the village community exemplifies a synergistic approach to building a sustainable, healthy, and self-reliant tourism village.

Through this program, it is envisioned that the Kabut Kebonalas Tourism Village will continue to thrive by prioritizing local values, environmental sustainability, and community food security, thereby contributing to the achievement of the SDGs related to hunger management, poverty reduction, health, and terrestrial ecosystem conservation.

The Grand Opening of the Lustrum XIV and 70th Anniversary of the Faculty of Biology UGM: A Joyful Start with a Cheerful Fun Walk!

News Release Saturday, 17 May 2025

[Yogyakarta, 16 May 2025] – Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), officially launched Lustrum XIV celebration alongside the commemoration of its 70th Anniversary. The opening was enlivened by a Fun Walk, enthusiastically participated in by lecturers, administrative staff, members of the Biology chapter of the Dharma Wanita Persatuan, and student representatives—all of whom are integral parts of the Faculty’s long and meaningful journey. Carrying the theme “Biology for Environment and Humanity,” the celebration marks the beginning of a series of events for the 2025 Lustrum XIV. This activity aims not only to celebrate the Faculty’s achievements but also to foster unity and optimism as it looks toward the future with renewed spirit.

The event began with an energetic morning aerobics session led by a professional instructor, joyfully joined by all participants. In this meaningful moment, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, delivered an opening speech. He expressed gratitude for the Faculty’s outstanding accomplishments over the past 70 years, while also inspiring all participants with a forward-looking vision to continue advancing the field of biology and contributing to society and the nation. The opening prayer was then led by Tyas Ikhsan Hikmawan, S.Si., M.S., Ph.D., invoking blessings and success for the entire Lustrum XIV series, and for the continued prosperity of the Faculty of Biology UGM community.

The symbolic opening of Lustrum XIV was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony conducted by Dean, Prof. Dr. Endang Semiarti, M.S., M.Sc. (Chair of the Academic Senate), Ganies Riza Aristya, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D. (Chair of the 2025 Lustrum XIV Committee), and Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono, S.Si., M.Si. (Chair of the Opening Ceremony). This symbolic act represented more than a formal gesture—it signified the start of a new chapter in the Faculty’s history, full of innovation and dedication. The ribbon cutting was followed by the Fun Walk, which took place around the UGM campus area. This moment of togetherness was captured with a group photo in front of Balairung UGM. After the joyful walk, participants enjoyed a relaxed and friendly atmosphere over delicious refreshments, creating a warm and lively gathering. The festivity continued with live musical performances by the Dean, faculty members, and staff, enriching the sense of unity and celebration. This opening event of Lustrum XIV also reflects the Faculty’s active contribution to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being): by encouraging an active and healthy lifestyle, improving participants’ physical and mental health, and promoting awareness of the importance of physical activity in daily life; SDG 4 (Quality Education): as part of a higher education institution, the event reinforces educational values and builds a strong sense of academic community; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): through collaboration among the academic community, alumni, partners, and the broader public, the Faculty demonstrates its commitment to advancing shared goals, including sustainable development. As a joyful finale to the event, a door prize drawing session was held—one of the most anticipated parts of the day. Cheers and laughter erupted with each number called, adding excitement and delightful surprises for the participants. Let us continue to nurture life with freshness and vitality, providing space to grow and innovate—Biology for Environment and Humanity.

General Lecture Fundamentals of Ichthyology with Prof. Noritaka Mochioka, Kyushu University

CooperationNews Release Friday, 16 May 2025

Yogyakarta, May 14, 2025 — The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, held a special guest lecture on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, featuring Prof. Noritaka Mochioka from the Faculty of Agriculture, Kyushu University, Japan. The lecture was part of the Ichthyology class and carried the theme “Life History and Conservation of the Eel,” attended by undergraduate and graduate students.


The event was officially opened by the Vice Dean for Cooperation, Research, Community Service, and Alumni, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., who emphasized the importance of learning from international experiences and research in biodiversity conservation. “Cross-border learning provides students with essential global perspectives, especially in understanding fish population dynamics and conservation challenges for species like the eel,” said Dr. Eko.

