The second series of UGM Annual Scientific Conference (UASC) 2023 invites experts in the field of agriculture on the 4th International Conference on Smart and Innovative Agriculture (ICoSIA 2023). The conference was held on 10-11 October 2023 in Grand Ballroom Eastparc Hotel, Yogyakarta.

As the representative of UGM’s rector, Prof. drg. Diatri Nari Ratih, secretary of directorate of research UGM, during her welcoming remarks expressed that UGM through ICoSIA 2023 plays essential role for UGM’s commitment to preserve the intellectual culture. ICoSIA 2023 is expected to be the strong inspiration for researchers and motivate the experts to deliver bigger impacts into the life sciences field.

Dr. Ir. Mohammad Zainal Abidin, S.Pt., M.Biotech., IPM., Chairman of the ICoSIA 2023 organizing committee, conveyed in his address that this event serves as a global platform for agricultural excellence, encompassing diverse perspectives and experiences. The various and evolving challenges in the face of multidimensional crises underscore the imperative of food security, not merely as a noble endeavor but also as a vital component for the sustenance of human life. ICoSIA 2023 adopts the theme “Food Security and Resilience in Multidimensional Crises,” emphasizing the critical nature of discussions led by keynote speakers and participants alike.

The presentation of materials and scientific discussions at ICoSIA 2023 unfolded compellingly with the participation of speakers from six countries. These esteemed speakers include Prof. Rosnah Shamsudin (Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia), Dr. Shinichi Takashima Sobue (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, Japan), Dr. Glenn Gregorio (Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture, Philippines), Dr. Anthony Young (The University of Queensland, Australia), Ahasanul Hoque (The World Bank, Bangladesh), and Asst. Prof. Piyapong Tongdeenok (Kasetsart University, Thailand).

ICoSIA 2023 drew participation from a total of 170 attendees representing 11 countries, namely Indonesia, India, Hungary, Australia, South Korea, Thailand, Japan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Ethiopia, and the Philippines. Following a rigorous review process, 76 papers were selected from the initial 96 submissions for presentation across seven distinct symposia:

1. Agricultural Big Data Analysis Symposium
2. Agricultural Geography Symposium
3. Land and Environmental Management Symposium
4. Precision Nutrition Technology Symposium
5. Smart and Precision Farming Symposium
6. Smart Genetics Resource Management and Utilization Symposium
7. Sustainable Food Production Symposium

Subsequently, for scholarly dissemination through proceedings, all presented papers will be published on BIO Web of Conferences. As a token of appreciation for participants presenting their work at ICoSIA 2023, certificates of recognition will also be awarded for the best papers in each symposium category.

Prof. Mirwan Ushada, S.T.P., M.App.Life.Sc., the Director of Research at UGM, concluded the ICoSIA 2023 event by expressing appreciation to the invited speakers, moderators, participants, organizers, and all involved parties who worked diligently and with dedication to ensure the success of ICoSIA 2023. The culmination of ICoSIA 2023 has fostered an engaging scientific discourse, anticipated to collectively contribute to addressing challenges in the field of agriculture.

Writer: Kiki
Photo: Last Pictures
Translator: Zahra

UGM Annual Scientific Conference (UASC) 2023 is commenced by the 5th Bioinformatics, Biotechnology, and Biomedical Engineering Conference (BioMIC 2023) held on 6-7 September 2023 in Grand Ballroom of Eastparc Hotel, Yogyakarta.

BioMIC 2023 features outstanding speakers from around the globe such as Prof. Teruna J. Siahaan (Kansas University, United States), Prof. Min-Huei Hsu (Taipei Medical University, Taiwan), Assoc.Prof. Dr. Ardiyansyah Syahrom (University of Technology Malaysia, Malaysia), Prof. Hideki Enomoto (Kobe University, Japan), and Dr. apt. Hilda Ismail (Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia).

Prof. dr. Ova Emilia, M.Med.Ed., Sp.OG(K)., Ph.D., the esteemed Rector of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), inaugurated the conference in person. In her insightful opening remarks, she highlighted the conference’s success in bringing together a diverse group of experts from both local and international backgrounds. Professor Ova emphasized the significance of this gathering, as it provides a unique opportunity to foster collaboration and networking. She stressed that such collaborative efforts will play a pivotal role in elevating UGM’s global academic standing and enhancing its publications on an international scale.

