The implementation of the 2023 Community Service Learning Program (MBKM) by the Biology Department at UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta is underway. In the first semester of the 2023-2024 academic year, four Biology students from the 2020 cohort participated in an internship at the National Innovation Research Agency (BRIN) after successfully passing the selection process. The internship took place from August 21, 2023, to February 5, 2024. The four students involved are Muhammad Wildan Alfian, Amrizal Shalahudin, Zitta Farah Zuhaidah, and Nur Maulida Rahma.

During the six-month internship, each student conducted research related to their specific topic. Muhammad Wildan Alfian interned at the Plant Conservation Research Center, Bogor Botanical Gardens, and Forestry-Bogor Botanical Gardens, focusing on the Ethnobotany of the Zingiberaceae Family in Bogor. He was guided by Ir. Titi Juhaeti, M.Si from BRIN, and Shilfiana Rahayu, M.Sc from UIN Sunan Kalijaga. Amrizal Shalahudin, Zitta Farah Zuhaidah, and Nur Maulida Rahma interned at the BRIN Food Technology and Processing Research Center in Playen, Gunung Kidul. Amrizal researched Bacillus screening with collagenase activity, under the guidance of Dr. Ema Damayanti, M.Biotech from BRIN, and Agessty Ika Nurlita, M.Si from UIN Sunan Kalijaga. Zitta Farah studied the Optimization of Drying for Bioactive Compound Content in Shiitake Mushrooms (Lentinula edodes), guided by Vita Taufika Rosyida, M.P from BRIN, and Lela Susilawati, Ph.D from UIN Sunan Kalijaga. Nur Maulida Rahma focused on the Preparation and Characterization Testing of Aloe Vera-Containing Products, with guidance from Dr. Sri Handayani, M.Si from BRIN, and Dr. Ika Nugraheni Ari Martiwi from UIN Sunan Kalijaga.

Throughout the semester, these four students conducted research under the supervision of mentors or Research Assistants, with research credits converted for relevant courses (up to a maximum of 20 credits). Students were required to report research progress to their field supervisors and the university. At the end of the semester, they will present their research findings and take the converted course exams. This internship program not only enhances laboratory hard skills but also develops soft skills during research at BRIN. It proves highly beneficial for students and encourages others to explore learning opportunities beyond the campus.