Yogyakarta, 10th November 2026 — A research team from the Biotechnology Study Program, the Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), led by Yumechris Amekan, has found heat- and acid-loving archaea in Sileri Geothermal Crater on the Dieng Plateau, Banjarnegara, Central Java. Cultures of these archaea show early potential to break down cellulose, the main component of plant fibre. The study was carried out with the University of Helsinki, Finland, and the University of York, United Kingdom.
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The Master’s Program in Biotechnology, Graduate School, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), proudly celebrates the graduation of 31 students who have successfully completed their master’s degree during the First Graduation Period of the 2026 Academic Year. The graduation ceremony was held on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, marking an important milestone in the academic journeys of the graduates.
A total of 31 graduates from the Master’s Program in Biotechnology have successfully completed their studies and officially become part of the UGM Graduate School alumni community. This achievement represents the culmination of their dedication, commitment, and hard work throughout their academic journey, including coursework, research activities, and various academic requirements.
The Master’s Program in Biotechnology, Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), proudly announces that two of its students, Safira Ramadhani Azzahra and Darul Trisandy, are currently pursuing a double degree program at Ibaraki University, Japan, starting in October 2026.
The double degree program offers students the opportunity to pursue academic studies at two higher education institutions while gaining valuable international experience. Through this program, students are expected to broaden their academic perspectives, enhance their global competencies, and strengthen their research skills in biotechnology.
Muhammad Faathir, a student in the Master’s Program in Biotechnology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), participated in a Joint Supervision program at the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand, from September 8 to October 8, 2026. The program was part of UGM’s efforts to strengthen academic internationalization through research collaboration and knowledge exchange with international partner institutions.
The Joint Supervision program supported Muhammad Faathir’s master’s thesis entitled “Transient Production of L-Asparaginase Protein as an Anticancer Agent for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Tobacco Plants (Nicotiana benthamiana).” The research focuses on the production of recombinant L-asparaginase using Plant Molecular Farming, an approach that utilizes plants as expression systems to produce proteins with potential applications in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.
A. Sri Sartika Shafira Sufiina Ahmad, a Master’s student in Biotechnology at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), participated in a one-month Joint Supervision program at Kasetsart University, Thailand, from 1 to 30 September 2026. The program aimed to broaden scientific knowledge, strengthen international research competencies, and provide hands-on experience in plant pathogen research within an international academic environment.

During the program, the student conducted research activities under the supervision of Wiphawee Leesutthiphoncai, Ph.D., from Kasetsart University, as co-supervisor, and Prof. Ani Widiastuti, S.P., M.P., Ph.D., from Indonesia, as supervisor. This collaborative supervision facilitated knowledge exchange and supported research development through cross-institutional academic engagement.
Master’s Program in Biotechnology, Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), held a series of Open Thesis Examinations on Friday, July 17, 2026. The examinations were conducted in a hybrid format at the Biotechnology Lecture Room, 3rd Floor, UGM Graduate School, and online via Zoom Meeting.
The event featured four master’s students presenting research topics that reflect the broad scope of biotechnology, ranging from molecular biomarkers for cancer and spectroscopy-based detection methods to plant biotechnology.
The Master’s Program in Biotechnology, Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), held an Open Thesis Defense as part of the academic requirements for completing a master’s degree. The event featured Firna Fauziatul Karimah, who presented her research entitled “Biosynthesis Study of Conjugated Linoleic Acid in Lacticaseibacillus paracasei M014 and Pediococcus pentosaceus M103 Derived from Ettawa Crossbred Goat.”
The open defense took place on Monday, July 6, 2026, at 10:00 AM (WIB), located at the 3rd Floor Biotechnology Lecture Room, Graduate School UGM, and was also accessible online via Zoom Meeting. This event was open to the public, serving as a platform for disseminating research findings and fostering academic discussion among students, scholars, and the wider community.
The Master’s Program in Biotechnology, Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada, will hold Biotech Camp 2026 under the theme “Research Catalyst: Create Insight, Reframe the Future.” The event will take place on Thursday, July 2, 2026, from 08:00 AM to 04:00 PM (WIB) at the 5th Floor Auditorium, Graduate School UGM.
Biotech Camp 2026 is designed as an academic platform to enhance students’ research insight, strengthen analytical skills, and foster new perspectives in addressing challenges in the field of biotechnology. The event will also serve as a collaborative forum connecting students, faculty members, and researchers.
The Master’s Program in Biotechnology, Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), held an Open Thesis Defense Session on Monday, June 15, 2026, starting at 2:00 PM (WIB) until completion. The event took place onsite at the 3rd Floor Classroom, Biotechnology Program, PAU UGM, and was also accessible online via Zoom Meeting.
This open session featured three students presenting their research findings:
- Inneke Ashri Mawaddah (2:00 PM WIB) with the topic Microbial Analysis in Anaerobic Digesters of Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) for Biogas Production under Mesophilic Conditions.
- Anand Reyna Maulana (3:00 PM WIB) with the topic Exploration of Thermophilic Bacterial Communities and Identification of DNA Polymerase Gene Potential Based on Full-length 16S rRNA Metabarcoding at Sileri Crater, Dieng Plateau, Central Java.
- Rizki Desika Putri Pane (4:00 PM WIB) with the topic Exploration of ACC Deaminase-Producing Endophytic Bacteria from Oil Palm and Their Potential in Enhancing Plant Stress Tolerance.
This activity is part of the academic evaluation process of students’ research achievements, while also serving as a platform for scientific dissemination open to the academic community.
The Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) is once again opening opportunities for prospective students to join the Biotechnology Study Program through the New Student Admission Batch 4.
Registration officially opens from June 9, 2026 at 3:00 PM (WIB) until June 30, 2026 at 3:00 PM (WIB). This batch represents the final opportunity for applicants who wish to pursue advanced studies in biotechnology at one of Indonesia’s leading universities.
The Biotechnology Study Program at UGM offers a multidisciplinary education that integrates biological sciences, technology, and innovation to address global challenges ranging from health and food security to environmental sustainability. Supported by experienced faculty members, modern research facilities, and extensive national and international collaborations, the program is committed to producing highly qualified and competitive graduates.