Prof. Dr. apt. Susi Ari Kristina, S.Farm., M.Kes. as the chair of BioMIC 2023 reports in her remarks that BioMIC 2023 received 108 submissions coming from eight diverse countries, Indonesia, Thailand, japan, Malaysia, USA, Iraq, Morocco, and Vietnam. After a thorough review process, 66 manuscripts are selected to be presented in five symposia: 1) Big Data for Public Health Policy symposium, 2) Bioinformatics and Data Mining symposium, 3) Biomedical Sciences and Engineering symposium, 4) Biomolecular and Biotechnology symposium, 5) Drug Development and Nutraceutical symposium. In addition, 22 non-presenter participants joined the discussions.

All research articles featured at BioMIC 2023 will undergo rigorous evaluation and may be considered for publication in renowned journals and conference proceedings. These esteemed publications include, but are not limited to, Bio Web of Conferences, Medical Journal of Malaysia, Malaysian Journal of Medicine & Health Sciences, Indonesian Biomedical Journal, Indonesian Journal of Pharmacy, Indonesian Journal of Biotechnology, Traditional Medicine Journal, and Journal of Tropical Biodiversity and Biotechnology.

Written by: Kiki
Translated by: Zahra
Documentation: Maruf & Tim 

Image source: cnnindonesia.com

Most cited UGM’s scientific articles on 17 SDGs subjects in Scopus for the past 10 years until 14 September 2023 are:

1. No poverty, Factors Determining Social and Environmental Reporting by Indian Textile and Apparel Firms: A Test of Legitimacy Theory gained 39 citations;
2. Zero hunger, Regional Impact Assessment of Land use Scenarios in Developing Countries using the FoPIA Approach: Findings from Five Case Studies gained 54 citations;
3. Good health and well-being, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2): An overview of viral structure and host response gained 637 citations;
4. Quality education, Educational environment and approaches to learning of undergraduate nursing students in an Indonesian School of Nursing gained20 citations;
5. Gender equality, ‘Elastic band strategy’: women’s lived experience of coping with domestic violence in rural Indonesia gained 23 citations;
6. Clean water and sanitation, Underreporting of high-risk water and sanitation practices undermines progress on global targets gained 28 citations;
7. Affordable and clean energy, Liquid hydrogen, methylcyclohexane, and ammonia as potential hydrogen storage: Comparison review gained 236 citations;
8. Decent work and economic growth, Role of research and development in green economic growth through renewable energy development: Empirical evidence from South Asia gained 103 citations;
9. Industry, innovation and infrastucture, Framing the sharing economy: A media analysis of ridesharing platforms in Indonesia and the Philippines gained 38 citations;
10. Reduced inequalities, Addressing the unequal geographic distribution of specialist doctors in Indonesia: The role of the private sector and effectiveness of current regulations gained 58 citations;
11. Sustainable cities and communities, Fuel Oil Production from Municipal Plastic Wastes in Sequential Pyrolysis and Catalytic Reforming Reactors gained 249 citations;
12. Responsible consumpsition and production, Improvement of Biogas Production from Orange Peel Waste by Leaching of Limonene gained 116 citations;
13. Climate action, The human cost of global warming: Deadly landslides and their triggers (1995–2014) gained 197 citations;
14. Life below water, Mangrove biomass carbon stock mapping of the Karimunjawa Islands using multispectral remote sensing gained 67 citations;
15. Life on land, Object-Based Approach for Multi-Scale Mangrove Composition Mapping Using Multi-Resolution Image Datasets gained 135 citations;
16. Peace, justice and strong institutions, A Multilab Preregistered Replication of the Ego-Depletion Effect gained 611 citations;
17. Partnership for the goals, Use of and barriers to access to opioid analgesics: a worldwide, regional, and national study gained 383 citations;

During the ‘SDGs-focused Publication Press Release Workshop’ held on Tuesday, September 13, 2023, at the Sidomukti Conference Room, MM UGM, Prof. Dr. Wening Udasmoro, Vice Rector for Research and Education, emphasized the importance of citations in her remarks. In line with Prof. Wening, Prof. Indra Wijaya Kusuma, MBA, Ph.D., who serves as the Head of University Quality Assurance and Reputation Unit, also emphasized that “Citations are a crucial indicator in university rankings and are a natural outcome that cannot be manipulated,” said Indra Wijaya Kusuma.

