The Faculty of Public Health (FPH) Universitas Indonesia (UI) together with the Center for Independent Learning (CIL) UI received a visit from the Beijing Genomics Institute (BGI) Group on Tuesday, 16 May 2023. The BGI Group is the largest genomic research institution in the world that provides services genomics such as genetic data, sequencing, and genetic technology applications. The presence of the BGI Group at UI is an opportunity, especially for students, to expand their research network to Asia and even the world. The event which was held in Room G104 FPH UI was attended by students from various faculties, including the Faculty of Dentistry (FKG), the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), and FPH students.
During this visit, the BGI Group introduced an overview of the institution, starting from history, projects, to ongoing research. One of the major projects that has been carried out is the Global Population Genome Project. This is a project to map the genome of the entire world population. “There are several countries that have started this project, Indonesia is one of them,” said Chief Scientist of BGI Research Asia-Pacific, Dr. Fang Mingyan. Another study that has been carried out is a study of COVID-19 patients. Whole Genome Sequencing is a crucial thing to do during this pandemic. Through its resources, BGI Group has succeeded in publishing several articles related to this matter.
BGI Group also presents one of its researchers, namely Rullian Yin. He conveyed his experience while studying and researching at the BGI Group. There are Rotational Internships conducted in 5 (five) departments, including sequencing platforms, algorithm development, gene editing, and single cells multi omics. Together with his colleagues, Rullian conducted research that uncovered the mystery of plant regeneration and research that produced the first single cell spatial transcriptome in health.
As the closing of this event, the Vice Dean from BGI College, Dr. Xiao Minfeng. In this session, Dr. Xiao invited all participants to participate in innovating and developing themselves with the BGI Group. It also explained several research schemes that could be carried out by undergraduate, postgraduate, and postgraduate students. In addition, there is also a visiting program that lasts for 3-12 months where students will participate as visiting students in one of the BGI Group Departments. In each scheme, students will implement a self-development plan that is prepared personally, so that it suits their own needs.
This collaboration opportunity is interesting considering that usually, research collaboration is only offered to educators, not students. “This is an excellent opportunity for all students to work and study at a world class institution. The existing programs are also very interesting because we will study new technologies,” said UI Director of Research and Development, Dr. Munawar Khalil, S.Si., M.Eng.Sc. in his speech. FPH UI Student Affairs Manager, Dr. Dien Anshari, S.Sos, M.Si also encouraged students to take this opportunity. According to Dr. Dien, this opportunity is a rare opportunity that must be put to good use. (BK)
