Master’s students from the Biotechnology Study Program at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) participated in a Biotechnology Seminar featuring distinguished experts from Japan. The seminar was held on Sunday, April 19, 2026, from 09:00 to 11:30 a.m. at AGLC Building, 6th Floor, UGM.
The event featured four international speakers: Prof. Hideaki Nojiri and Dr. Chiho Suzuki-Minakuchi from The University of Tokyo, Dr. Kengo Inoue from Miyazaki University, and Dr. Mari Maeda-Yamamoto from the National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Japan.
In his presentation, Prof. Hideaki Nojiri discussed new screening technologies that reveal the presence of novel aromatic degraders and previously hidden bacterial interactions. Dr. Chiho Suzuki-Minakuchi presented on survival strategies of xenobiotic-degrading bacteria, focusing on heterogeneity in plasmid-borne catabolic capabilities.
Addressing energy and environmental topics, Dr. Kengo Inoue elaborated on electrogenic microbial communities in microbial fuel cells for treating diverse real wastewaters. Meanwhile, Dr. Mari Maeda-Yamamoto highlighted the development of functional green tea using Japan’s functional food labeling system.
The participation of UGM Biotechnology Master’s students in this seminar provided valuable exposure to current advances in global biotechnology research. The event also served as a platform for academic exchange with international experts, fostering potential research collaborations in the future.