Daejeon, South Korea, October 13, 2025 — Dr. Rudiati Evi Masithoh, lecturer at the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (DTPB FTP UGM), served as a guest lecturer at Chungnam National University (CNU), South Korea. This activity was part of a series of collaborative research initiatives on Hyperspectral Imaging Spectroscopy, conducted at the Nondestructive Bio-Sensing Laboratory, Department of Smart Agriculture Systems Machinery Engineering, College of Agriculture and Life Science (BK21 4th Program), CNU.
In her guest lecture titled “Nondestructive Quantification of Betalains in Red Beet (Beta vulgaris) Using Visible–Near Infrared (Vis–NIR), Near Infrared (NIR) Spectroscopy, and Hyperspectral Imaging (HSI)”, Dr. Evi presented her research on the nondestructive quantification of betalain compounds in red beet.
The Visible–Near Infrared (Vis–NIR) and Near Infrared (NIR) spectroscopy techniques enable the analysis of chemical components in food materials by examining light interactions within the visible to near-infrared wavelength range, without damaging the samples. Meanwhile, Hyperspectral Imaging (HSI) combines spectral and spatial information to produce multidimensional images that can be used to precisely detect food quality, nutritional content, and safety attributes.
In addition, Dr. Evi also delivered a second lecture entitled “Rapid Detection of Fusarium Infection in Potato (Solanum tuberosum) Seeds During Postharvest Storage Using Visible and Near-Infrared (Vis/NIR) Spectroscopy.” Through Vis–NIR spectroscopy, key chemical parameters can be identified, allowing for the classification of healthy and Fusarium-infected potato seeds.
Beyond serving as a platform for scientific exchange, this activity also strengthened the academic and research network between DTPB FTP UGM and Chungnam National University, particularly with Prof. Byoung-Kwan Cho, Ph.D., an expert in bio-sensing and smart agriculture systems. The collaboration is expected to lead to future joint research initiatives in smart agriculture and nondestructive sensing technologies for food and agricultural applications.
The guest lecture was attended by graduate students, faculty members, and multidisciplinary researchers, fostering an intellectually rich environment for academic discussion and knowledge sharing.
This activity also contributes to the advancement of several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
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SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): by enhancing food system efficiency and resilience;
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SDG 4 (Quality Education): through the implementation of international academic activities;
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SDG 5 (Gender Equality): by promoting the active role of women researchers in global collaborations;
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SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure): through the development of innovative technologies in precision agriculture; and
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SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): by applying environmentally friendly analytical methods.
Through this initiative, DTPB FTP UGM aims to continuously expand its international research network, strengthen academic and technological capabilities, and reinforce its position as a leading contributor to sustainable agricultural and food innovation at the global level.
