The International Conference and Workshop on Biotechnology (ICW Biotech) 2024 is a prominent global gathering hosted by the Master’s and Doctoral Programs in Biotechnology at the Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada. Held on July 3-4, 2024, at the Eastparc Hotel Yogyakarta, this year’s conference was a collaborative effort with the Research Center for Biotechnology Universitas Gadjah Mada and the Indonesian Biotechnology Consortium (KBI). The hybrid event drew a wide range of participants, including scientists, practitioners, and academics, all united by a shared interest in advancing the field of biotechnology.
The central theme of the conference was “Biotechnological Approaches in Food Security and Nutrition for Sustainable Global Health.” The event aimed to foster collaboration among academics, institutions, government agencies, and stakeholders involved in food security and nutrition. The goal was to support global health sustainability and societal well-being through collective efforts and interdisciplinary partnerships.
The conference covered several critical areas, including:
- Agricultural Biotechnology: Advancements in improving food production.
- Omics Approaches: Methods for enhancing nutritional outcomes.
- Microbial Technology: Innovations for food enhancement.
- Synthetic Biotechnology: Creation of new and nutraceutical foods.
- Functional Foods: Their impact on health.
The conference featured an impressive lineup of speakers, including Prof. Dr. Chin-Kun Wang from Chung Shan Medical University in Taiwan, Dr. Sastia Prama Putri from Osaka University in Japan, Prof. Enny Sudarmonowati from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), and Ir. Mastur, M.Si., Ph.D. from the Indonesian Biotechnology Consortium (KBI), Prof. Laurent Dufossé form University of Reunion Island, France. Also presenting were several other distinguished experts from domestic universities, each bringing valuable insights and expertise to the event.
The conference featured both plenary and parallel sessions. Plenary Session 1 addressed “Agricultural Biotechnology for Food Improvement and Production,” while Plenary Session 2 focused on “Functional Food, Nutrigenomics, and Nutrigenetics.” These were complemented by parallel discussions where academics and practitioners from UGM and other institutions shared their research related to the plenary themes.
The success of ICW Biotech 2024 demonstrated the crucial need for combining various biotechnological methods to address global issues. The conference fostered valuable interdisciplinary discussions and partnerships, paving the way for groundbreaking solutions in food security and nutrition. As participants left with new perspectives and connections, the event solidified its position as an essential venue for driving forward global health and sustainability.