Yogyakarta – Three students from the Master’s Program in Biotechnology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) recently completed a prestigious research internship program at the Nara Institute of Science and Technology (NAIST) in Japan. They are Anwar Rovik and Dhea Kirana Faiha, students of the 2023 Biotechnology Master’s cohort, and Sarwan Adi Kusumo, an alumnus from the 2022 Biotechnology Master’s cohort.
This 3-week program provided a golden opportunity for the students to directly engage in cutting-edge research at leading laboratories within the Division of Biological Science at NAIST. The three were placed in different laboratories: Microbial Interaction, Stem Cell, and Plant Immunity, according to their interests and research fields.
Strong Collaboration Between NAIST and UGM Alumni, a Bridge to Further Studies
Dr. Dini Wahyu Kartikasari, M.Si, Head of the Biotechnology Master’s Program at UGM, explained that this program is the result of close collaboration between NAIST and its alumni, including those from UGM. “This program provides an opportunity for students to directly experience the research atmosphere at NAIST, meet professors and senior researchers, and understand the ongoing research in those labs,” she said. With this experience, it is hoped that students will be more prepared if they decide to pursue doctoral studies at NAIST.
Prof. Yasumasa Bessho, Director of the Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science and Technology at NAIST, welcomed the presence of the internship students from Indonesia, who are known for their diligence and strong sense of community.
In addition to gaining valuable research experience, the students also had the opportunity to explore Japanese culture. “In addition to working on research in the lab, we were also able to explore Japanese culture, including the language, food, and iconic places,” explained Dhea. This experience offered broader insights into Japan, not only from an academic perspective but also from a cultural one.
Strengthening International Partnerships and Developing Human Resources in Biotechnology
This research internship program not only benefits the students but also strengthens the partnership between UGM and NAIST. “This collaboration is part of the long history of good partnerships between NAIST and universities in Indonesia,” added Prof. Bessho.
Through this program, NAIST contributes to the development of human resources in the field of biotechnology, while also strengthening relationships with international partners. The research experience at NAIST is expected to motivate students to continue developing their potential and make tangible contributions to the field of biotechnology in the future.