Yogyakarta, July 8, 2026 – The Faculty of Pharmacy at Gadjah Mada University hosted a visit by Prof. Herman Spaink from Leiden University in the Netherlands to discuss opportunities for developing a zebrafish laboratory and strengthening international cooperation in research and education. This event marked an important milestone in deepening academic and research collaboration between the two institutions.
The visit was welcomed by Prof. Dr.rer.nat. apt. Nanang Fakhrudin, M.Si., Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration, and Alumni Affairs at the Faculty of Pharmacy, UGM. In his remarks, he expressed his appreciation and emphasized that international collaboration is one of the key strategies for improving the quality of higher education, strengthening research capacity, and fostering innovation that makes a tangible contribution to the advancement of science and public health.
As part of the series of activities, Prof. Herman Spaink also toured the zebrafish facilities at UGM’s Integrated Research and Testing Laboratory (LPPT) and discussed various opportunities for developing the zebrafish laboratory. It is hoped that these facilities will support more innovative research, enhance the competitiveness of research at the international level, and expand the use of zebrafish models in various pharmaceutical research projects.
This initiative aligns with Gadjah Mada University’s commitment to supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 4 (Quality Education), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). The development of the zebrafish laboratory is expected to strengthen health research and foster innovation in the field of pharmacy, thereby contributing to an improved quality of life for the community. This is because in various studies, there are genetic and physiological similarities between zebrafish (Danio rerio) and humans.
Writer: Deny | Editor: Fathul | Photo: Deny
