Molecular biology study and expertise have come a long way since the first invention of Mendel’s Law of Inheritance in the 19th century. One of the most significant breakthroughs in molecular biology is DNA sequencing. This method gives researchers opportunities to replicate or modify the specific traits of organisms based on their specific sequences of DNA. Molecular biology studies supported by technological advances enable more efficient research, which opens opportunities for advanced study as well as commercialization purposes.

"With the cheapness of technology for analysing DNA sequences, we are able to get to know various derivatives of genomic studies. Now we have been able to see the genes’ expressions and conduct studies in the protein to metabolite levels."

The commercialization of genomic application studies is prominent in Western countries. In Indonesia, the commercialization of genomic-based engineered products is not very well known, although there are some companies in this field already.

"Genomic-based companies provide sequencing services to read DNA sequences, analyse them, and even edit the genes."

Nowadays, the commercialization trend of genomic studies is combined with other studies, such as agriculture, robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT), and artificial intelligence. Aside from enabling bigger opportunities, interdisciplinary collaboration between molecular biology and other studies is becoming a challenge for the development of science in the next stage.

ITB, as an institution that preserves excellent scientific culture, participates in propelling the advances of molecular biology. Prof. Fenny and the other lecturers from the Genetics and Molecular Biotechnology Research Group of the School of Life Sciences and Technology (SITH) actively doing multiple research projects, both initiation research and continuation of previous research.

The research focuses on health, agriculture, maritime, and deep sea. By encouraging research in molecular biology, ITB is also participating in global science development.

"In our expertise group, we focus on genetics and molecular biology from upstream to downstream, supported by bioinformatics and big data," she concluded.

Reporter: Hanifa Juliana (Perencanaan Wilayah dan Kota 2020)

Translator: Hanifa Juliana (Perencanaan Wilayah dan Kota, 2020)

Editor: Anggi Nurdiani (Manajemen, 2021)