The Doctoral Program in Biotechnology, Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada, in collaboration with the Biotechnology Research Center, organized a discussion session and guest lecture on Monday, September 29, 2025, with Dr. Mahmood Ahmed, Chair of Medicinal Chemistry and Head of the Innovative Targets Portfolio at the Drug Discovery Unit (DDU), University of Dundee.

Dr. Mahmood, who also serves as Interim Associate Dean for Enterprise and Economic Transformation, joined the School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, in 2024. With extensive experience in pharma, biotech, and academia—including roles at GSK (UK), the establishment of a drug discovery center in Singapore, academic entrepreneurship, and co-founding two biotechnology companies—he has contributed to the progression of multiple clinical stage assets and brings deep expertise in translational research.

The academic discussion was attended by Prof. dr. Siti Malkhamah, M.Sc., Ph.D. (Dean of the Graduate School UGM), Dr. Tri Rini Nuringtyas, M.Sc. (Head of the Doctoral Program in Biotechnology), Dr. Dini Wahyu Kartika Sari, M.Sc. (Head of the Master’s Program in Biotechnology), Prof. Yekti Asih Purwestri, Ph.D. (Head of the Biotechnology Research Center), Dr. Dewi Kartikawati Paramita (Secretary of the Biotechnology Research Center), and faculty members of the Biotechnology Study Program.

The meeting identified key areas for collaboration within the framework of the Transnational Education (TNE) Exploratory Grant funded by the British Council, a joint initiative between the University of Dundee’s School of Life Sciences and UGM’s Graduate School. Both institutions agreed to initiate capacity building programs to enhance the competencies of doctoral and master’s students, as well as faculty members, particularly in bridging the gap between early-stage academic research and translational applications in drug discovery.

Following the discussion, Dr. Mahmood delivered a general lecture titled “Translating Research Findings to Patient Impact”, moderated by Dr. Dewi Kartikawati Paramita. The lecture was attended by doctoral and master’s students of Biotechnology, as well as undergraduate students from the Faculty of Pharmacy, UGM.

Dr. Mahmood highlighted pathways and strategies to accelerate the translation of laboratory findings into clinical impact. The session was highly interactive, with students—especially from the Master’s and Doctoral programs—actively asking questions on how to navigate challenges in translational research and create smoother transitions from academic innovation to patient therapies.

This activity strongly contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By advancing innovative approaches in drug discovery, it supports good health and well-being (SDG 3). Through capacity building and knowledge exchange, it enhances quality education (SDG 4) for graduate students and faculty. The collaboration also promotes innovation and infrastructure in biotechnology (SDG 9), ensuring that scientific research is connected to industrial application. Most importantly, it strengthens international partnerships (SDG 17), highlighting the joint commitment of UGM and the University of Dundee to contribute to global health challenges through research and education.

The Doctoral Program in Biotechnology, Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada, held a comprehensive doctoral examination for Dini Achnafani (cohort 2023, 2nd semester intake) on Wednesday, August 27, 2025. The examination was chaired by Dr. Tri Rini Nuringtyas, M.Sc., Head of the Doctoral Program in Biotechnology.

Dini presented her dissertation proposal entitled:

“Therapeutic Potential of L-Asparaginase from Actinomycetes Type R. etli: An In Silico Study, Recombinant Production, and In Vitro Evaluation on MOLT-4 Cells.” Her research addresses the urgent need for safer and more effective treatment options for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), a malignant cancer of lymphoblast cells characterized by high clonal heterogeneity due to genetic and epigenetic dysregulation. Current ALL therapy relies heavily on bacterial L-asparaginase derived from E. coli and E. chrysanthemi. While effective, these enzymes often cause severe side effects, including hypersensitivity, resistance, and unwanted L-glutaminase activity.

