Dr. Rachma Wikandari, S.T.P., M.Biotech., Ph.D., a lecturer at the Department of Food and Agricultural Product Technology (TPHP), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), has once again made the university proud by being selected as one of the awardees of the 2025 Young Scientist Program (YSP), organized by the Federation of Asian and Oceanian Biochemists and Molecular Biologists (FAOBMB). The prestigious event took place from May 18 to 20, 2025, at Prestige Biopharma IDC in Busan, South Korea, gathering 59 outstanding young scientists from 18 countries.
The Young Scientist Program is a highlight of the 31st FAOBMB Conference, designed to support and recognize emerging researchers across Asia and Oceania. More than just a platform for scientific presentation, YSP serves as a valuable opportunity for professional development and international networking.
During the program, Dr. Rachma delivered a presentation titled: “Leveraging Bioaccumulation of Essential Minerals in the Filamentous Fungal Biomass to Produce Vegan Superfood.” Her research focuses on the potential of biotechnology to create nutritious, affordable, and sustainable food by utilizing filamentous fungal biomass, offering promising insights for the future of plant-based nutrition.
Beyond her presentation, Dr. Rachma also attended lectures delivered by renowned global experts in molecular biology. One of the highlights was a keynote lecture by Professor Kazutoshi Mori, recipient of both the 2014 Lasker Award and the Breakthrough Prize, known for his discovery of the unfolded protein response—a vital cellular quality control mechanism. His lecture not only detailed the science behind his discoveries but also shared his inspirational life story, from growing up in a small rural village in Japan to becoming a world-renowned scientist. Prof. Mori emphasized that success stems from ambition, preparation, resilience, patience, and maintaining health—a message that deeply motivated all YSP participants.
Throughout the program, Dr. Rachma actively participated in discussions and networking sessions with fellow young scientists from various fields and countries, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.
Following the YSP, Dr. Rachma also took part in the 31st FAOBMB Conference, themed “Revolution in Biomedicine”. The conference featured Nobel Laureates and other leading figures in biochemistry and molecular biology, who shared cutting-edge discoveries that are shaping the future of global biomedical science. In addition to plenary sessions, the conference included focused symposia on topics such as virology, cell death, genome editing, drug discovery, epigenetics, immunology, neuroscience, and the microbiome.
Dr. Rachma’s achievement is expected to inspire the next generation of researchers and students to make meaningful contributions through research and innovation. Her active involvement in such a high-level scientific forum reflects the spirit of global collaboration and commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through science.
Written by: Firstnandita K