Yogyakarta, June 4th 2025 — The Biotechnology Study Program of the UGM Graduate School continued its series of public lecture activities in collaboration with Kansas University, United States, by holding a session themed “Responsible Conduct of Research: Scientist Integrity” on the second day, Wednesday (4/6). This activity was carried out online via the Zoom platform and presented by a prominent resource person, Prof. Teruna J. Siahaan, Ph.D., from Kansas University, who is also an Adjunct Professor in the UGM Biotechnology Study Program.
Prof. Teruna, in his presentation, emphasized that integrity in research is an inseparable part of the ethics of everyday life. Values such as honesty, fairness, openness, objectivity, and respect for others are the foundation of scientific practice. He also emphasized that violations of these principles, known as scientific misconduct, can take the form of data fabrication, data falsification, and plagiarism, as defined by the United States government.
Furthermore, Prof. Teruna conveyed the importance of discussing scientific ethics in the research process in order to strengthen experimental design and scientific integrity, as well as prepare researchers to be able to make the right decisions amidst the challenges of the research world. Scientific research, according to him, is a process requiring perseverance, faces complex challenges, and is often full of pressure. “Making the wrong decision in research will waste time and resources and damage public trust in scientists,” he explained.
This public lecture also highlighted the urgency of responsible research behavior, especially since research results often influence public policy and public health in general. In closing, Prof. Teruna emphasized that because research is largely funded by public funds, the moral and professional responsibility of researchers to society is non-negotiable.
This public lecture activity is part of the ongoing efforts of the UGM Postgraduate School Biotechnology Program in strengthening international academic networks and building an ethical and responsible research culture among the academic community.
Author: Burhanul Aqil