SEMBIO XXII 2026 Highlights the Integration of Biology, Technology, and Educational Research for Sustainable Development

Surakarta, Indonesia — July 15, 2026. The Biology Education Study Program, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP), Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) successfully held the 22nd National Seminar on Biology Education (SEMBIO XXII 2026) on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at FKIP UNS.

Organized annually, SEMBIO has become a longstanding academic forum for bringing together academics, researchers, educators, students, and other stakeholders to exchange knowledge and discuss emerging issues in biology and Biology Education. The 2026 edition carried the theme “Integrating Technology, Biological Sciences, and Educational Research to Advance Sustainable Development.”

The theme reflects the growing need to connect rapid technological developments with biological sciences and educational research. Through this integration, scientific knowledge and educational innovation can be transformed into solutions that contribute to sustainable development and address contemporary environmental and societal challenges.

Bringing Diverse Scientific Perspectives Together

SEMBIO XXII 2026 featured five speakers from universities and research institutions across Indonesia:

• Prof. Retno Aryani, M.Si. — Universitas Mulawarman
• Yasir Sidiq, S.Pd., M.Sc., Ph.D. — Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta
• Prof. Dr.rer.nat. Adi Rahmat, M.Si. — Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia
• Prof. Dr. Imam Kambali, M.Phil., Ph.D. — National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), School of Nuclear Technology
• Dr. Bowo Sugiharto, S.Pd., M.Pd. — Universitas Sebelas Maret

The diversity of the speakers’ expertise enabled participants to explore the seminar theme from multiple scientific and educational perspectives. The topics presented ranged from the application of cyclotron technology in biological research, the integration of technology into education and community engagement, and the potential of Indonesia’s biodiversity to support sustainable development, to the utilization of Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria (PGPB) as biofertilizers.

These topics illustrated how biological sciences can intersect with technological innovation, education, environmental conservation, and sustainable resource management.

Connecting Scientific Innovation with Sustainable Development

One of the central messages of SEMBIO XXII 2026 was the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in responding to complex sustainability challenges. Technological innovation alone is insufficient without a strong scientific foundation and educational systems capable of disseminating and applying knowledge effectively.

The discussions therefore encouraged participants to consider how biological research and educational innovation can contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). From advanced technologies for biological research to biodiversity-based solutions and sustainable agricultural practices, the seminar highlighted opportunities for biology to play a strategic role in sustainable development.

The exploration of Indonesia’s biodiversity, for example, emphasized the country’s substantial biological resources and their potential to support sustainable development when managed responsibly. Meanwhile, discussion of PGPB as biofertilizers demonstrated how biological research can contribute to more sustainable approaches in agriculture.

The inclusion of technology and research in education further emphasized the role of Biology Education in preparing future generations to understand and respond to environmental and technological challenges.

Strengthening Academic Collaboration and Knowledge Exchange

Beyond the presentation of scientific topics, SEMBIO XXII 2026 served as a platform for academic exchange and cross-institutional collaboration. The participation of speakers from Universitas Mulawarman, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, BRIN, and UNS provided opportunities for participants to encounter diverse perspectives and experiences from different academic and research environments.

The seminar also sought to encourage productive scientific discussions and generate ideas that could be developed into future research, educational initiatives, and community engagement programs.

As highlighted by the organizing committee, the event was expected not only to broaden participants’ academic knowledge but also to strengthen networks and encourage collaboration across institutions in the fields of biology, education, research, and community service.

22 Years of SEMBIO

The successful organization of SEMBIO XXII marks an important milestone in the history of the seminar. Having been held annually for 22 editions, SEMBIO has maintained its role as a forum for academic discourse and knowledge exchange in Biology Education.

Its continued implementation demonstrates the commitment of the Biology Education Study Program, FKIP UNS, to providing a sustainable platform for discussing developments in biological sciences and education. Over the years, the seminar has also contributed to strengthening connections among academics, researchers, educators, and students.

The 22nd edition further reaffirmed this commitment by placing sustainability at the intersection of technology, biological sciences, and educational research.

The event was chaired by Dr. Meti Indrowati, M.Si., who expressed appreciation to the speakers, participants, university leadership, program coordinators, sponsors, organizing committee, and all parties who contributed to the successful implementation of SEMBIO XXII 2026.

The Biology Education Study Program, FKIP UNS, extends its gratitude to everyone involved in the event and hopes that the ideas and discussions generated through SEMBIO XXII 2026 will lead to meaningful research, innovation, collaboration, and community engagement.

After 22 editions, SEMBIO continues to evolve as a platform for connecting biological science, educational innovation, and research—strengthening the role of Biology Education in building a more sustainable future.