SEMARANG, Undip Campus – The Biology Study Program at Universitas Diponegoro (Undip) successfully concluded its 1st Batch of the Undip Global Classroom (UGC) program with an exclusive guest lecture series. The Protist Biology course (2 credits) featured a distinguished speaker: Prof. Shigeki Mayama, Professor Emeritus from Tokyo Gakugei University, Japan, who is widely recognized as an international expert in diatom research.
The lecture was held across two sessions on April 9 and April 23, 2026. Prof. Tri Retnaningsih S., Ph.D., served as the host lecturer and the Person in Charge (PIC) of the event.
Unveiling the Role of Diatoms as Environmental Indicators
During the lectures, Prof. Mayama guided students through the diverse and critical ecological roles of the protist group. The sessions placed a special emphasis on diatoms—single-celled microalgae that serve as vital primary producers in aquatic ecosystems and act as sensitive bioindicators for water quality and environmental changes.
Drawing from his extensive research career in diatom taxonomy and biology, Prof. Mayama shared deep insights into:
- Modern identification and classification methods for microalgae.
- The practical applications of diatoms, ranging from environmental monitoring to industrial use.
A Gateway to Global Research Collaboration
Learning directly from a world-class diatom expert provided students with profound perspectives on protist taxonomy and ecology that go beyond the standard curriculum. Beyond academic enrichment, this international exposure opens up valuable opportunities for global research collaborations in microalgae biology, particularly in biotechnology and environmental science.
Concluding the UGC series with a senior academic from Japan reflects the Biology Study Program’s commitment to building a strong international network. This milestone reinforces Undip’s strategic journey toward becoming a World Class University by bringing global expertise directly into the student classroom.