Yogyakarta, July 22, 2026 – The Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), through the Cancer Chemoprevention Research Center (CCRC), organized a Guest Lecture featuring Prof. Mitsunori Kirihata, Ph.D., a distinguished researcher from Osaka Metropolitan University, Japan. Held at the Leadership Meeting Room on the 7th Floor of the APSLC Building, the lecture explored the theme, “The Application of Boron and Boron-Sugar Complexes for Cancer Therapy and the Future Opportunities for BNCT in Indonesia.”
The guest lecture provided a platform for students, researchers, and academics to gain insights into the latest developments in Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT), an emerging and highly targeted approach to cancer treatment. During his presentation, Prof. Kirihata discussed the design and application of boron and boron-sugar complexes as essential components of BNCT, highlighting recent research advances, current challenges, and future opportunities for implementing the technology in Indonesia.
Prof. Kirihata emphasized that the successful development of BNCT requires strong interdisciplinary collaboration among experts in pharmaceutical sciences, chemistry, nuclear physics, medicine, and biotechnology. He also highlighted Indonesia’s growing potential to advance BNCT research and clinical applications through strategic partnerships among universities, research institutions, healthcare providers, and government agencies.
Moderated by Dr. apt. Muthi’ Ikawati, M.Sc., the lecture was open to lecturers as well as undergraduate and postgraduate students from pharmacy, science, mathematics, and biotechnology programs. The enthusiastic participation reflected the academic community’s strong interest in innovative cancer therapies and cutting-edge pharmaceutical research that can contribute to improving healthcare outcomes.
By inviting internationally recognized experts, the Faculty of Pharmacy UGM continues to strengthen its commitment to fostering global academic collaboration and expanding opportunities for knowledge exchange. Such initiatives not only enrich the learning experience of students and researchers but also reinforce UGM’s role in advancing pharmaceutical sciences and biomedical innovation at both the national and international levels.
This guest lecture also supports the achievement of several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by promoting research and innovation in advanced cancer therapies, SDG 4 (Quality Education) by providing access to world-class scientific knowledge through international academic engagement, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by strengthening research collaboration and knowledge exchange between Universitas Gadjah Mada and Osaka Metropolitan University to accelerate scientific innovation and improve global health.
Author : Rizqi Vazrin
Editor : Fathul