To overcome these limitations, Dini’s study explores L-asparaginase from actinomycetes of the R. etli type, which has shown minimal or undetectable L-glutaminase activity in preliminary studies. The research involves in silico structural characterization, recombinant protein production in E. coli BL21 (DE3), enzyme purification and activity profiling, as well as in vitro cytotoxicity and apoptosis assays on MOLT-4 (T-ALL) cells. Additionally, molecular analyses will examine the regulation of miRNA, ASNS mRNA, and protein expression following L-asparaginase treatment.

Dini is supervised by a promotorial team consisting of Dr. Muhammad Saifur Rohman, S.P., M.Si., M.Eng., Ph.D. (Promotor), Prof. dr. Sofia Mubarika Harjana, M.Med.Sc., Ph.D., and Dr. Harto Widodo, S.P., M.Biotech. The examination board included Widhi Dyah Sawitri, S.Si., M.Agr., Ph.D. and Dr. dr. Kartika Widayati, Sp.PD-KHOM.

This research contributes directly to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It supports SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by advancing innovative cancer therapeutics that may reduce side effects and improve patient outcomes. It also aligns with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) through the development of biotechnology-based drug discovery platforms, and SDG 15 (Life on Land) by emphasizing the potential of microbial biodiversity—particularly actinomycetes—as a source of novel bioactive compounds.

Greetings from the Doctoral Program in Biotechnology. We live in an era where biotechnology has become a critical approach to solving humanity’s most pressing challenges. From tackling global health crises—spanning infectious diseases to non-communicable illnesses and stunting—to addressing complex environmental issues like pollution and the pervasiveness of microplastics, the solutions are increasingly found at the biological level. The frontier of medicine is also rapidly advancing with novel therapeutics based on materials such as antibodies and peptides.

Solving these multifaceted problems requires a new generation of scientists—thinkers who can navigate the intersections of molecular biology, chemical engineering, and data science. We understand that a challenge as complex as developing a pandemic vaccine is not just a biological puzzle; it involves bioprocess engineering, computational biology, and clinical ethics. This is precisely why our doctoral program was designed with a philosophy of transcending traditional academic boundaries.

Our program is not housed within a single faculty; it is a hub supported by the expertise of eleven faculties, featuring esteemed researchers in their respective fields. This structure provides our students with a remarkable level of flexibility to pursue research that is truly comprehensive. This interdisciplinary spirit is a reality in our students’ work. They are developing diagnostics for diseases like leptospirosis and cancer, and pioneering novel miRNA-based therapies. In food and agriculture, they are creating functional fermented products, exploring their pre-, pro-, and post-biotic potential, and using CRISPR-Cas9 for genome editing in vital crops. They are also tackling environmental challenges, using microbes for sustainable biomining or to enhance crop health. Crucially, these projects often integrate advanced OMICs and in silico approaches, ensuring our graduates are proficient in both wet-lab experimentation and dry-lab computational analysis, ready to manage and interpret the big data of modern biology.

We believe the next breakthroughs in science will emerge from this spirit of collaboration and a holistic understanding of complex systems. If you are a dedicated researcher, eager to contribute to solving major global challenges by working at the intersection of different fields, then we believe our program is the right place for you. It is our hope that through this journey, you will not only achieve your scientific potential but also contribute meaningfully to the world.

We invite you to explore our research concentrations and the work of our study program. We are looking for the next generation of scientific leaders, and we would be honored if you would consider beginning your journey with us.

Yogyakarta, August 13, 2025 — The Master (S2) and Doctoral (S3) Programs in Biotechnology, Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada, held an online meeting to prepare for the upcoming odd semester 2025/2026 and to evaluate the achievements of the even semester 2024/2025. The meeting took place on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, from 11.00 to 12.30 WIB, with the participation of all academic staff members.

Meeting Highlights

The meeting was opened by the Head of the Doctoral Program in Biotechnology, Dr. Tri Rini Nuringtyas, followed by presentations from the Head of the Master’s Program, Dr. Dini Wahyu Kartika Sari, and the Head of the Doctoral Program.

