Wageningen, the Netherlands, September 12, 2026 – Strengthening international research collaboration is an important step in developing agricultural technologies that are relevant to the challenges of tropical agriculture. This effort was undertaken by Dr. Andri Prima Nugroho, a lecturer at the Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering (DTPB), Faculty of Agricultural Technology (FTP), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), and a researcher at the Smart Agriculture Research Center (SARC), through a staff mobility program at Wageningen University & Research (WUR), the Netherlands.
The staff mobility was conducted from September 1–12, 2026, as part of the International Joint Research Academy (IJRA). The program provided an opportunity to explore potential collaboration between UGM and WUR, particularly in collaborative research, joint publications, and the development of joint research proposals.
Strengthening UGM–WUR Research Collaboration
Dr. Andri Prima Nugroho discusses the progress of International Joint Supervision with Prof. Dr. Gerrit Polder and Dr. Joseph Peller at Wageningen University & Research, the Netherlands.
During the mobility program, Dr. Andri Prima Nugroho held discussions with researchers at WUR to explore opportunities for developing collaborative research. The discussions covered research topics, potential joint publications, funding opportunities, and strategic steps for strengthening academic and research networks between the two institutions.
The collaboration is expected to support the development of agricultural technologies that can address the specific characteristics and challenges of tropical agricultural systems.
In addition to research collaboration, Dr. Andri also accompanied the International Joint Supervision program for Mohammad Athala Fawwaz Dzaky, a UGM Master’s student in Agricultural Engineering who is jointly supervised with Dr. Joseph Peller.
The activities included direct supervision and practical laboratory activities at the Vision + Robotics Laboratory. Through this program, students have the opportunity to gain direct exposure to international research environments and learn about the application of advanced technologies in agricultural research.
The International Joint Supervision also strengthens the connection between international research collaboration and student education, allowing research networks developed between institutions to contribute directly to academic development.
Developing Agricultural Robotics and Plant Phenotyping Research
Dr. Andri also visited the Vision + Robotics Laboratory at WUR. Together with Arjan Vroegop, he discussed plant phenotyping simulation and opportunities for future collaborative research in this field.
During the discussion with Arjan Vroegop, the conversation specifically focused on plant phenotyping simulation and its connection to plans for future collaborative research. The discussion supported the exploration of research development that integrates imaging technology, simulation, and robotics for agricultural applications.
In addition, Dr. Andri discussed the application of robotics for plant phenotyping with Assoc. Prof. Gert Kootstra. The discussion was part of efforts to identify potential research collaboration opportunities in agricultural robotics and plant observation technologies.
Developing Joint Research and Publication Plans
The staff mobility program also included discussions with the WUR project development team regarding potential joint research proposals. One of the areas being explored is research on robotics and plant phenotyping for tropical agriculture.
The discussions covered potential funding opportunities as well as strategic steps for developing collaborative research proposals and publications. These efforts are expected to provide a foundation for longer-term research collaboration between UGM and WUR.
Connecting Research, Technology, and Industry
Beyond academic and research activities, the mobility program also provided insights into how universities connect research and technological development with industry needs.
Dr. Andri noted that direct interaction with WUR researchers provided valuable insights into various aspects of agricultural technology, including spectral imaging, plant phenotyping, and agricultural robotics. The discussions also provided opportunities to learn about research work culture, openness in academic discussions, interdisciplinary collaboration, and research discipline.
The experience demonstrates the importance of connecting research capabilities with technological development and practical needs. Such an approach is particularly relevant to agricultural engineering, where technological innovation needs to be developed based on an understanding of agricultural systems and their specific characteristics.
Expanding International Networks for Smart Agriculture Research
The IJRA staff mobility program further expanded the international research network of DTPB FTP UGM and SARC in the field of smart agriculture. Collaboration with WUR opens opportunities for continued research, joint publications, student supervision, and the development of research proposals in agricultural robotics and plant phenotyping.
Contributor : Andri Prima Nugroho
Editor : Haryo Prasetyo
