FK-KMK UGM. The 5th International Symposium on Congenital Anomaly and Developmental Biology (ISCADB) officially commenced on November 15-16, 2024, at Eastparc Hotel, Yogyakarta. This prestigious event gathers leading experts in genetics and developmental biology to exchange knowledge and foster cross-disciplinary innovation. Hosted by the Genetics Working Group of the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing (FK-KMK) at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), the symposium features 110 abstracts from researchers worldwide.  

In his opening remarks, Prof. dr. Gunadi, Ph.D., Sp.BA., Subsp.D.A(K)., Head of the Genetics Working Group at FK-KMK UGM, highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing congenital anomalies and developmental biology challenges. 

“We are proud to host this event, which underscores our commitment to expanding knowledge and collaboration in genetics,” he said.  

Dr. dr. Lina Choridah, Sp.Rad.(K)., Vice Dean for Research and Development at FK-KMK UGM, emphasized the role of cross-disciplinary efforts in shaping research on congenital anomalies.

“We dare to innovate in science, aspiring to deliver significant benefits for humanity,” she added.  

The symposium also acknowledged the role of academic hospitals in supporting research. dr. Sri Mulatsih, Sp.A(K)., M.P.H., as Director of Medical, Nursing, and Ancillary Services at RSUP Dr. Sardjito, reaffirmed Sardjito Hospital and UGM’s commitment to improving healthcare services as academic institutions. 

“Innovative and interdisciplinary approaches are critical to enhancing the quality of our services,” she noted.  

The event also involved government representatives. drg. Yuli Astuti Saripawan, M.Kes., Director of Referral Health Services at the Ministry of Health (MoH), emphasized the ministry’s commitment to health system transformation through six main pillars. She elaborated on reforms in the health college structure, including competency standards and curriculum development for healthcare professionals.  

On a related note, Dr. Aditya Darmasurya, representing BPJS Kesehatan, detailed the National Health Insurance (JKN) program’s role in promoting early detection and management of congenital anomalies through preventive and promotive measures. 

“Early detection, such as newborn thyroid hormone screening, is one of our key programs to reduce morbidity and mortality,” he explained.  

The first plenary session was led by Prof. Motoshi Wada, Ph.D., from Tohoku University, Japan, who shared insights on advancements in genomic science. Additionally, Irene Suryani, S.KM., M.Sc., a representative of the Ministry of Health, highlighted the Biomedical and Genome Science Initiative (BGSi). This initiative has established biobank and bioinformatics infrastructures at 10 major hospitals, including RSUP Dr. Sardjito.  

The symposium sets the stage for the upcoming 15th Asia Pacific Conference of Human Genetics, to be held in Yogyakarta from November 5-8, 2025. With the theme “Equitable Future in Genomic Medicine,” the conference is expected to drive significant progress in achieving fairness in genomic medicine.  

The event concluded on an optimistic note from Dr. Darwito, dr., Sp.B(K)Onk., Director of UGM Academic Hospital, who described the symposium as a collective step forward in strengthening synergies among medical institutions, academia, and the global scientific community.  

This symposium also underscores FK-KMK UGM’s dedication to advancing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Good Health and Well-Being (SDG 3), Quality Education (SDG 4), Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9), Reduced Inequalities (SDG 10), Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12), and Partnerships for the Goals (SDG 17). (Isroq Adi Subakti/Reporter)