Exploring International Cooperation, Biology Lecturers from the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Udayana University, Visit Kwansei Gakuin University, Japan

• By Admin
• Kamis, 17 April 2025

NISHINOMIYA, JAPAN – The Biology Study Program of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), Udayana University, continues to solidify its international presence through high-level academic engagement. As a tangible implementation of global cooperation, a delegation of lecturers from Unud Biology conducted an academic visit and delivered a series of guest lectures at the School of Biology and Environmental Sciences (SBES), Kwansei Gakuin University (KGU), Japan, on April 9, 2025.

This strategic visit was facilitated by two prominent KGU academics, Prof. Shinsuke Fujiwara and Assoc. Prof. Bibin Bintang Andriana. The Udayana University delegation was warmly received by the Dean of SBES KGU, Professor Hideki Hashimoto, along with nine distinguished professors from various departments within SBES. This high-level meeting served as a crucial momentum for both institutions to align their visions for future research and biological education.

During the visit, the Unud delegation—comprising Prof. Retno Kawuri, Prof. Made Pharmawati, Prof. I Ketut Ginantra, Dr. Ngurah Intan Wiratmini, Dr. IGA Manik Ermayanti, and Dr. Made Rai Suarni—conducted in-depth tours of KGU’s cutting-edge research facilities. The exploration included the Microbiology and Molecular Laboratory, Animal Behavior Laboratory, Botany Laboratory, and Biomedical Laboratory. This activity aimed to benchmark research methodologies and explore the potential for integrating advanced laboratory technologies into future collaborative research schemes.

The highlight of the visit was a seminar and guest lecture session featuring four experts from Unud Biology as keynote speakers. The seminar was attended by faculty members, local Japanese students, and international students, fostering a dynamic cross-cultural academic dialogue.

The scientific topics presented reflected the research excellence of Unud Biology:

1. Prof. Retno Kawuri: Presented the antagonistic potential of Chitosan nanoparticles from Streptomyces sp. against Ralstonia sp., an innovative biopesticide solution to combat bacterial wilt in potato plants (Solanum tuberosum).
2. Prof. Made Pharmawati: Discussed the genetic diversity of seagrass and the genoprotective effects of encapsulated Enhalus acoroides extract, a breakthrough in utilizing marine biological resources.
3. Prof. I Ketut Ginantra: Provided insights into the richness and management of Mangrove Biodiversity in Bali, emphasizing its role as a crucial ecosystem for climate change mitigation.
4. Dr. Ngurah Intan Wiratmini: Explained the larvicidal activity of ethanol leaf extracts from Urena lobata against Aedes aegypti, offering a natural alternative for disease vector control.

Beyond academic dissemination, the meeting resulted in strategic agreements regarding long-term collaboration between the Unud Biology Study Program and SBES KGU. Several key points for immediate follow-up include:

• Implementation of international Short Courses for students.
• Joint Research collaborations and co-publications in globally reputable journals.
• Student Exchange programs to enhance both soft and hard skills.
• Sustainable Guest Lecturer programs to be held regularly.

The Coordinator of the Biology Study Program, Prof. I Ketut Ginantra, stated that this visit is a significant step in bridging the gap between local research in Bali and global research standards in Japan. "This synergy is expected to enhance the quality of our graduates and position Unud Biology as a strategic partner for world-class universities like Kwansei Gakuin University," he concluded.