Yogyakarta – The Research Center and Study Program of Biotechnology Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) successfully held the 10th National Biotechnology Seminar with the theme “Fostering Interdisciplinary Solutions in Biotechnology for Sustainability.” The event, which took place at the Graduate School Unversitas Gadjah Mada on Saturday, October 26, 2024, gathered over 200 participants from 36 different institutions, including academics, researchers, and practitioners.
This seminar highlighted the urgency of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing increasingly complex global challenges, such as climate change, food security, and environmental degradation. “Through an integrated biotechnology approach, we hope to find innovative solutions to ensure sustainability across various sectors, including agriculture, health, industry, and the environment,” said Agung Dian Kharisma, S.Pd.Si., M.Biotech, Ph.D., the seminar’s committee chairperson.
The wide participation reflects the enthusiasm and concern of the academic community, researchers, and practitioners regarding the development of biotechnology and the importance of contributions to sustainability. “We hope that through this seminar, in-depth discussions and cross-institutional collaborations will emerge that can positively impact biotechnology research and implementation in the future,” he added.
Building Interdisciplinary Solutions for Sustainability
Indonesia has significant potential in the field of biotechnology. This potential must be harnessed to address various issues, such as national socioeconomic challenges to provide affordable food for the community and effective medications for various diseases.
The Graduate School Universitas Gadjah Mada strongly supports interdisciplinary approaches to solving problems. In her opening remarks, the Dean of the Graduate School Universitas Gadjah Mada explained that the seminar invited experts in their fields to share innovative solutions in biotechnology applications, ranging from improving food quality to enhancing global health and well-being. “This seminar is a testament to what happens when academics, industry leaders, policymakers, educators, and stakeholders come together under one roof. By sharing insights, expertise, and resources, we can accelerate progress toward a Golden Indonesia by 2045,” stated Prof. Ir. Siti Malkhamah, M.Sc., Ph.D.
The Research Center and Study Program of Biotechnology Universitas Gadjah Mada are committed to continuously contributing to the advancement of science and technology in Indonesia. “In the future, we will continue to organize activities that can facilitate collaboration and the development of human resource capacity in the field of biotechnology,” concluded Agung Dian.
It is hoped that this seminar will serve as a momentum for participants to continue developing research and innovation in biotechnology. With more researchers and practitioners involved, a strong and sustainable innovation ecosystem is expected to emerge in Indonesia. (AR)