In the spirit of contributing to collaborative programs with external institutions, as advocated by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek), the Biology Program at UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta encourages its faculty members to engage in collaborative efforts related to teaching, research, and community service. This initiative aims to accelerate the Biology Program’s impact on a broader scale, both nationally and globally. Collaborative research is essential for increasing joint publications, which, in turn, enhance recognition and benefit from the outcomes of such publications.

To achieve this goal, Dr. Lela Susilawati and Dr. Arifah Khusnuryani, faculty members from the Biology Program at UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, initiated a research collaboration with Dr. Sipriyadi, M.Sc., a faculty member from the Department of Biology at Universitas Bengkulu. The research topic focuses on the microbial diversity of native Indonesian frog skin and its potential as a biocontrol agent against phytopathogens. On November 16, 2023, the Biology faculty team, including research assistant Dewi Atika Suri, visited the Department of Biology at FMIPA Universitas Bengkulu for frog sampling. During their visit, they also delivered a public lecture to undergraduate and graduate students in the Biology Department. The event concluded with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST) at UIN Sunan Kalijaga and FMIPA Universitas Bengkulu.

Dr. Lela Susilawati, as the keynote speaker, presented her research findings from several years of study in Japan and research conducted in Indonesia. Understanding the microbiome composition of endemic Indonesian frog skin is crucial for exploring its potential applications across various fields. The student research team had the opportunity to share their research results during the public lecture, contributing to their dissemination experience. The enthusiasm of Universitas Bengkulu students was evident through their engaging questions during the discussion session, involving both undergraduate and graduate students.

The MoU signing was represented by Dr. Arifah Khusnuryani, acting as the FST Dean’s representative. Overall, this collaborative initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the Biology Program, specifically, and FST UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, more broadly, by enhancing comprehensive collaboration not only in research and innovation but also in teaching and community engagement.