Building a Critical and Collaborative Research Culture Through Genomics and Science Dojo 3.0

Peserta Genomics and Science Dojo 3.0 berasal dari berbagai instansi dari seluruh Indonesia.

The Genomics and Science Dojo (GSD) returns for its third year as a capacity-building platform for genomic and biomedical researchers across Indonesia. The program is designed to strengthen research quality by fostering critical thinking, open discussion, and collaboration across disciplines and institutions.

Inspired by the philosophy of the Dojo and guided by the Shinjitsu methodology, the program goes beyond enhancing individual technical competencies. It seeks to cultivate a healthier, more inclusive, and innovation-driven scientific culture. Through this approach, participants are encouraged to actively engage in discussions, challenge assumptions, and develop stronger scientific arguments through constructive dialogue and peer feedback.

By creating an environment that values both intellectual rigor and collaboration, the Dojo aims to equip researchers with the skills needed not only to conduct high-quality research but also to contribute meaningfully to the broader scientific ecosystem in Indonesia.

The program is supported by the British Embassy Jakarta and jointly initiated by the Summit Institute for Development (SID), GSI Lab, and OUCRU Indonesia (OUCRU-ID). Through this partnership, Genomics and Science Dojo 3.0 continues its mission to empower researchers, strengthen scientific networks, and advance evidence-based innovation in genomics and public health.

In 2026, Genomics and Science Dojo 3.0 began its program series with an Online Shinjitsu Class, conducted over three days. This virtual session provided participants from across Indonesia with the opportunity to connect with one another and establish communication with the Sensei who would mentor them throughout the program.

Beyond introductory activities and group discussions, participants were invited to present their research ideas and manuscript progress, allowing them to receive initial feedback and constructive input prior to the in-person minicamp. These sessions encouraged participants to refine their scientific thinking, strengthen their research narratives, and identify areas for further development.

The program then continued with an intensive five-day minicamp, held from April 26–30, 2026, at Novotel Cikini, Jakarta. Researchers from various institutions gathered to participate in a series of workshops, scientific discussions, mentorship sessions, and competitive challenges designed to foster both individual growth and collaborative learning.

Combining rigorous scientific training with a supportive learning environment, the minicamp provided participants with a unique opportunity to sharpen their analytical skills, strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration, and advance their research projects through continuous feedback and peer engagement.

Peserta diuji dengan mengerjakan tugas ninja obstacles dalam waktu yang ditentukan.

One of the most memorable sessions was Wounded Healer, a reflective session in which participants shared stories about their journeys, challenges, and struggles in pursuing academic and research paths. This session served as both a space for reflection and a reminder that every researcher has their own process and unique challenges.

During the minicamp, the sensei also delivered various materials related to structuring genomic research, improving data quality, and developing systematic and well-organized data processing strategies.

“Science is always being wrong, because with being wrong, we always find the truth,” ujar Anuraj H. Shankar, D.Sc., Ph.D.,

One of the sensei gave motivational remarks to the participants.

In addition to the material sessions, participants also took part in the Ninja Run, a series of challenges designed to train them to complete various scientific publication tasks quickly and with focus.

Sesi Ninja Run, Peserta berkompetisi mengerjakan tiga level tantangan berbeda dalam rentang waktu yang singkat.

These challenges included abstract writing, data analysis, and the development of manuscript discussions. With a dynamic and intensive format, this session helped participants address common obstacles encountered in the scientific writing process.

Sesi Shinjitsu Tournament, yang mana para peserta saling menguji karya ilmiah mereka melalui debat.

Participants also took part in the Shinjitsu Tournament, a scientific competition session where each team presented their research ideas or manuscript drafts to other participants. In this session, participants received direct feedback from peers to strengthen the quality of the research being developed, in a scientific debate-style format.

In the Genomics and Science Dojo 3.0 Cycle 1 event, the team D0051, consisting of Almando Geraldi and Ganis Firda Adistia, was awarded first place. Meanwhile, second place was achieved by team D0039, consisting of Maulida Septiyana and Adri Nora.

Para pemenang Shinjitsu Tournament Genomics and Science Dojo 3.0.

One of the participants from Universitas Warmadewa, Anak Agung Dewi Megawati, S.Si., M.Biomed., Ph.D., shared her impressions of the program.

“Genomics and Science Dojo is a very comfortable place to learn and grow. I also met many great people here,” she said.

A similar impression was also expressed by dr. Nico Gamalliel from Universitas Indonesia. According to him, the competitive atmosphere created during the program actually served as a positive driving force for personal development.

“The atmosphere was very competitive because participants came from various backgrounds and institutions. It encouraged my skills and commitment to science and to what I am working on,” he explained.

The Genomics and Science Dojo 3.0 series will continue with Cycle 2, scheduled to take place from June 2–6, 2026. The program is expected to continue serving as a space for learning, exchanging ideas, and strengthening collaborative networks among young researchers in Indonesia.