FK-KMK UGM. The Department of Microbiology at FK-KMK UGM organized a series of Visiting Professor and Guest Lecturer events with Prof. Bastiaan Krom, Ph.D from the University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands, from August 5-8, 2024. This event brought together numerous experts to discuss biofilm research innovations in the healthcare sector.
One of the main events took place on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, at the Tahir Building, 8th floor, North Wing, FK-KMK UGM. The event, titled *Dynamics of Biofilm Microbiome and Novel Techniques in Biofilm Research*, was moderated by Dr. Maria Silvia Merry, M.Sc., Sp.MK, and featured Prof. Bastiaan Krom, Ph.D from the University of Amsterdam as the keynote speaker in person. Prof. Bastiaan delivered a presentation titled *Polymicrobial Biofilm: How to Keep the Balance of Microbiome and Pathogenic Biofilm*.
Additionally, Dr. Artono, Sp.THT-KL(K), FICS from the Department of Ear, Nose, and Throat at Dr. Soetomo General Hospital Surabaya, also attended in person and presented on Biofilm Infection related to Middle Ear Infection: Incidence and Approach Therapy. Other speakers participated online, including Dr. Sholahudin Rhatomy, Sp.OT(k)Hip from the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Dr. Soeradji Klaten General Hospital, who presented on Biofilm in Periprosthetic Orthopedic Infections: Clinical Complications and Management Therapy; Prof. Philip S. Stewart from the Center of Biofilm Engineering at Montana State University, who discussed Science of Biofilm Control; Prof. Cait MacPhee, CBE FRSE from the National Biofilm Innovation Center at the University of Edinburgh, who presented Structure Analysis of Biofilm Structure; Assoc. Prof. Garth Alan James from the Center of Biofilm Engineering at Montana State University, who discussed Biofilm and Wound Infection; and Dr. Apt. Hasyrul Hamzah, M.Sc. from the Faculty of Pharmacy at Universitas Muhammadiyah Kalimantan Timur, who presented Progress, Outcome, and Target of IBRCC.
This series of events was a collaborative effort between the Department of Microbiology at FK-KMK UGM, the KSM Orthopedic Surgery at Dr. Soeradji Tirtonegoro General Hospital, and the Indonesian Biofilm Research Collaboration Center (IRCC). The primary goal was to enhance understanding and knowledge of biofilms, which pose a significant challenge in healthcare today.
The event offered numerous benefits, such as the development of scientific knowledge through presentations and discussions with experts, the opening of research collaboration opportunities between national and international institutions, and the improvement of diagnostic and therapeutic quality for biofilm-related infections, ultimately improving patient quality of life. This activity also supports several points within the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being, SDG 4 Quality Education, SDG 9 Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and SDG 17 Partnerships for the Goals. The collaboration between various parties in this event highlights the importance of partnerships in achieving sustainable development goals. With the organization of this event, it is hoped that it will make a significant contribution to the development of science and technology in the healthcare field and support global efforts in achieving sustainable development goals. (Assyifa/Reporter).