Yogyakarta, 5 September 2024 – The Faculty of Pharmacy at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) has successfully hosted a “Hands-On Workshop: Studying Mitochondria: From Basics to Applications in Neuropathology and Other Diseases” from 2-5 September 2024. The event took place at the Advanced Pharmaceutical Science Learning Center (APSLC) building of the Faculty of Pharmacy, UGM, and was inaugurated by the Dean, Prof. Dr. apt. Satibi, M.Si.
In his opening remarks, Prof. Satibi warmly welcomed the visiting experts from The University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna (VMU), Austria, including Prof. Dr. Lars Gille, Dr. Rudolf Moldzio, and Christopher Krewenka, M.Sc. The workshop was also supported by UGM’s experts, dr. Rusdy Ghazali, Ph.D., Sp.S. from the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing (FKKMK), and drh. Retno Murwanti, M.P., Ph.D. from the Faculty of Pharmacy, UGM. Furthermore, the event was attended online by Dr. Felix Sternberg and Dr. Catharina Duvigneau, leading experts from VMU.
This workshop targeted students, researchers, and professionals in the fields of pharmaceutical science, veterinary medicine, biology, chemistry, and related areas. The participants were introduced to advanced mitochondrial cell culture techniques, which are critical for their research, particularly in the study of neurodegenerative diseases.
The workshop in which was held by hybrid is a significant milestone in the ongoing collaboration between UGM and VMU to maximize the use of the APSLC Learning Center. VMU is actively engaged in neuroprotection research, focusing on cell cultures, including both cell lines and primary dissociated cultures. Their work in studying organotypic cultures is highly relevant to the understanding of neurodegenerative diseases and the intricate interactions between drugs and mitochondria. The Neurochemistry Group of VMU is particularly focused on enhancing neuroprotection through the regulation of mitochondrial activity.
This workshop aimed to impart the principles, applications, and advancements in cell culture techniques related to mitochondrial research from VMU to UGM’s students and researchers. In alignment with UGM’s commitment to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the workshop contributes to SDG 4 (Quality Education) by providing high-level training and education to participants and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by strengthening international collaborations between UGM and VMU.