YOGYAKARTA – “All applied science depend on basic science”, this is one point stated by Prof. Richard Cogdell in the guest lecture at Faculty of Biology UGM on Wednesday (29/1). The theme was The Importance of Basic Science Research: An Example from The Area of Trying to Overcome Antibiotic Resistance. Prof. Richard Cogdell is Director of Institute of Molecular, Cell and System Biology, as well as Deputy Head of College of Medical Veterinary and Life Science University of Glasgow UK.
Cogdell assessed the development of basic science in the world; unfortunately, some people are still unaware of its significance. For example, Alexander Flemming conducted a research on fungi that produced chemical compounds that can kill some bacteria. Initially, Flemming did not aim at producing antibiotics from the fungi that are now used massively as antibiotics.
“It turned out that penicillin as antibiotics led to new applicative science to society,” said Cogdell.
In the lecture Prof. Cogdell added that some time ago scientists were spending too much time to find a solution to bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. This needed to be resolved immediately.
“Here, basic science research is required to know the pathogenic process of bacteria resistant to antbiotics so the mechanism of antibiotics making can be researched in applied research,” he revealed.
Dean of Faculty of Biology UGM, Dr. Suwarno Hadisusanto, S.U. , hoped for closer ties between Faculty of Biology UGM and University of Glasgow. “We will continue to increase cooperations whether in student or lecturer exchange,” said Suwarno.
Vice Deans and lecturers of the Faculty of Biology UGM as well as students also attended the event. University of Glasgow delegates explained further about departments of the University.