Present At UGM, Merck Young Scientist Roadshow 2025: Inspired The Generation Of Young Indonesian Researchers

JAKARTA - In an effort to encourage the advancement of research and innovation in the field of biology, PT Merck Chemical and Life Sciences (MCLS) held the Merck Young Scientist Roadshow 2025 event in Yogyakarta, as part of a series of events "Science Tour: Spark Curiosity, Inspire Your Future".

In collaboration with the Integrated Research and Testing Laboratory (LPPT) of Gadjah University (UGM) and Senior Expert Service (SES), Germany's leading non-profit organization for voluntary work and assignment for retired senior experts and exclusive staff, Merck designed the event as an inspirational platform for young Indonesian researchers to explore the latest developments in science, innovation and technology, as well as expand cross-field collaboration networks.

MCLS is very proud to be able to carry out this series of roadshows at UGM, through various interactive activities such as seminars, talk shows, interactive product demonstrations, and laboratory tours to provide a tangible picture of testing facilities. We hope today's event will not only provide new insights, but also open up opportunities for collaboration and build enthusiasm to continue working in the world of science so that it is cloudy with the development of scientific research in the country," explained Diasti Lastarini, Head of Science and Lab Solutions of PT Merck Chemicals and Life Sciences.

The event was attended by more than 80 participants from various academic circles including Professors, young researchers from master and doctoral levels, lecturers to laboratory practitioners. This roadshow presents three discussion sessions that explore various strategic topics on Stem Cell research and the discovery of molecular drugs, the importance of collaboration and networking to commercialize ideas, and an overview of the role of researchers in the pharmaceutical industry. Dr.med.vet.drh. Hevi Wihadmadyatami, M.Sc., Lecturer and Researcher of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine UGM as well as the Work Team. Science and Animal Development Try LPPT UGM really welcomes this collaboration.

Cell culture is the backbone of biotechnology and biomedical research in Indonesia, with an important role in research development, diagnosis, and product testing. This technology opens up great opportunities for innovation in various fields, from pharmaceuticals to regenerative therapy. However, its development still faces challenges such as infrastructure limitations, high cost of reagents, and risk of contamination. Cross-institutional policy support and collaboration are needed so that the great potential of cell culture can be maximized. We hope that this collaboration with MCLS will open up great opportunities to support innovative research and strengthen scientific publications to leading journals.

In addition to seminars and talk shows, participants also had the opportunity to see firsthand the facilities of the LPPT UGM Cell Quality Laboratory which became the center of important research, such as cancer studies and punca cell research. In this session, Merck also introduced a number of superior products that support modern research.

Through technologies such as the Luminex Total 200TM System and Millicell DCI, we want to help researchers get faster, more accurate, and consistent data. The presence of this device at LPPT UGM reflects MCLS' commitment to building a sustainable research ecosystem in Indonesia by providing the leading technology that answers the needs of cross-disciplinary research," said Taufik Indarmawan, Solution Scientist Merck.

At this UGM event, there was also Dr. Eng. Sjaikurizal El Muttaqien, S.S., M.Eng from the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), the winner of MYSA 2023, who shared his experience and insight about his research journey. In addition, other speakers who attended included Dr. Dwi Aris Agung Nugrahaningsih, M.Sc., Ph.D., Lecturer and Coordinator of Pharmacology Research and FK-KMK UGM Therapy, Ivander Yeremia, Solution Scientist Merck, and Dr. Manvi Porwal, Specialist in Regulatory Affairs & CMC.