Yogyakarta, August 4, 2026 – Strengthening international partnerships has become an essential strategy for enhancing the quality of higher education, research, and scientific publications. As part of its commitment to expanding global collaboration, the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (DTPB), Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FTP UGM), welcomed Dr. Zeinab Yavari, a lecturer and researcher from the Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering, College of Engineering, Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), Oman, on Tuesday, August 4.
The visit marked an initial step toward establishing collaboration between DTPB FTP UGM and Sultan Qaboos University in the areas of joint research, academic mobility, and international scientific publications.
Strengthening International Academic Networks
Dr. Zeinab Yavari serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering, College of Engineering, Sultan Qaboos University. With expertise in Environmental Engineering, she actively conducts research on globally significant environmental issues, particularly microplastics.
During her visit, Dr. Zeinab was accompanied by Dr. Prieskarinda Lestari and was warmly received at the DTPB Meeting Room by Dr. Arifin Dwi Saputro, S.T.P., M.Sc., Head of the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering. He was joined by Dr. Chandra Setyawan, S.T.P., M.Eng., Ph.D., Department Secretary; Dr. Hanim Zuhrotul Amanah, S.T.P., M.P., Ph.D., Head of the Master’s Program in Agricultural Engineering; and Dr. Sri Markumningsih, S.T.P., M.P., Department Treasurer.
The meeting was conducted in a productive and welcoming atmosphere, focusing on identifying potential areas of academic collaboration between the two institutions.
Exploring Opportunities for Joint Research and Academic Mobility
The discussion centered on several potential collaborative initiatives, including joint research, faculty and student mobility, and co-authorship of international scientific publications. These initiatives are expected to strengthen research quality while increasing the international visibility of both institutions.
In addition to discussing collaborative research opportunities, both parties exchanged information regarding their respective research strengths, laboratory development, and multidisciplinary collaboration that addresses global challenges in environmental engineering, agriculture, and sustainability.
Showcasing DTPB FTP UGM’s Research Facilities and Innovations
Following the meeting, the visit continued with a laboratory tour introducing DTPB FTP UGM’s research facilities. Dr. Zeinab visited the Smart Plant Factory, the Agricultural Environment and Building Engineering Laboratory, and the Postharvest Engineering Laboratory.
During the tour, Dr. Zeinab interacted directly with lecturers, researchers, and students conducting ongoing research activities. The visit provided an overview of DTPB FTP UGM’s research capabilities, ranging from controlled environment agriculture, environmental engineering technologies, and postharvest engineering innovations to instrumentation-based agricultural product quality analysis.
One of the highlights of the visit was a research discussion between Dr. Prieskarinda Lestari and Dr. Zeinab Yavari on microplastics, a research area shared by both scholars. Their discussion explored potential collaborative studies on the occurrence, characterization, and environmental impacts of microplastics, as well as their implications for food systems.
The laboratory tour also provided an opportunity to exchange experiences regarding laboratory development, experimental methodologies, and future opportunities for involving students in international collaborative research.
Opening the Door to Long-Term Strategic Partnerships
Head of the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Dr. Arifin Dwi Saputro, expressed his appreciation for the visit and emphasized his hope that this meeting would become the foundation for a long-term partnership.
“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Zeinab, and we hope this initial meeting will mark the beginning of a meaningful collaboration that brings lasting benefits to both institutions in the years ahead,” said Dr. Arifin.
Dr. Zeinab Yavari also expressed her appreciation for the academic environment and research activities at DTPB FTP UGM. She noted her enthusiasm for continuing the communication established during the visit through collaborative programs involving lecturers, researchers, and students from both universities.
Advancing the Internationalization of DTPB FTP UGM
This visit reflects DTPB FTP UGM’s commitment to expanding international partnerships in support of excellence in education, research, and scientific publication. Through collaboration with Sultan Qaboos University, Oman, the department expects to develop a wide range of collaborative initiatives, including joint research projects, academic exchanges, faculty and student mobility, and internationally recognized scientific publications.
The partnership also represents a strategic step in strengthening DTPB FTP UGM’s internationalization agenda through collaboration with a globally recognized university. Such cooperation is expected to generate impactful research while addressing global challenges in agricultural engineering, biosystems engineering, and environmental engineering.
