On Tuesday, August 20, 2024, the School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (SKHB) at IPB University welcomed a delegation of five from Seoul National University (SNU), South Korea, led by Prof. Go Jang. This visit marks the beginning of a research collaboration in the field of genome editing between the two institutions.

The event, held in the Dean’s Conference Room at SKHB IPB, was opened with a welcome speech by the Vice Dean of Academic Affairs and Student Affairs, Prof. Ni Wayan Kurniani Karja. Prof. Ni Wayan extended a warm welcome to Prof. Go Jang and his team. She introduced several faculty members who will be involved in this collaboration, including Dr. Sri Murtini, Prof. Bambang Purwantara, Dr. Muhammad Agil, Dr. Arifin Budiman Nugraha, and Dr. Wahono Esthi Prasetyaningtyas. In her remarks, Prof. Ni Wayan highlighted the recent developments at SKHB IPB, the various study programs offered, and SKHB IPB’s achievements in student exchange, student and faculty accomplishments, publications and research, collaborations, international accreditations, as well as the facilities and units that SKHB IPB has to offer.

The discussion continued with a presentation by Dr. Muhammad Agil, who introduced the Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Laboratory and Biobanking for the conservation of the Sumatran rhinoceros and other endangered species. Following this, Prof. Go Jang shared insights into the various activities at his laboratory at SNU, including in vitro embryo and animal production, primary culture and maintenance, and genetic engineering.

The visit concluded with a tour of several facilities at SKHB IPB, including the equestrian facilities, the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, the Educational and Service Laboratory, and the ART Laboratory. This visit is expected to serve as a foundation for further collaboration between SKHB IPB and SNU in genome editing research. (KMS/AP)