The Department of Chemistry of IPB University Organizes the International Summer Course on Marine Natural Products

For the first time, in 2019 the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, (FMIPA) IPB University held an International Summer Course in the field of natural products derived from the sea. Symbolically the opening of the summer course was held on Wednesday (7/8) at the Center for Coastal and Ocean Resources Study (PKSPL) of the Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM), Baranangsiang Campus, Bogor.

This summer course aims to introduce natural chemicals from the sea and leading organic chemicals by studying Indonesia's marine biodiversity and its chemicals.

Deputy Dean for Resources, Collaboration and Development of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences IPB University, Dr. Ir Hamim, M.Sc, assessed the research and development of natural products from the sea is very important. This is because one-third of Indonesia's land area is oceanic, so that abundant resources are available to be utilized.

"Indonesia is located in one of the coral reef diversity hotspots and is the center of marine biodiversity. Therefore, activities like this are very appropriate to be held," said Dr. Hamim.

On the other hand, the marine biodiversity and natural products of the sea are not well known for their benefits and uses. Therefore, this summer course is expected to increase knowledge and experience in the use of natural products from the sea.

The Organizing Committee, Novriyandi Hanif, SSi, MSc, DSc, said that there will be four main activities in the implementation of this year's summer course, namely the presentation of material from experts, poster presentations, oral presentations, case studies, and evaluations. He added that for the case study and field study, it would be held in the Thousand Islands, Jakarta.

"Later, the participants will be invited to a case study in the Thousand Islands, there we will see the biodiversity, then there will be a poster session and oral presentation to deliver the results of research on natural materials from the sea," said Novriyandi.

He hopes that by learning marine natural product chemistry, participants' understanding of marine biodiversity will improve and there will be increased skills and knowledge so that something better can be produced.

This summer course was held on August 7-14, 2019. Participants who attended came from several countries such as Japan, Singapore, the Netherlands, Thailand, India, Brazil and Congo. (RYS)