The Faculty of Biology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (Biology UGM) held its Research Day on 27-29 November at the auditorium as a platform to showcase various research outputs, faculty community service programs, and artworks produced through a series of workshops. This year, research posters, community service programs, and a botanical art exhibition were brought together in a single space that connects science and art. The event not only served as a compilation of academic research but also as a means to foster a strong research culture within Biology UGM.
Carrying the theme “Roots to Radiance: Bridging the Beauty of Science and the Theory of Art,” the event aimed to demonstrate that science can be communicated creatively, making it more accessible and enjoyable for the wider public.
Dean of Biology UGM, Professor Budi Setiadi Daryono, stated in his opening remarks that Research Day is an effort to build a scientific tradition starting at the faculty level.
He noted that Indonesian society still tends to view science as a rigid discipline and one that has not yet fully become the foundation of national progress.
“Science is created not merely to generate jobs, but to build civilization,” he said.
According to Dean Daryono, organizing Research Day is a step toward mainstreaming science, making it more engaging and inspiring for students to develop a research-oriented mindset.
He expressed hope that a research-driven atmosphere would grow and eventually evolve into a strong tradition, as seen in developed countries.
“Biology without art is like eating rice without salt. It is bland. Art is the wrapper that can spark curiosity,” he added.
Meanwhile, Vice-Dean for Research, Community Service, Partnerships, and Alumni at Biology UGM, Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, considered Research Day an effective medium for more public-friendly science communication.
He explained that many research outputs are published only in journals or reports that are difficult for the general public to understand.
“Through Research Day, presented in a more fluid format, the public can enjoy and more easily understand scientific research results,” he explained.
In addition, the event is expected to serve as an entry point for broader partnerships among academics, industry, government, and investors.
Research Day Coordinator Dr. Wiko Arif Wibowo explained that this year’s Research Day collaborated with the Nusantara Arts Innovation Program (PISN) through a botanical art exhibition, which also involved the Indonesian Institute of the Arts Yogyakarta (ISI Yogyakarta).
This collaboration added value by enriching the presentation of research outputs and by attracting public interest in engaging with biology through art.
“If it were only posters, people might not be as interested. That is why we added artistic elements through botanical art,” he explained.
Through cross-disciplinary collaboration and an artistic approach, Research Day 2025 was not only a platform for scientific publication but also a means of building closer connections between science and society.
Biology UGM hopes this initiative will strengthen the research ecosystem, expand partnership networks, and encourage innovations that contribute to scientific development and national progress. This effort is also aligned with sustainability values.
Author: Ika Agustine
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna