Yogyakarta, April 21, 2026 — In an effort to strengthen global research networks and accelerate postharvest technology innovation, the Computer-aided Postharvest Technology (CaPT) Research Group, Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), welcomed an academic visit from two international experts from the Faculty of Food Science & Engineering, College of Food Science & Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University (NAU), China.
The visit, held from April 15 to 18, 2026, featured Dr. Weijie Lan, an Associate Professor specializing in Food Engineering and Intelligent Quality Control, and Prof. Leiqing Pan. Their presence is part of the International Joint Research Academy (IJRA) grant scheme aimed at strengthening cross-country research collaboration.
Advancing AI-Based Food Technology Innovation
A key highlight of the visit was the participation of Dr. Weijie Lan as a speaker at the FTP UGM Short Course 2026 on April 16, 2026. Under the theme “Nature X ScienceTech Innovation: Co-Creating Sustainable Agro-Food Industry and Climate Solutions for a Resilient Planet,” he delivered a lecture titled “From Spectra to Decisions: AI-Driven Chemometrics for Fast Classification, Prediction, and Traceability.”
The presentation explored the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in spectral analysis to accelerate food classification, prediction, and traceability—critical components for future sustainable food systems.
Academic Exchange and Research Synergy
On the same day, both delegates conducted an intensive sharing session with the Laboratory of Food and Postharvest Engineering. Discussions focused on ongoing field research within the Food and Postharvest Engineering research group, including the exploration of Indonesian tropical fruits as potential future research objects.
The academic agenda continued on April 17, 2026, through a formal meeting with the leadership of the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering. The discussion addressed long-term research collaboration roadmaps and institutional partnership strengthening between UGM and NAU.
Cultural Engagement and Field Visit
As part of the program, the visiting scholars explored Indonesia’s cultural heritage by visiting Borobudur Temple and Prambanan Temple on April 17–18, 2026, accompanied by students from the CaPT Research Group. This cultural engagement complemented the academic agenda and strengthened interpersonal connections between researchers.
Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
This international collaboration contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including:
- SDG 2 (Zero Hunger): Enhancing postharvest research to support food security
- SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure): Advancing innovation through global research collaboration
- SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production): Promoting efficiency and reducing food loss
- SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals): Strengthening international partnerships
This collaboration highlights the commitment of DTPB FTP UGM in strengthening global research engagement, expanding international partnerships, and advancing technological innovation to support sustainable agriculture worldwide.