The evaluation report noted that all academic grades from the previous semester had been submitted on time. Community engagement activities were also successfully conducted, including molecular biology workshops and training for high school biology teachers, involving both master’s and doctoral students. The results of the student evaluation of lecturers (EDOM) were also presented, providing valuable feedback for continuous improvement.

New Student Intake

The meeting reported that for the upcoming odd semester, 41 new students will join the Master’s Program and 6 new students will enroll in the Doctoral Program. It was highlighted that the number of new doctoral students is often influenced by scholarship availability.

Future Plans

Looking ahead, the Doctoral Program will collaborate with BRIN (National Research and Innovation Agency) under a by research program focusing on the theme of Superfood. Furthermore, based on the monitoring activities conducted through the Biotech Camp, the program will organize more in-depth progress meetings between doctoral students and their supervisors, attended by the Head of the Doctoral Program. This initiative is especially aimed at students in their seventh semester and beyond, to ensure that any research challenges can be addressed promptly.

Closing

Following an active discussion session, the meeting was officially closed by the Head of the Doctoral Program. This activity underscores the commitment of the Biotechnology Graduate Programs to strengthening academic collaboration, improving the quality of education, and supporting timely completion of research. It also contributes directly to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals).

Indonesia’s extraordinary biodiversity offers endless opportunities to develop superfoods that combine nutritional richness with scientifically proven health benefits. At the Doctoral Program in Biotechnology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, we are fortunate to have a unique academic ecosystem that brings together experts from the Faculties of Biology, Agriculture, Animal Science, and Agricultural Technology. This multidisciplinary collaboration enables us to address the entire superfood value chain—from exploring genetic resources, understanding bioactive compounds, improving traits, to developing functional products ready for the market.

Biotechnology plays a crucial role in supporting superfood innovation. Through omics approaches—including metabolomics, proteomics, transcriptomics, and microbiomics—we can identify and profile bioactive molecules, understand their biosynthesis pathways, and assess their potential to act as prebiotics, probiotics, or postbiotics. This scientific foundation allows us to develop products that meet both health needs and regulatory requirements, directly contributing to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) through sustainable food production, SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by promoting functional foods for public health, and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by ensuring quality and traceability.

Our doctoral research has already covered diverse topics such as enhancing anthocyanin and carotenoid content in black rice through gene editing, isolating probiotic lactic acid bacteria from traditional fermentations, screening folate-producing strains, and exploring the prebiotic and immunomodulatory properties of local plants. These studies reflect the richness of Indonesian resources—from rice and legumes to traditional fermented foods—that can be elevated into high-value functional products.

Beyond the projects currently running in our program, Indonesia still has many untapped superfood potentials. Traditional fermented dairy like dadih, plant-based protein fermentations like tempeh, indigenous starches such as sago, and marine resources such as Eucheuma cottonii seaweed are just a few examples. Each of these can be studied using omics-based methods to reveal new functional ingredients, optimize fermentation processes, and develop credible health claims. By exploring these resources responsibly, we also strengthen our contribution to SDG 15 (Life on Land) and SDG 14 (Life Below Water) through biodiversity conservation and sustainable marine resource utilization.

Looking ahead, we are ready to expand our role through broader collaborations. We welcome partnerships with other universities, research institutes such as BRIN, and industry stakeholders to explore superfood innovation under joint research initiatives. Our Degree by Research program is an excellent pathway for such collaborations, enabling doctoral candidates to work on industry- or partner-driven superfood projects with access to state-of-the-art facilities and supervision from multidisciplinary experts.

Through this integrated approach, the Doctoral Program in Biotechnology at UGM aims to contribute not only to the academic advancement of superfood science but also to the sustainable growth of the superfood industry in Indonesia. By combining local biodiversity, advanced biotechnology, and strong partnerships, we believe superfoods from Indonesia can achieve both global recognition and meaningful impact on public health—while supporting the global SDG agenda.

