18 July 2023
Anonymous Writer
FMIPA USU - Medan
The International Summer Course (ISC) of Nature Sciences at FMIPA Universitas Sumatera Utara focused on Beneficial Fungi: Innovation and Biodiversity. This inaugural event was held from July 10–14, 2023, as part of Universitas Sumatera Utara’s effort to support its World Class University initiative.
The opening ceremony took place on July 10, 2023, at the Multipurpose Hall of FMIPA. It was attended by Prof. Dr. Eng. Himsar Ambarita, S.T., M.T., Director of the Directorate of International and Global Partnerships, along with FMIPA’s deans, lecturers, and students from the Biology Study Program. Participants included 5 students from various national universities (USU, UI, UGM, UMA, and UIN Sunan Kalijaga) and 16 international students from countries such as the United States, Madagascar, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nigeria, Yemen, India, and Rwanda.
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Following the opening ceremony, a series of hybrid lectures took place from July 10–12, 2023. These lectures were delivered by professors from Chulalongkorn University, Thailand (Prof. Hunsa Punnapayak, Ph.D.; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sehanat Prasongsuk, Ph.D.; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rachaneekorn Tammachote, Ph.D.; and Dr. Wichanee Bankeree, M.Sc., Ph.D.), the Research Center for Biosystematics and Evolution of BRIN (Dr. Atik Retnowati, M.Sc.), and FMIPA USU (Prof. Dr. Erman Munir, M.Sc., and Dr. Kiki Nurtjahja, M.Sc.).
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The committee chair, Liana Dwi Sri Hastuti, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D., stated, “Although there has been substantial research and reporting on beneficial fungi, there are still limited publications and updated details on native Indonesian fungi and their applications. Therefore, it is necessary to cultivate experts, particularly students, to further explore the diversity of Sumatra’s fungi and their uses.” She added that after the lectures, participants would visit Batu Katak forest to observe natural fungi, enriching their knowledge and experience.
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On July 13, 2023, participants joined a field trip to Batu Katak. They observed various types of macro and micro fungi and studied their ecological relationships in tropical forests, along with their benefits to humans. The students also practiced identifying fungi species according to taxonomic principles.
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The International Summer Course (ISC) of Nature Sciences at FMIPA USU concluded on July 14, 2023, with a visit by professors from Chulalongkorn University to the Directorate of International and Global Partnerships of Universitas Sumatera Utara. During the visit, they discussed plans for international collaboration, including the exchange of ideas and insights with USU lecturers, as well as future international research collaborations.
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