The UGM Faculty of Biology (Biology UGM) has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the quality of education and research in biology by forming an academic and research collaboration with Deakin University, Australia.
This partnership was formalized on Aug. 27, 2024, when a delegation from Deakin University visited Biology UGM, represented by Professor Raylene Cooke and Professor John White, both conservation ecology experts from the School of Life and Environmental Sciences.
The event included strategic meetings and a guest lecture by Biology UGM students and lecturers. The collaboration between the two institutions focuses on enhancing educational programs, student and faculty exchanges, and joint research in conservation biology.
Dean of Biology UGM, Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, expressed his hope that this partnership will provide opportunities for UGM students and researchers to engage more deeply in global research and gain learning experiences in an international academic environment.
“We hope that this collaboration will enhance research capabilities and expand academic networks, which will be highly beneficial for the advancement of science and technology, particularly in biology,” stated Dr. Daryono in a statement to reporters on Monday (Sep. 1).
The partnership between Biology UGM and Deakin University is expected to drive more profound research on the impact of chemical use on local ecosystems and human health and develop innovative solutions that can be practically applied in the field.
In the long term, this collaboration will strengthen Biology UGM’s research capacity and provide opportunities for Indonesian students and researchers to contribute to pressing environmental issues on a global scale.
With this collaboration, Biology UGM continues solidifying its position as one of Indonesia’s leading centers of excellence in biology while contributing to global biodiversity conservation and environmental preservation efforts.
During the same occasion, Professor Raylene Cooke and Professor John White also delivered a guest lecture that garnered significant interest from the audience.
The lecture, organized by the faculty in collaboration with the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), was titled “The Effects of Rodenticides on Wildlife and Human Health.”
It highlighted the dangers of rodenticides, commonly used to control rat populations, which can negatively impact ecosystems and human health. The lecture occurred in Classroom 2, Building B, Biology UGM.
“Rodenticides kill rats and poison natural predators like owls, eagles, and small mammals that feed on rats. The harmful chemicals in rodenticides can accumulate in the food chain, threatening wildlife and even affecting human health through the consumption of exposed animals,” explained Professor John White.
The guest lecture not only broadened participants’ understanding of the effects of rodenticides but also emphasized the importance of more sustainable approaches to pest control.
Professor Raylene Cooke advocated for using more environmentally friendly pest control methods. She stressed the need for stricter regulations to control rodenticide use.
Author: Rahma
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Afif