Tri Rini Nuringtyas
Head of the Doctoral Program in Biotechnology
Universitas Gadjah Mada

Yogyakarta, August 6–7, 2025 – In response to rapid technological advancements, knowledge of modern biotechnology and molecular detection techniques has become increasingly essential. The Master’s and Doctoral Program in Biotechnology, Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), hosted a Short Course & Workshop on Wednesday–Thursday, August 6–7, 2025.

Carrying the theme “Introduction to Basic Microbiology and Molecular Detection Techniques for High School Teachers in Yogyakarta”, the program brought together 26 high school biology teachers from various schools across the Special Region of Yogyakarta. Combining theory and hands-on practice, the training aimed to strengthen teachers’ competence in teaching modern biotechnology aligned with the national curriculum, while also contributing to SDG 4 (Quality Education).

The program was structured into two sessions. The short course featured lectures delivered by experts in the field, covering topics such as the Central Dogma of Molecular Biology, DNA Isolation & PCR, the History and Scope of Microbiology, and Microbial Culture & Growth. These sessions provided both theoretical foundations and applied insights that teachers can adapt to their classrooms.

The workshop session, held at UGM’s Biotechnology Laboratory, enabled participants to directly practice key techniques, including DNA isolation from fruit, PCR and electrophoresis, soil bacteria inoculation, Gram staining, and bacterial morphology observation. This hands-on experience not only deepened participants’ understanding but also equipped them with practical laboratory skills to enrich science learning at schools. Furthermore, the training is expected to strengthen teachers’ capacity to deliver laboratory-based science education, supporting SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) through improved technological literacy and innovation at the secondary education level.

Evaluation results indicated overwhelmingly positive feedback, with nearly 100% of participants agreeing that the materials are applicable in their schools. The program was made possible through funding support from UGM Graduate School and sponsorship from PT Kairos Jaya Sejahtera.

Looking ahead, UGM hopes to sustain this initiative through stronger partnerships between universities and schools, regular training programs, and an expanded reach to benefit more educators.

Writer: Rahmi Nafi’imama

Yogyakarta, July 21, 2025 — The Doctoral Program in Biotechnology, Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada, held a closed doctoral examination for Yuni Sine (cohort 2021) on Monday, July 21, 2025. The examination was chaired by Prof. Widyanto, Ph.D, Vice Dean for Academic, Student Affairs, and Collaboration.

Yuni defended her dissertation entitled:
“Isolation, Identification, and Characterization of Lactic Acid Bacteria from Pigeon Pea (Cajanus cajan L. Millsp) Soaking Water and Their Potential as Starter Culture for Pigeon Pea Yoghurt Fermentation to Develop a Functional Food for Blood Glucose Reduction.”

The research explores the potential of local plant genetic resources from West Nusa Tenggara (NTB)—specifically pigeon pea—as a basis for developing plant-based functional food through fermentation. By isolating and characterizing lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from pigeon pea soaking water, Yuni identified probiotic strains with potential hypoglycemic effects. The study successfully developed a fermented pigeon pea yoghurt that supports dietary strategies for blood glucose control and offers a locally rooted functional food innovation.

Yuni was supervised by a promotorial team led by Prof. Widodo, Ph.D, with members Prof. Donny Widianto, Ph.D and Prof. Dr. Yekti Asih Purwestri. The examination board included Prof. Dr. Nurliyani, Prof. Dr. Sunarti, Prof. Dr. Rarastoeti Pratiwi, and Dr. Ir. Adi Magna Patriardi Nuhriawangsa.

As part of her doctoral achievements, Yuni has published a scientific article titled “Metagenomic Analysis of Bacterial Diversity in Pigeon Pea after Soaking in Water” in the Indonesian Journal of Biotechnology (Q3, Scopus-indexed), demonstrating her contribution to advancing microbial and functional food research from underutilized local crops.

