Persistence when conducting research in genetics has brought an award to Dr. Gunadi, Ph.D., a surgeon in Faculty of Medicine UGM, as Best Young Researcher, presented by Ristek Kalbe Science Award (RSKA) 2014 on 14 September in Jakarta. His consistence in establishing the diagnosis for a disease through molecular genetics analysis has made him beat 44 other researchers from across the country. His research is entitled The Importance of Molecular Genetics Analysis for Diagnosis of Diseases.
Currently undergoing pediatric surgery education, the man is seen as having given sustainable contribution to life sciences and health.
Since 2005 when taking his doctorate at Kobe University in Japan, Gunadi has been focusing on genetical diseases in children by applying diagnosis through molecular genetics analysis, including researching Spinal muscular atrophy, Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia, and epilepsy.
Since the past four years Gunadi has focused on Hischprung or Congenital Megacolon which is due to blockade in the colon that causes indigestion. This is often found in children with the ratio in Asia at 1:3,500 per year as compared to the world ratio at 1:5,000.
“Our research since 2010 showed that there is genetics factor in the congenital megacolon prevalence, hence different levels of case in each country,” said the man born in Banyuwangi 34 years ago.
Gunadi explained genetical diseases are one of the causes of high mortality rate in infants under 1 year old. The case is, however, still being ignored in Indonesia. Thus, socialisation for medical workers and the general public is required on early detection of the disease.