Shilfiana Rahayu, a lecturer in the Biology Study Program at the Faculty of Science and Technology, UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta, has completed the International Faculty Development Program organized by the Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) at Hiroshima University, Japan. The program took place from January 19 to 23, 2026, at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Onomichi, Hiroshima.

The program brought together lecturers from several Indonesian universities to participate in intensive academic activities aimed at strengthening teaching capacity, fostering international collaboration, and exploring innovative learning approaches in the biological sciences. Through this program, participants were introduced to various teaching methods and experimental approaches used in marine biology education. During the first day of the program, participants arrived in Hiroshima and continued their journey to the Marine Biological Laboratory. The orientation session introduced the program schedule and provided technical guidance for activities, including laboratory access and internet connectivity to support online teaching sessions.

Throughout the program, Shilfiana Rahayu actively participated in a range of academic activities. On 20 January, she delivered an online lecture session, which was followed by an evaluation and discussion with fellow participants and faculty members. The session allowed participants to exchange ideas on teaching strategies and digital learning implementation in biology education.

The following days included practical and field-based learning activities. Participants conducted marine plankton sampling and sorting, observed demonstrations of biological experiment broadcasting, and explored innovative approaches to immersive online learning for science education. The program also included an academic visit to the Marine Bio Center Aquarium of Fukuyama University, providing participants with insights into marine biodiversity research and educational outreach.

On the final day, participants worked collaboratively to design a proposal for an experimental biology course for undergraduate students. The program concluded with an online discussion with faculty members in Indonesia and presentations of course proposals developed during the program, followed by a farewell dinner.

Through participation in this international program, Faculty of Science and Technology UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta continues to strengthen its global academic engagement and foster collaboration with international partners such as Hiroshima University. The experience is expected to contribute to the development of innovative teaching approaches and international research collaboration in biological sciences.