Building Global Connectivity, Department of Biology IPB University Holds The 5th International Conference on Biosciences

The Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) IPB University is holding The 5th International Conference on Biosciences (ICoBio) 2023 with the topic ‘Bioscience Innovations and Biodiversity Management to Support Sustainable Development Goals’. The event was held at the IPB International Convention Center, Bogor (2/8). The activity which lasted for two days was held in collaboration with IPB University, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) and Kasetsart University, Thailand.

The Rector of IPB University, Prof Arif Satria, in his remarks was very supportive of the success of this event. According to him, this event proves that IPB University plays a very important role in the development of science and technology in Indonesia and the world.

The Rector also emphasizes the importance of facing current changes by combining two or three disciplines such as biology, biosciences, digital technology, robotics and biotechnology. This step aims to encourage the development of the latest innovations. In addition, he considered the formation of a global consortium important to strengthen cooperation networks between universities.

Prof Berry Juliandi, the Dean of FMIPA IPB University added, “In this seminar, we discuss various research advances related to the study of living things in Asia. I hope that through IcoBio will develop bioscience research with cross-scientific studies.” Apart from that, he said, this moment could be an opportunity for students to understand more about bioscience and how it can be applied in smart agriculture

Further regarding the network of cooperation, the chairman of the Biology Department of IPB University, Dr Iman Rusmana said, this international seminar is held every two years. Kasetsart University and UPM are collaborative partners of IPB University and always carry out joint activities.

In the 5th ICoBio, Dr Iman said, there will be an initiation of regional cooperation related to biological science. Moreover, the joining of South Korea will undoubtedly increase the network of cooperation.

“This year it is not only holding seminars, but building networks, so that the hope of global connectivity which was originally only in the scope of Southeast Asia, is now expanding to Asia with the presence of South Korea. Of course this will have quite a big impact on students and graduates of IPB University,” he said.

Prof Hamim as the chairman of the organizers reported that there were 214 IcoBio participants from within and outside the country. Overseas participants came from Malaysia, Thailand, China, Taiwan, Japan, South Korea, America and England.

Regarding the importance of interdisciplinary knowledge, Prof Hamim added that ICoBio discussed five main topics, including biodiversity, biological conservation and climate change. Other important topics are bioprospecting and industrial biology, omics, bioinformatic and computational biology, technobiology and bioengineering and smart and sustainable agromaritime.

“In the international seminar this time there were 170 papers, posters and oral. We will load it into Scopus indexed proceedings and will be included in the Biological Journal. We hope that the activities will run well and can become a means of communicating with each other and can strengthen cooperation,” he concluded. (dh/Rz) (IAAS/Res)