In another context, the Director of Research, Prof. Mirwan Ushada, expressed high appreciation for the authors whose article received the highest number of citations. The article, titled “Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2): An Overview of Viral Structure and Host Response,” achieved an impressive 637 citations. This article, published in the journal “Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research and Reviews,” was authored by Dr. Med, Dr. Indwiani Astuti from the Faculty of Medicine and Public Health. “Congratulations to Dr. Med, Dr. Indwiani Astuti,” said Prof. Mirwan.

Writers: Kiki & Syahrul
Translator: Zahra

Image sources: Aaron Burden on Unsplash

The h-index is a metric used to assess the impact of a scientist’s research publications within their respective field of expertise. This metric is influenced by two factors: the number of scientific papers published and how frequently these publications are cited by other researchers. It can be seen as a convergence point between the productivity of scientific publications and the quantity of usage of a scientist’s work in the publications of other scholars, which means a higher h-index signifies a greater academic influence for a professor or researcher.

The h-index also serves as a tool to measure the influence and impact of academic publications produced by professors or researchers. Therefore, professors and researchers strive to increase their h-index value through various means, including increasing the number of citations for their published scientific works and collaborating with other researchers to produce new publications. Both of these methods are considered quite effective in boosting the h-index value. Based on data from Scopus as of August 28, 2023, the top 100 authors from UGM with the highest h-index rankings are as follows:

Writers: Kiki & Syahrul

On Friday, August 25, 2023, the Directorate of Research of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held a Focus Group Discussion on the Preparation of Intellectual Property (IP) Curriculum Supporting Modules, with the theme, “Current and Future Issue Terkait Hak Kekayaan Intelektual Pelindungan Varietas Tanaman” (Current and Future Issues Related to Intellectual Property Rights in Plant Variety Protection).  This activity was one of a series of activities in the preparation of supporting IP modules, in a collaborative effort between Universitas Gadjah Mada and the Directorate General of Intellectual Property (DJKI) of the Ministry of Law and Human Rights of the Republic of Indonesia. The purpose of this activity was specifically to enrich knowledge and provide insight and understanding related to plant variety protection (PVP), and support the enrichment of PVP module material.

The FGD began with remarks from the Director of Research of UGM, Prof. Dr. Mirwan Ushada, S.T.P., M.App.Life.Sc. In his speech, Prof. Mirwan expressed his gratitude to the Directorate General of Intellectual Property for its collaboration with UGM in the preparation of the IP modules. This year, UGM has conducted two major collaborations that not only support downstream commercialization but also the upstream. Said Prof. Mirwan: “Research results support the development of knowledge sharing, increase competitive human resources, and support the vision of Golden Indonesia 2045.” Before ending his remarks, Prof. Mirwan expressed his hope that the various parties in attendance share their experiences, ideas, and input, so as to support the Current and Future Issues Related to Intellectual Property Rights in Plant Variety Protection, as the basis for making IP curriculum modules in the PVP field.

The speech was followed by Erni Purnamasari, S.H., M.H., as the Coordinator of Intellectual Property Empowerment. Erni said that in DJKI there is an activity agenda in the form of IP Academy, where an MOU has been signed between DJKI and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). This FGD activity is expected to provide input on modules supporting the IP curriculum, especially in the field of PVP as support for the IP Academy, which should ultimately provide national benefits.

