SEMARANG – The Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Mathematics (FSM), Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP), successfully organized a workshop titled “Understanding Evolution: Biosystematics through Phenetic and Phylogenetic Inference” on Friday, September 26, 2025. The event, held at the Ecology and Biosystematics Laboratory, was attended with great enthusiasm by participants from various academic circles.

The workshop was specifically designed to introduce fundamental concepts and basic techniques in phenetic and phylogenetic analysis. Fulfilling its objectives, the event successfully equipped participants with the skills to utilize morphological and molecular data in evolutionary analysis. Furthermore, it fostered critical understanding and collaboration in the fields of taxonomy and biodiversity.

The event featured three expert speakers who delivered comprehensive presentations. The first session was opened by Dr. Lilih Khotimperwati, S.Si, M.Si from Diponegoro University, who provided an in-depth presentation on “An Introduction to Phenetic Analyses.” Her explanation laid an essential foundation for participants to understand classification based on character similarity.

This was followed by a presentation from Ni Kadek Dita Cahyani, Ph.D, also from Diponegoro University, who gave an “Overview of Phylogenetic Inference.” In her session, she thoroughly discussed how evolutionary relationships among organisms can be reconstructed, offering broader insights into the history of life.

The highlight of the workshop was the hands-on session led by Angka Mahardini, Ph.D, a Postdoctoral Fellow from Universitas Muhammadiyah Semarang currently with the FSM-UNDIP program. With the theme “Hands-on Phylogenetic Analyses using MEGA,” this session allowed participants to directly practice phylogenetic analysis using the MEGA 12 software. Participants were highly active and engaged in discussions throughout the practical session.

The Lecturer from the Ecology Laboratory of FSM UNDIP stated, “We are delighted with the success of this workshop. Proficiency in modern biosystematics analyses, such as phenetics and phylogenetics, is key for future biological research, especially in uncovering and conserving biodiversity. We hope the knowledge gained today can be applied by the participants in their respective research.”

With a limited number of seats, the workshop proceeded effectively and interactively. All attendees received an e-certificate for their participation.

The Department of Biology FSM UNDIP extends its gratitude to all the speakers, the organizing committee, and the participants who contributed to the success of this event. Look forward to our next insightful scientific events.

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Further Information:
Instagram: @dbplab_undip
Website: https://dbplab.org/