As one of the countries with the greatest biodiversity in the world, Indonesia boasts two significant biodiversity hotspots: Sundaland and Wallace. However, Indonesia faces major challenges, including high extinction rates and massive ecosystem degradation.
UGM Faculty of Biology is committed to continually studying, developing, and wisely utilizing Indonesia’s biodiversity while preserving it for future generations.
The faculty has officially launched the Integrated Genomics Factory (IGF) service to strengthen research capacity in biodiversity conservation efforts.
The soft launch of this service was conducted by the UGM Rector, the Senate Chair, the Dean of the Faculty of Biology, and the founder of the Satria Budi Dharma Setia Foundation during the Open Senate Meeting of UGM’s Faculty of Biology, marking its 69th anniversary on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024.
UGM Rector, Professor Ova Emilia, expressed that the IGF service is expected to accelerate genomic research supporting biodiversity studies and strengthen Indonesia’s Biodiversity Index, the concept of biodiversity credits, and the development of the biocurator profession.
“I extend my highest appreciation for the initiatives undertaken to strengthen Indonesia’s Biodiversity Index, biodiversity credits, and the pioneering of the biocurator profession. This is a strategic step leveraging national and international collaboration,” stated the rector.
The Dean of UGM Faculty of Biology, Professor Budi Setiadi Daryono, announced in his report for the 2023/2024 academic year that the faculty will launch a new innovative program in the 2024/2025 odd semester.
The Professional Study Program for Biodiversity Curators (PKKH) has been officially established as the first program in Indonesia and even Asia to focus on the management and conservation of biodiversity.
Dean Daryono noted that PKKH is the first of its kind in Indonesia and Asia. This innovative program aims to produce competent biodiversity curator professionals.
This program was established in collaboration with several prestigious institutions, including the Natural History Museum in London, the California Academy of Sciences, the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory, the Hortus Botanicus at Leiden University, and the King Saud Museum.
According to him, this international collaboration is expected to further strengthen the faculty’s role as a leading center for biodiversity research both in Indonesia and internationally.
Additionally, during the peak celebration of the Faculty of Biology’s anniversary, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between UGM Faculty of Biology and Leiden University to develop a double degree program, providing opportunities for UGM Biology students to earn dual degrees from both institutions.
On this occasion, the Dean of the Graduate School of Science at Leiden University, Professor Erik H.J. Danen, delivered a scientific lecture titled “Advanced 3D Co-Culture Models for Mechanistic Studies,” discussing advanced 3D co-culture model technology for mechanistic studies in cell biology.
Author: Rahma Khairunnisa
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Lintang