The FGD continued with a discussion on Current and Future Issues Related to Intellectual Property Rights in Plant Variety Protection, delivered by the Head of the Center for Plant Variety Protection and Agricultural Licensing (PVTPP), Dr. Ir. Leli Nuryati, M.Sc., and Ir. Ayub Darmanto, the Managing Director of PT. Primasid Andalan Utama. The discussion session was moderated by Dr. Panjisakti Basunanda, S.P., M.P., lecturer from the Faculty of Agriculture, UGM. On this occasion, Leli conveyed several strategic issues related to PVP, including the need for regulatory alignment, namely the suitability of the latest regulations with the needs and developments of the times. It is important to implement adequate legal protection for business actors in the seed industry, in addition to more concrete steps to ensure conducive legal handling. Harmonization of the PVP System at the international level is also needed, by developing a consistent and standardized system across jurisdictions. This can support the facilitation of cross-border trade, protecting IP more effectively and strengthening international cooperation in the field of IP. Indonesia plans to become a member of the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV), so there needs to be synergy and collaboration with all stakeholders, as well as harmonizing Indonesian Law No. 29 of 2000 and the 1991 UPOV Convention. “Harmonization of PVP has many benefits, but its implementation at the international level can be very complex due to differences in socio-economics, culture, legal systems, and national interests,” said Leli. At the end of the discussion, Leli further explained that the PVTPP will encourage Indonesia to prepare to become a member of UPOV. Leli also hoped for cooperation from various parties, especially from the Ministry of Law and Human Rights.

In the second session, the discussion was led by Ir. Ayub Darmanto on several matters related to problems that occur in the field. Some of the problems that are often encountered are the propagation of varieties that have received PVP rights by irresponsible parties, or as was said by Ayub, “The use of varieties that have received PVP rights to create new types of superior varieties.” The unauthorized use of male/female parents to produce hybrid derivatives is a problem that is not uncommon in the seed industry. As a business entity that employs breeders, the seed industry can also have protection rights over new and superior varieties that have been produced. Along with the development of new varieties that already have PVP rights, various concerned parties will also get economic rights in the form of royalties on these new varieties. With the existence of PVP protection, new superior varieties will be easier to socialize in all agricultural sectors, so as to attract many parties to invest. On this occasion, Ayub proposed that the implementation of the New, Unique, Uniform, and Stable (BUSS) test could be carried out simultaneously with the variety release test to save costs. In addition, DNA marking is needed to anticipate if there is a claim against varieties that have received a PVP certificate. “It would be nice if the PVTPP could bridge parties if there is a dispute over varieties that have received a PVP certificate,” said Ayub. Finally Ayub conveyed that for beginner breeders, support should be given in the form of exemption from annual fees for 3 years, starting from the issuance of the PVP certificate.

Penulis : Baskara Wismarizqa
Foto      : Regita Cahya Santi

Image source: https://unsplash.com/photos/ywqa9IZB-dU

The credibility and relevance of researchers is reflected by many indicators, one of which is the number of citations or citations as references to other research. The more a scientific article is cited shows that the publication is read and used by other researchers. This, of course, also has a good impact on UGM’s reputation as a world-class research university.

Based on data from Scopus as of August 22, 2023, the UGM publication with the most citations was “Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2): An overview of viral structure and host response,” with a total of 628 citations. This article was written by a lecturer from the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics FKKMK UGM, and published in the journal, Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research and Reviews, which has a CiteScore of 15.4 and h-index of 71.

The full list of the ten-most cited articles can be found in the table below;

Sumber: Data Scopus Diolah (2023)
Penulis: Kiki & Syahrul

Universitas Gadjah Mada has received a government mandate to carry out research and development of an electric train specifically for the airport area. This vehicle is named GATe (Gadjah Mada Airport Transporter Electric). The GATe vehicle has the capacity to carry as many as 5 passengers and one driver with a maximum speed of 25 km/hour. This vehicle is based on electricity with energy stored in batteries, with a drive motor of 4000 watts. The cruising ability of GATe is about 50 km and can be extended with higher battery specifications.

This research began with a market survey of electric vehicle needs at the airport, followed by the development of several vehicle designs, and finally the production of the one currently in use. The initial prototype of two units was revealed on National Technology Day on August 10, 2019. In the following year, the prototype was developed into a product that is used by end consumers, namely airport managers. In 2020, three units were successfully made and used at Soekarno Hatta Airport and one unit at Yogyakarta International Airport. This product order was sponsored by the Minister of Transportation with the hope of encouraging the development of domestic electric vehicles.

In 2022 and 2023, the research was devoted to preparing for initial production. During this period, production documents, plant design, supply chain supporting production components, and production facilities were prepared. The product distribution network to end consumers was also prepared. Facilities for initial production were completed, with a production target of 10 units ready for market. At this time, there are already seven units of the vehicle completed.

