The International Conference and Workshop on Biotechnology (ICW Biotech) 2024, held on July 3rd and 4th in Yogyakarta, Indonesia and organized by Konsorsium Bioteknologi Indonesia (KBI) and Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), brought together leading researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to discuss advancements in biotechnology for sustainable global health solutions.

Opening Ceremony and Keynote Addresses

The conference commenced with an opening ceremony led by Dr. Dewi Kartika Paramita, Chairperson of the ICW Biotech 2024 Organizing Committee. Following her address, Ir. Mastur, M.Si., Ph.D, the President of KBI,  delivered opening remarks, highlighting the importance of biotechnology in addressing global health challenges.

Prof. Dr. Ova Emilia, M.Med.Ed., Sp.OG(K)., Ph.D., Rector of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), marked the official commencement of ICW Biotech 2024 with a resounding strike of the gong.

The event then featured a series of keynote addresses by esteemed experts in the field. Prof. Dr. Ova Emilia, M.Med.Ed., Sp.OG(K)., Ph.D., Rector of UGM, kicked off the keynote session, followed by online presentations from Prof. Dr. Hideki Aoyagi, Vice President of The Society for Biotechnology, Japan, and Prof. Dr. drh. NLPI Indi Damayanti, M.Si., Chairman of Research Organization for Health, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN).

Day 1: Omics Approaches, Functional Food, and Agricultural Biotechnology

The first day delved into exciting advancements in omics approaches and functional food development for improved nutrition. Invited speakers, including Dr. Sastia Prama Putri (Osaka University, Japan) and Dr. Dian Caturini Sulistyoningrum (Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia), shared their research on harnessing omics technologies to develop functional foods with enhanced nutritional value.

Following the insightful presentations on omics and functional food development, the afternoon session welcomed two esteemed international guests. Prof. Dr. Enny Sudarmonowati, a leading expert from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) in Indonesia, shared her research. This was followed by a presentation by Prof. Dr. Chin-Kun Wang from Chung Shan Medical University, Taiwan, providing valuable insights from an international perspective. Their presentations sparked lively discussions and broadened the audience’s understanding of the multifaceted applications of biotechnology.

Prof. Dr. Enny Sudarmonowati (BRIN) delivered her presentation

The afternoon session explored innovations in agricultural biotechnology for food improvement. Renowned speakers like Prof. Dr. Ir. Bambang Sugiharto (Universitas Jember, Indonesia) and Ir. Mastur, M.Si., Ph.D. (KBI) discussed the latest research on improving food security and sustainability through agricultural biotechnology.

Ir. Mastur, M.Si., Ph.D delivered his presentation on Strategies and Achievement in Plant Biotechnology

Day 2: Synthetic and Microbial Biotechnology

The second day focused on the power of synthetic and microbial biotechnology in developing nutraceuticals and novel food sources. Prof. Dietmar Haltrich (BOKU, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Austria) and Prof. Fenny Martha Dwivany (Institut Teknologi Bandung, Indonesia) presented their research on utilizing synthetic biotechnology for nutraceutical development. International collaborations were also showcased, with online presentations from Yelizaveta Prokhorova (University of Dundee, United Kingdom) and Dr. Inez Slamet-Loedin (International Rice Research Institute, Philippines).

The closing session explored the advancements in microbial biotechnology for food improvement. Prof. Dr. Ir. Endang Sutriswati Rahayu (Universitas Gadjah Mada, Indonesia) and Prof. Dr. Laurent Dufossé (University of Reunion Island, France) shared their expertise on how microbial technology can be leveraged for a more sustainable food system.

Parallel Sessions

Day 2 also featured a vibrant series of parallel sessions with presentations covering a wide range of topics in biotechnology. In the session on “Agricultural Biotechnology for Food Improvement and Production,” researchers like Dr. Intan Ria Neliana (Institut Teknologi Bandung, Indonesia) discussed the impact of multiple mosaic virus on reactive oxygen species and photosynthetic gene expression in sugarcane, while Prof. Dr. Yusril Wijaya (Universitas Lampung, Indonesia) presented his work on the influence of Thidiazuron and 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic Acid on somatic embryogenesis in Paphiopedilum glaucophyllum.

The session on “Microbial Technology for Food Improvements” explored the latest research on utilizing microbes for various purposes. An interesting presentation by Dr. Tati Barus (Universitas Andalas, Indonesia) dealt with the diversity of Amylase-producing Bacillus spp. from tape (fermented cassava), while Dr. Yuni Sine (Universitas Pasundan, Indonesia) investigated the effect of soaking and fermentation on the nutritional content of pigeon pea yogurt.

The “Functional Food, Nutrigenomics and Nutrigenetic” sessions brought together researchers exploring the development of functional foods and the connection between diet and genetics. A presentation by Dr. Atikah Nurunnissa’ (Universitas Airlangga, Indonesia) discussed the potential antioxidant properties of herbal tea from a combination of agarwood leaves, green tea, and lemon peel, while Dr. Novi Indriyawati (Institut Pertanian Bogor, Indonesia) presented her research on the nutritional composition of Sargassum and Padina, two types of seaweed.

A Catalyst for Future Advancements

The ICW Biotech 2024 conference served as a valuable platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration among researchers, policymakers, and industry leaders. By showcasing the latest advancements in sustainable biotechnology, the conference has paved the way for future breakthroughs that will contribute to improved global health and environmental well-being.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the participants, whose passion for scientific discovery fueled the vibrant exchange of ideas throughout the event. We are immensely thankful to the Organizing Committee for their tireless efforts in bringing this conference to life. Their dedication and meticulous planning ensured a smooth and stimulating experience for all.

Finally, our sincere appreciation goes out to our esteemed sponsors for their invaluable support. Their generosity has significantly contributed to the caliber and accessibility of this exceptional event. We look forward to carrying this momentum forward and building upon the groundwork laid at ICW Biotech 2024.

GALLERY