Depok, August 27, 2026 — The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Indonesia (FMIPA UI), promoted stronger research collaboration in cellular and molecular biology through the 3rd BioCARES, held on Tuesday (August 25, 2026) at the Prof. Dr. Ir. Soemantri Brodjonegoro Hall, FMIPA UI, Depok. The scientific forum brought together researchers, academics, and students to discuss advances in cancer and aging research, as well as various other biomedical fields.

The 3rd BioCARES also strengthened the academic network between Universitas Indonesia and the Medical University of Vienna (MU Vienna). The forum featured several researchers from the Center for Cancer Research at the Medical University of Vienna, who shared insights into developments in cancer research and technologies supporting biomedical research.

The Dean of FMIPA UI, Prof. Dr. Tito Latif Indra, M.Si., said that strengthening research in this field is in line with the presence of the Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology and Experimental Research (ICEMBIO), which is part of FMIPA UI’s research ecosystem in cellular and molecular biology.

“ICEMBIO has three main research focuses: cancer, aging, and in vitro fertilization. These three areas demonstrate how basic science is closely connected to issues of human health and quality of life,” said Prof. Tito.

According to him, the complexity of cancer and aging requires an approach that extends beyond a single discipline. The convergence of diverse areas of expertise through BioCARES is expected to broaden understanding of disease mechanisms while opening opportunities for innovation in healthcare.

“I hope the relationships established through this event will extend beyond the symposium. Today’s discussions can serve as a starting point for further collaborations, such as joint research, student and researcher exchanges, and collaborative research projects,” he said.

One of the key issues highlighted at the 3rd BioCARES was extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA), genetic material located outside chromosomes that is associated with the development and characteristics of certain cancers. The topic was explored through molecular and computational approaches.

One of the speakers, Dr. Klaus Holzmann from the Center for Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, discussed “Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres in Cancer.” Holzmann specializes in molecular oncogenomics, cancer biology, genomic profiling, and transcriptional regulation in the development of colorectal cancer and gastrointestinal tumors.

Through his presentation, Holzmann explored the mechanisms of alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT), which enable cancer cells to maintain their proliferative capacity. The discussion also covered the characteristics of ecDNA and translational studies involving humans and dogs.

Cancer was also examined from a biomarker perspective by Assoc. Prof. Martin Filipits, a researcher at the Center for Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna. With expertise in translational cancer research, predictive and prognostic biomarkers, and precision oncology, Filipits presented “Prognostic and Predictive Biomarkers in Breast Cancer: Current Status and Future Perspectives.”

The presentation discussed the development of biomarkers that can help predict disease progression and patients’ responses to breast cancer treatment. This approach is an important component in developing increasingly personalized and targeted treatment strategies.

Meanwhile, Mag.rer.nat. Gerald Timelthaler, also from the Center for Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, discussed the use of artificial intelligence in biomedical research through his presentation, “From Images to Insights: AI-assisted Quantitative Microscopy.”

Timelthaler specializes in cancer molecular biology, cell signal transduction, particularly the EGFR signaling pathway, therapeutic resistance, and the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma. In his presentation, he discussed the integration of artificial intelligence with quantitative microscopy to enable more objective, reproducible, and large-scale analysis of biological images, including in digital pathology, high-content imaging, and FISH analysis.

A computational perspective on ecDNA was also presented by James Howie through his presentation, “Computational Detection and Characterisation of Circular Extrachromosomal DNA in Cancer Models.” Howie specializes in flow cytometry, biomedical laboratory instrumentation, immunophenotyping, and the application of cellular diagnostic technologies in oncology and immunology research.

In addition to featuring international researchers, the 3rd BioCARES provided a platform for students and researchers to present their research findings through oral and poster sessions. The forum was also predominantly attended by students, with researchers participating in various discussion sessions.

Several studies presented at the forum focused on developing cancer treatment strategies. One of them examined the characterization and therapeutic targeting of ecDNA in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, including an evaluation of the combination of talazoparib and caffeine on cell viability, oxidative stress, DNA damage, and ecDNA characteristics.

Other studies explored SCAMP3 as a potential molecular target in colorectal cancer, the application of CRISPR/Cas9 in characterizing cancer targets, and the potential of various compounds as therapeutic candidates for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).

The biomedical studies presented also covered areas beyond cancer, including Pentose Phosphate Pathway-associated genes during porcine oocyte maturation, the restoration of fibroblast function under diabetic conditions, and wound healing. These topics demonstrated the interconnectedness of molecular mechanisms, metabolism, and biological processes in the context of health.

Several studies also explored the potential of natural compounds in cancer therapy, including sericin and cardamonin for TNBC, as well as curcumin to enhance the effectiveness of 5-aminolevulinic acid-based photodynamic therapy.

The diversity of topics demonstrates that advancing biomedical research requires connections between basic research, technology, and healthcare applications. Bringing together expertise from various fields also provides opportunities for researchers and students to exchange ideas and examine biological challenges from broader perspectives.

International collaboration was one of the key aspects of the 3rd BioCARES. The Dean of FMIPA UI expressed hope that the networks established through the forum would continue through research collaborations and other academic programs.

Through the 3rd BioCARES, FMIPA UI strengthened its research ecosystem in cellular and molecular biology while expanding its international network. The forum is expected not only to serve as a platform for disseminating research findings but also as a starting point for new ideas and collaborations to address future health challenges.