On this occasion, the GATe product was inaugurated to be included in the e-catalog by the Director of LPDP Research Facilitation, the Rector of UGM, the Director of Research and the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, and Cooperation of the Faculty of Engineering. The E-catalog is an electronic information system that contains lists, types, technical specifications and prices of certain Goods/Services from various Government Goods/Services Providers. With the inclusion of GATe products in the e-catalog, consumers such as government institutions will be able to order and buy this product easily. Hopefully the UGM team’s electric vehicles will be more successful in the future and provide benefits to many parties.

The Directorate of Research of Universitas Gadjah Mada organized the UGM 2023 Business Meeting and Investment Forum Pre-Event Series activities on Thursday, July 27, 2023 at the Ratu Boko Palace Temple Tourism Park Ballroom. This Pre-Event Series is one of a series of UGM 2023 Business Meeting and Investment Forum activities whose peak will be held in September 2023. As a derivative of UGM’s flagship, namely “Realizing Socio-Cultural Resilience of Society,” this activity raises the theme, “Exploring the Potential of the Archipelago’s Local Wisdom as a Solution and Inspiration in the Era of Resilience.”

This activity featured five speakers who represented the theme raised—Dr. G.R. Lono Lastoro Simatupang, M.A., who is a lecturer in the Anthropology Study Program of the Faculty of Arts UGM; Agustin Peranginangin, the President Director of the Borobudur Implementation Authority Agency; Ema Widiastuti, Director of ITDC Business Development; Prof. Wihana Kirana Jaya, M.Soc.Sc., Ph.D., the Commissioner of PT Aviasi Wisata Indonesia; and Qolbiyati Muthmainah, VP of Finance of PT Taman Wisata Candi. This activity was guided and moderated by Dr. Mohamad Yusuf, M.A., the Head of UGM’s Center for Tourism Studies. Various parties who attended this activity, ranging from academics, representatives of government agencies, companies, and industries were entertained with a mini expo exhibition that featured superior products from UGM as well as innovations from MSMEs, namely Terawang Indonesia (Center for Asia Pacific Studies UGM), SIBAYA (Center for Cultural Studies UGM), Acaraki Herbs (Faculty of Pharmacy UGM), and bulk hampers akukira.id (Startup Directorate of Student Affairs UGM).

UGM’s Vice Rector for Research, Business Development, and Cooperation, Ignatius Susatyo Wijoyo, M.M., expressed hope in his speech that the forum that brings together UGM lecturers, researchers, and inventors with partners can become a strategic forum to synergize the themes and research programs of the university’s academics, so that they can be released and benefit society. In this activity, there was also a symbolic signing of the MoU of cooperation between UGM and PT Sido Muncul Tbk.

The panoramic view of Yogyakarta from the Ratu Boko Palace complex supported an interesting discussion with the speakers. The enthusiasm of invited guests and participants further enlivened the question and answer session, resulting in many new insights and enthusiasm to continue cooperation and collaboration. In addition to providing benefits for each party, the collaboration that was built must also provide benefits to the community at large, especially in the social and cultural fields. Through this activity, UGM lecturers, researchers, and inventors in the future are expected to be more active in creating new innovations and expanding their wings to collaborate with various partners, so as to accelerate downstream and research innovations.

Author: Nimas
Photo: UGM Public Relations

Ir. H. Joko Widodo, President of the Republic of Indonesia, Minister of Finance of the Republic of Indonesia, Sri Mulyani Indrawati, S.E., M.Sc., Ph.D.), Minister of Education of the Republic of Indonesia Mr. Nadiem Anwar Makarim, B.A., M.B.A., and President Director of LPDP, Mr. Andin Hadiyanto, visited the Batik Tulis 4.0 Butimo Machine stand at the LPDP Festival 2023, which was held at Kasablanka Hall, Mall Kota Kasablanka 3rd floor, on August 1–3, 2023.

On this occasion Andi Sudiarso, Ph.D, as a researcher, had the opportunity to discuss and show directly how to operate the 4.0 Butimo hand-written batik machine to the President of the Republic of Indonesia, including in this case the LPDP Festival participants. Andi also had the opportunity to show off the batik cloth made by the 4.0 Butimo hand-written batik machine, with a variety of works, ranging from shoes, clothes, and original Batik Butimo cloth.