This dissertation supports several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It contributes to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) through the development of local, value-added food products; SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by offering food-based strategies for managing blood glucose levels; SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by promoting the sustainable utilization of local crops; and SDG 15 (Life on Land) through the conservation and valorization of local plant biodiversity.

Yogyakarta, July 21, 2025 — The Doctoral Program in Biotechnology, Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada, held a closed doctoral examination for Medhina Magdalena (cohort 2018) on Monday, July 21, 2025. The examination was chaired by the Dean of the Graduate School, Universitas Gadjah Mada.

Medhina defended her dissertation entitled:

“Studi Potensi Keragaman Khamir dari Madu Hutan dan Buah-Buahan serta Pemanfaatannya pada Fermentasi Etanol”
(“Diversity of Yeasts from Forest Honey and Fruits and Their Application in Ethanol Fermentation”)

Her research explored the biodiversity of yeasts from forest honey and tropical fruits collected from various Indonesian islands, including Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, and Nusa Tenggara. The study aimed to discover new Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains capable of improving ethanol fermentation efficiency, particularly by reducing the accumulation of residual fructose—an issue that often leads to incomplete fermentation and reduced ethanol yields.

Through a series of screenings, molecular identifications, and fermentation trials, Medhina identified four promising S. cerevisiae strains from fruits such as grapes and pineapple. Among them, strains NB1 and Ag3 showed superior performance in lowering residual sugars and generating higher ethanol concentrations when fermenting mixed sugar substrates. Gene expression analysis revealed that the hexose transporter Hxt3 maintained relatively high expression throughout the fermentation process, suggesting its key role in sugar transport and utilization under stress conditions. Although the presence of the Fsy1 fructose symporter was functionally suspected, its gene was not amplified in the tested isolates, indicating the need for further investigation into alternative sugar transport mechanisms.

This research demonstrates the importance of indigenous microbial resources in supporting green and sustainable energy production through bioethanol. It also enriches scientific understanding of tropical yeast diversity and its biotechnological applications.

As part of her doctoral accomplishments, Medhina has published a peer-reviewed article titled “Yeast Diversity in Honey Produced by Wild Honeybees at Different Elevations” in the Baghdad Science Journal (Scopus Q2). This publication contributes to the global documentation of microbial diversity in forest ecosystems.

Medhina was supervised by Prof. Donny Widianto, Ph.D and Prof. Irfan D. Prijambada, Ph.D. The examination committee included Prof. Dr. Yekti Asih Purwestri, Prof. Dr. Endah Retnaningrum, Prof. Triwibowo Yuwono, Ph.D, and Dr. Ahmad Fathoni, M.Eng from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN).

The outcomes of this dissertation strongly align with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) through the advancement of renewable bioethanol sources, SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by promoting the sustainable use of untapped microbial biodiversity, and SDG 15 (Life on Land) through the conservation and purposeful application of native microbial ecosystems in tropical forest environments.

Yogyakarta, July 18, 2025 — Sri Fatmah Sari, a doctoral student from the 2022 even-semester cohort of the Biotechnology Doctoral Study Program at the Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada, has successfully completed her comprehensive examination. Her dissertation proposal, titled “Identification of Anti-inflammatory Peptides from Abalone (Haliotis asinina) Viscera Protein Hydrolysate”, focuses on discovering bioactive compounds from underutilized marine resources—particularly the viscera of the tropical abalone species Haliotis asinina—to develop new, safe alternatives for anti-inflammatory therapies.

Abalone is a high-value marine mollusk belonging to the class Gastropoda and is recognized globally for its nutritional and economic potential. In Indonesia, H. asinina is widely distributed across regions such as the Seribu Islands, Lombok, Madura, Maluku, Papua, and Sulawesi. While its edible meat is well appreciated for its umami flavor, high protein, and low cholesterol content, the processing of abalone often results in large volumes of underutilized byproducts, particularly viscera, which account for up to 25% of the organism’s weight. Rich in protein, this byproduct has promising potential as a novel source of bioactive peptides.

