The Faculty of Agriculture, Universitas Gadjah Mada (Faperta UGM), organized a guest lecture titled “Effective Role of Microorganisms in Waste Management and Environmental Sustainability.” held on 14 March 2025. The event was held in a hybrid format, with an offline session at the AGLC Building, Faperta UGM, and an online session via Zoom and YouTube streaming. The keynote speaker was Prof. Fujiyama Kazuhito from Osaka University, Japan, a well-known expert in environmental microbiology. The event was opened by Prof. Ir. Irfan Dwidya Prijambada, M.Eng., Ph.D., a professor from the Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture, UGM.
In his opening session, Prof. Fujiyama Kazuhito introduced Osaka University as one of the world’s leading universities actively engaged in international collaboration, including with UGM. He also presented his main lecture on innovative research regarding lipid production by Rhodotorula strains using bio-waste. His research involves isolating thermotolerant mutants, identifying genes contributing to thermotolerance, and utilizing bio-waste to produce lipids with potential applications in various environmentally friendly industries.
The event concluded with an interactive discussion session that received enthusiastic responses from both lecturers and students. Many questions were raised regarding the presented topics, both directly at the venue and through Zoom. The discussion reflected the participants’ high interest in microorganism-based waste management and environmental sustainability.
This guest lecture is part of Faperta UGM’s ongoing efforts to support scientific and technological advancements in microbiology to address global challenges in waste management and environmental conservation.
“I am very interested in tropical agricultural waste, and if I can collaborate, I would really appreciate any chance and opportunity with UGM,” said Prof. Fujiyama Kazuhito, emphasizing the potential for collaboration between Osaka University and UGM, particularly in the field of tropical agricultural waste management.
Through this event, Faperta UGM reaffirms its commitment as an educational institution that fosters international collaboration and innovative research for a more sustainable environment. Additionally, this activity demonstrates Faperta UGM’s contribution to the Global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly: SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.
Writer: Rani Nur Rochim, Agrit Kirana Bunda
Editor: Desi Utami