The 9th Indonesia Biotechnology Conference (IBC-9), held in conjunction with the 11th International Symposium of Innovative Bioproduction on Biotechnology and Bioengineering (ISIBio-11), the 5th International Conference on Natural Resources and Life Sciences (NRLS-5), and the Congress of “Konsorsium Bioteknologi Indonesia,” featured a series of engaging satellite workshops from September 13 to 14, 2024, in Malang and Surabaya.

These workshops were buzzing with excitement as participants from various backgrounds came together to share knowledge and hands-on experiences. The event provided a unique platform for networking and collaboration among scientists, researchers, and students who are passionate about biotechnology and its applications. The workshops were not just about learning but also about fostering a sense of community and sparking innovative ideas that could shape the future of biotechnology.

With a mix of theoretical knowledge and practical sessions, these workshops offered something for everyone. From Halal food analysis to cutting-edge bioinformatics, and from GMO evaluation to plant tissue culture techniques, the sessions were packed with valuable insights and skills. Let’s dive into the highlights of each workshop.

Day 1: September 13, 2024

The first day kicked off with the Workshop on Halal Analysis on Food Ingredients at the Genetics Engineering Laboratory, B25 Building, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, State University of Malang. With 21 participants in attendance, the workshop delved into practical techniques for DNA isolation, PCR, and agarose gel electrophoresis. Participants were particularly engrossed in using the advanced Bento Lab to detect meat contamination in processed food samples, ensuring halal product assurance with rapid and accurate methods.

Simultaneously, the Workshop on Bioinformatics Biomarker Analysis and Drug Discovery took place in the Seminar Room A19, 3rd floor, State University of Malang. Attracting 58 participants, this session provided an in-depth overview of biomarkers and their applications within clinical trials. Attendees explored omics datasets, machine learning methods, and integrative strategies for biomarker discovery. The workshop also covered drug discovery from natural products using in silico methods, sparking lively discussions and knowledge exchange.

Day 2: September 14, 2024

On the second day, the spotlight shifted to Surabaya, where the Workshop on the Evaluation of Modified Genome of Soybeans Using PCR Method was held at the Purification and Molecular Biology Laboratory, BA Building, 3rd floor, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Surabaya. With 33 participants, the session focused on analyzing genetically modified soybeans using PCR methods. Attendees engaged in theoretical explanations, DNA extraction, PCR, and analysis of PCR products, benefiting from both lectures and interactive discussions.

Meanwhile, the Workshop on Plant Tissue Culture Research Tools also took place at the Purification and Molecular Biology Laboratory, BA Building, 3rd floor, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Surabaya. This session, attended by 22 participants, introduced fundamental plant tissue culture techniques, including medium preparation, equipment sterilization, and explant inoculation. Through practical sessions and interactive discussions, participants gained hands-on proficiency and a deeper understanding of plant tissue culture.

Acknowledgments and Future Engagements

A heartfelt thank you goes out to all participants, trainees, mentors, and the organizing committee for making these workshops a success. Special thanks to our sponsors for their unwavering support. Stay connected with Konsorsium Bioteknologi Indonesia on social media for updates on future events and announcements. Your participation and engagement are key to our collective progress in biotechnology.