Sri’s research is based on the growing interest in bioactive peptides (BAPs) as therapeutic agents with high target selectivity, low toxicity, and good bioavailability. Among their many activities, anti-inflammatory peptides (AIPs) are of particular interest due to their potential to address chronic inflammation—a key contributor to diseases such as cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, and even neurological and psychiatric conditions.

The study combines two strategic approaches: an in silico-driven exploration, involving proteomic analysis, peptide prediction, docking simulations (against TLR4, IKKβ, and COX-2), and peptide synthesis; and an activity-guided strategy, including stepwise purification, anti-inflammatory activity screening in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 macrophage cells, and final identification of active peptide sequences using LC-HRMS and bioinformatics. Synthetic peptides with the most potent in vitro effects are further validated through expression analysis of inflammatory markers such as COX-2 and TNF-α.

Supervised by Prof. Tri Joko Raharjo, M.Si., Ph.D., with co-promoters Prof. Dr. Ir. Alim Isnansetyo and Dr. Tri Rini Nuringtyas, S.Si., M.Sc., Sri’s work was evaluated by examiners Dr.biol.hom. Nastiti Wijayanti, S.Si., M.Si. and Respati Tri Swasono, S.Si., M.Phil., Ph.D.

Her research underscores the importance of Indonesia’s rich marine biodiversity as a source of high-value bioactive compounds. It supports local resource utilization, promotes the zero-waste concept in seafood processing, and offers alternatives to conventional anti-inflammatory drugs, which often carry significant side effects.

This study contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It addresses SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by identifying safer, natural-based therapeutic alternatives for inflammatory diseases; SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by valorizing seafood processing byproducts and supporting waste reduction in the marine food industry; and SDG 14 (Life Below Water) by promoting sustainable use of marine biodiversity through bioprospecting of underutilized species.

Yogyakarta, July 14, 2025 — The Doctoral Program in Biotechnology, Graduate School, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), successfully held a workshop titled OMERO–GammaPath Implementation: Enhancing Image Management and Analysis for Teaching and Research in Biology and Biotechnology on Monday, July 14, 2025. This activity was part of the implementation of the Transnational Education (TNE) Project supported by the British Council, in collaboration with the School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee.

The workshop featured two keynote speakers: Prof. Jason Swedlow from the School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, and Dr. Ery Kus Dwianingsih, Ph.D., from the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing, UGM. Around 45 participants attended, including faculty members, researchers, and students from various faculties at UGM such as Biology, Biotechnology, Pharmacy, and other disciplines actively utilizing imaging data in research and teaching.

The event was officially opened by Dr. Tri Rini Nuringtyas, Head of the Doctoral Program in Biotechnology, who emphasized the importance of integrated image data management to support modern research and evidence-based teaching. She also expressed her hope that this workshop would open wider opportunities for cross-faculty collaboration and strengthen international networking through the TNE program.

In the first session, Prof. Jason Swedlow presented an introduction to OMERO for biotechnology research, including practical examples and a short live demonstration on how to access and operate the platform. In the next session, Dr. Ery Kus Dwianingsih, Ph.D., shared her experiences on best practices for implementing OMERO in teaching and pathology workshops, providing practical insights for academic application.

The workshop concluded with the presentation of souvenirs as a token of appreciation from the Biotechnology Study Program to both speakers, followed by a group photo session. After the main event, an in-depth discussion was held to explore future strategic steps, including opportunities for joint research in proteomics, peptide design, and bioimaging, as well as plans to further integrate these initiatives within the TNE Project framework with the School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee.

This workshop is expected to strengthen UGM’s capacity in image data management and analysis, expand OMERO’s application across various faculties, and further enhance