Prof. Mochioka delivered an insightful presentation covering the complex life cycle of eels from the leptocephalus larval stage to adulthood, their remarkable long-distance migration, and the major threats they face due to climate change, pollution, and overexploitation. He stressed the need for international collaboration and ecology-based strategies for the conservation of aquatic species.

This event supports several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:

SDG 4: Quality Education, by facilitating knowledge exchange with international experts.

SDG 14: Life Below Water, through awareness and education on marine biodiversity protection.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, by fostering international academic collaborations.

Through this guest lecture, the Faculty of Biology UGM reaffirms its commitment to equipping students with global scientific insight and strengthening the role of higher education in supporting sustainable conservation efforts.

Madrasah Aliyah Sayang Ibu NTB Visits Animal Developmental Structure Laboratory at the Faculty of Biology, UGM

News Release Friday, 9 May 2025

Yogyakarta, May 8, 2025 – A group of 20 students from Madrasah Aliyah Sayang Ibu in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), accompanied by three teachers, visited the Animal Developmental Structure (SPH) Laboratory at the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) for an educational tour.


The visit was warmly welcomed by the Head of the SPH Laboratory, Dr. Ardaning Nuriliani, S.Si., M.Kes., who gave a presentation on UGM and the Faculty of Biology. The students showed great enthusiasm for the topics discussed, particularly regarding research activities, academic programs, and career prospects in the field of biology.

The session continued with a guided tour of the laboratory facilities, including the animal histology-embryology and animal anatomy sections, led by Sefi Nur Anggaeni, S.Si., a laboratory technician. The students had the opportunity to observe various microscopic specimens and animal organs, providing them with hands-on exposure to the world of science.

This visit reflects the Faculty of Biology UGM’s ongoing commitment to supporting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). By opening access to education and fostering collaboration with students from diverse regions, the faculty actively contributes to creating an inclusive and competitive educational ecosystem.

UGM Academic Shares Ecological Restoration Practices and Learning Module Adaptations in International “Live From The Field” Class

News Release Friday, 9 May 2025

Yogyakarta, May 15, 2025 – Akbar Reza, a lecturer from the Ecology and Conservation Laboratory at the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), was invited as a speaker in the international discussion session “Live from the Field: Restoring Tropical Forests”. The event was organized by the Organization of Biological Field Stations (OBFS) in collaboration with the OCELOTS (Online Content for Experiential Learning of Tropical Systems) network, the Center for Environmental Inquiry at Sonoma State University, and funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF).


This session brought together researchers and academics in the field of ecology from various countries including Costa Rica, Hawai’i, Ecuador, and Indonesia to share practices, challenges, and innovative approaches to tropical forest ecosystem restoration through interactive video presentations. The event is part of The Virtual Field, an international initiative developed during the pandemic to provide virtual field experiences for biology students around the world.

Attended by nearly 80 students from universities across tropical countries, Akbar presented the implementation of an online learning module on ecosystem restoration that he has integrated into undergraduate ecology courses at UGM. This effort is supported by a grant from the NSF through the OCELOTS Faculty Mentoring Network program. The module aims to enhance context-based learning focused on tropical ecosystems through open and collaborative online methods.

The discussion also featured Dr. Becky Ostertag from the University of Hawai’i at Hilo, who spoke about functional trait-based restoration approaches, and Dr. Rakan A. Zahawi, Executive Director of the Charles Darwin Research Station, who highlighted the effectiveness of tree cluster planting as a forest recovery strategy.

The session was moderated by Brittany Cavazos, Assistant Professor of Biology at Stonehill College, Massachusetts, and Miriam San José, a researcher at the Charles Darwin Research Station. It was streamed live from Las Cruces Biological Station in Costa Rica and the UGM Biological Forest in Indonesia.

“From this event, I learned that tropical forest restoration is not just about ecological techniques, but also about social engagement, education, and cross-regional knowledge sharing,” said Akbar. “The opportunity to compare Indonesia’s restoration context with those of Hawai’i and Costa Rica has provided new and valuable perspectives for both myself and my students.”

The “Live from the Field” program not only offers a global learning experience for students but also provides teaching guides, pre-session reading materials, and session recordings that can be used asynchronously by lecturers and educators around the world. More information is available at thevirtualfield.org and ocelots.nrem.iastate.edu.