Dr Murwantoko - Ministry of Education, Republic of Indonesia

Dr Murwantoko, Head of the Fish Diseases Laboratory in the Faculty of Agriculture at Gadjah Mada University Indonesia visited the Faculty of Veterinary Science at Camden from 28th October to 8th November, funded by the Ministry of Education, Republic of Indonesia. The visit followed a successful visit of Drs Becker and Dhand and Professor Whittington to Indonesia in February 2009 and a return visit by Dr Murwantoko to Sydney in September, funded by the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research.

The purpose of the visit was to compare LAMP (loop mediated isothermal amplification) and real time PCR for detection of viruses of fish, and to explore other opportunities for collaboration between the two universities in research and teaching. A research agreement was signed between the two Faculties with a view to developing collaborative research grants to improve finfish health and education. Dr Murwantoto is pictured with Professor Leo Jeffcott, the then Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Science.