Vienna, April 12–20, 2025 — The Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (FTP UGM), continues to demonstrate its commitment to expanding international networks and strengthening research collaboration in the field of sustainable agriculture. FTP UGM Dean, Prof. Dr. Ir. Eni Harmayani, M.Sc., together with Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration, and Alumni, Dr. Sri Rahayoe, S.T.P., M.P., conducted an official visit to Universität für Bodenkultur (BOKU University) in Vienna, Austria. The visit was also accompanied by Dr. nat. techn. Rizki Maftukhah, lecturer at the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, FTP UGM, and an alumnus of BOKU’s doctoral program.
The visit began on April 14, 2025, with a meeting with Assoc. Prof. Priv.-Doz. Dr. Xiomara-Fernanda Quiñones-Ruiz from the Institute of Sustainable Economic Development, BOKU. The discussion focused on potential research collaboration, particularly in coffee commodity development, as well as plans for a follow-up visit to UGM to deepen the existing cooperation.
The FTP UGM delegation then continued to the Institute of Soil Research, Department of Ecosystem Management, Climate and Biodiversity, BOKU. The delegation was welcomed by a research team led by Priv.-Doz. Dipl.-Ing. Dr. Katharina Keiblinger, along with senior academics such as Univ.Prof. DI Dr. Dr.h.c.mult. Martin Gerzabek, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Franz Zehetner, and Dipl.-Ing. Dr. Sabine Huber. The meeting discussed the reinforcement of over a decade of collaboration, particularly through the Soil Health Center initiative, jointly developed by FTP UGM, the Bangka Regency Government, and Bappenas (Indonesia’s National Development Planning Agency).
On April 15, 2025, the visit continued to the Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Muthgasse, Vienna. The delegation met with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Clemens Karl Peterbauer from the Institute of Food Technology to explore research collaboration opportunities and review the institute’s advanced laboratory facilities. Dr. Peterbauer expressed his interest in strengthening collaboration through researcher mobility programs such as ASEA-UNINET, as well as expanding existing joint doctoral programs.
A similar discussion followed with Dr. Philipp L. Fuhrmann from the Institute of Food Science. Dr. Fuhrmann presented an overview of his institution and plans for expanding collaborative networks, including his upcoming visit to Indonesia and FTP UGM to explore further cooperation.
In the afternoon, the delegation visited the Core Facility Food & Bio Processing to directly observe the advanced research equipment and discuss potential joint research opportunities.
The FTP UGM delegation also had the opportunity to visit Revo Foods, an innovative food industry startup based in Vienna. The visit, facilitated by Dr. Fuhrmann, offered valuable insights into the practical application of academic research in food processing and product innovation. Founded in 2020, Revo Foods specializes in developing plant-based seafood alternatives using large-scale 3D food printing technology. The company’s mission is to offer sustainable, nutritious, and delicious food products as a solution to overfishing and to promote greater environmental responsibility.
On April 17, 2025, the delegation took part in a campus tour of BOKU Türkenschanze, followed by a meeting with Assoc. Prof. DI Dr. Doris Damyanovic, Vice-Rector for Teaching, Continuing Education, and Students; Dr. Calderón-Peter, Head of BOKU International Relations; and Dr. Katharina Keiblinger. The meeting focused on strengthening international networks, including plans to renew the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UGM and BOKU in 2026.
Further discussions were held with the team from the Institute of Soil Research regarding the strategic plan for the ASEAN-UNINET 2025 project. This project includes transforming post-mining land rehabilitation through Nature-Based Solutions (RENTROP) and utilizing locally available soil amendments to reduce heavy metal concentrations in staple food crops across Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
The following session included laboratory tours at the Institute of Soil Research (IBF Vienna) and strategic planning related to the ongoing Bangka Island project. Dr. Keiblinger and her team also plan to visit Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam as part of the ASEAN-UNINET 2025 project implementation, which consists of:
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Transforming post-mining land rehabilitation with Nature-Based Solutions (RENTROP) in tropical areas.
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Utilizing local soil amendments to reduce heavy metal concentrations in key food crops.
As the final agenda, on April 19, 2025, the delegation visited the Institute of Viticulture and Pomology in Technopark, Tulln an der Donau. The Deputy Head of the Institute, Assoc. Prof. Priv.-Doz. DI Dr.nat.techn. Michaela Griesser, presented the institute’s research activities, followed by discussions on potential collaboration opportunities and a tour of the laboratory and greenhouse facilities. The delegation gained insights into research on environmental stress and its impact on crop production.
The FTP UGM delegation’s visit to BOKU University and affiliated institutions in Austria served as a significant milestone in strengthening international academic partnerships and exploring multidisciplinary collaboration opportunities, particularly in food systems, soil research, biotechnology, and environmental sustainability. The series of productive meetings and site visits reaffirmed the shared vision between UGM and BOKU in promoting researcher mobility, developing joint academic programs, and advancing research initiatives that contribute to sustainable development.
These collaborative efforts align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially:
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SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) through food system innovation,
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SDG 4 (Quality Education) via international academic network development,
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SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) through environmentally friendly technology implementation,
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SDG 13 (Climate Action) by promoting nature-based research solutions,
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SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by strengthening global cooperation among educational institutions and industries.
Through this strategic collaboration, FTP UGM continues to reinforce its position as an active contributor to advancing sustainable agriculture, education, and innovation at both national and international levels.
