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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.

Strengthening Research Collaboration: NTU Singapore Visits Faculty of Biology UGM for CCUS Project

CooperationNews Release Friday, 21 February 2025

Yogyakarta, February 21, 2025 – The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), welcomed a delegation from Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, as part of a research collaboration under the NTU Singapore Institute of Research for Sustainability and Innovation (INSPIRASI) CCUS (Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage) program. This research project has been ongoing since 2024.


The meeting, held in the KPTU Meeting Room at the Faculty of Biology UGM, was attended by Assoc. Prof. Marcos and his student, Tan Pei Ru, from the School of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, College of Engineering NTU. Also present were Prof. Dr.Eng. Ir. Arief Budiman, M.S., IPU., and Dr. Nugroho Dewayanto, S.T., M.Eng., from the Faculty of Engineering UGM. From the Faculty of Biology UGM, the meeting was attended by Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Alumni, along with his master’s and doctoral students.

During the meeting, discussions revolved around research progress on the application of local strain microalgae for CO2 absorption and its utilization for biorefinery products. This collaboration aims to develop innovative solutions for sustainable carbon emissions management toward net zero emissions using microalgae.

In addition to the discussion session, the NTU delegation also conducted a field visit to several research facilities supporting this project, including the Integrated Genome Factory (IGF), which serves as the DNA/RNA sequencing service center at the Faculty of Biology UGM.

This visit not only focused on research developments but also resulted in an agreement that the Faculty of Biology UGM and NTU will implement a student exchange program as part of strengthening academic and research cooperation.

This research aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 13: Climate Action, SDG 14: Life Below Water, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. The Faculty of Biology UGM hopes that this collaboration will significantly contribute to climate change mitigation efforts through microalgae-based biotechnology innovations.

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.

Lecturer of Faculty of Biology Participate in Prestigious International Conference on Fish Models for Diseases in Bangkok

News Release Thursday, 20 February 2025

Two lecturers from Faculty of Biology Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM); Dr. Luthfi Nurhidayat and Dr. Tri Rini Nuringtyas showcased Indonesia’s growing contributions to biomedical research at The 2025 Asian Conference on Fish Models for Diseases, held from February 17–19 in Bangkok, Thailand. This conference was joined by leading scientists from across Asia and beyond in sharing advancements in the use of fish as model organisms for disease research.


Dr. Luthfi Nurhidayat delivered an oral presentation titled “Indonesia’s Native Fish: From Aquaculture Towards Biomedical Research,” highlighting the untapped potential of the native Rasbora lateristriata (commonly known as wader pari) as an alternative model organism. Initially studied for aquaculture, R. lateristriata shows promise in biomedical applications due to its fast embryonic development, resilience to warm temperatures, and its suitability for natural compound testing—an area in which Indonesia holds vast potential.

In a flash poster session, Dr. Tri Rini Nuringtyas presented her study titled “Antidiabetic Potential of Gyrinops versteegii Agarwood Leaf Extract in Zebrafish Models.” Her research demonstrates the efficacy of agarwood leaf extract as a potential antidiabetic agent, successfully tested using zebrafish.

This international engagement is part of UGM’s efforts to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-being. Participation in the conference strengthens Indonesia’s presence in fish-based biomedical research and opens doors for international collaboration in health-related model development.

UGM Biology Students Collaborate with Bantul Health Office and BBLABKESMAS Yogyakarta to Conduct Surveillance of Leptospirosis and Hantavirus Reservoirs in Beran Hamlet

News Release Thursday, 20 February 2025

Bantul, Indonesia – February 19, 2025 – In a proactive public health initiative, students from the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) collaborated with the Bantul District Health Office and the Yogyakarta Public Health Laboratory Center (BBLABKESMAS) to conduct rodent surveillance in Beran Hamlet, Canden Village, Jetis Subdistrict, Bantul Regency. This joint effort was initiated following confirmed human cases of leptospirosis and hantavirus in the area, with the infections suspected to have also affected other family and community members.


The surveillance began on Tuesday, February 18, with the placement of 50 single-live rat traps. As a result, nine traps captured rats (Rattus spp.) and two traps captured Asian house shrews (Suncus murinus), both considered potential reservoirs of disease.

The student research team comprised Dita Dwi Putri, Zahwa Khoirun Nisa, Dhiyaa Sekar Hanum, Shaila Revita Zahra, and Trissa Amalia Putri and Rizky Nur Endah Sari. Their participation is part of the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) Research Program, supervised by Dr. Dra. Rr. Upiek Ngesti Wibawaning Astuti, B.Sc., DAP&E, M.Biomed.

Moving forward, molecular analysis will be conducted on the captured specimens to detect the presence of Leptospira bacteria and hantavirus, providing crucial data to inform future public health responses. This initiative reinforces the Faculty of Biology UGM’s dedication to community welfare and aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDGs No 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDGs No 4: Quality Education, SDGs No 15: Life on Land, and SDGs No 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Faculty of Biology UGM Lecturers Participate in The 2025 Asian Conference on Fish Models for Diseases in Bangkok

News Release Thursday, 20 February 2025

Bangkok, Thailand – Dr. Luthfi Nurhidayat and Dr. Tri Rini Nuringtyas, lecturers from the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), participated in The 2025 Asian Conference on Fish Models for Diseases, held on February 17–19, 2025, in Bangkok, Thailand. This conference was attended by renowned scientists from various countries who use fish as model organisms in disease studies.


During the event, Dr. Luthfi Nurhidayat delivered a presentation titled “Indonesia’s Native Fish: From Aquaculture Towards Biomedical Research”. He highlighted the potential of the wader pari fish (Rasbora lateristriata), initially studied for aquaculture purposes, as a model organism in disease research. Dr. Luthfi emphasized that Indonesia possesses many natural compounds that have been characterized and have medicinal potential, yet their testing remains limited due to the constraints of using mice or rats as model organisms. The wader pari fish offers advantages such as a faster embryonic development compared to zebrafish, resilience to warm temperatures, and previous successful applications in testing natural compounds.

Meanwhile, Dr. Tri Rini Nuringtyas presented her research in a flash poster format, titled “Antidiabetic Potential of Gyrinops versteegii Agarwood Leaf Extract in Zebrafish Models”. She explained that her study demonstrated the antidiabetic potential of agarwood leaf extract, which was tested using zebrafish models.

The participation of the Faculty of Biology UGM lecturers in this conference is part of their efforts to support the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) number 3: Good Health and Well-being. This engagement not only strengthens Indonesia’s role in fish-based biomedical research but also opens opportunities for collaboration with international scientists in advancing fish models for health research.

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.