Strengthening Academic Partnerships: Iwate University Delegation Undertakes Collaborative Visit to Faculty of Agriculture, IPB University

The Faculty of Agriculture, IPB University, welcomed a delegation from Iwate University, Japan, on Tuesday–Wednesday, 27–28 January 2026. This collaborative visit marked an important step in strengthening academic partnerships between the two institutions, following the University-to-University Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2025. The visit was initiated by Dr. Alinda F.M. Zain, who has been a long-term academic counterpart of Prof. Harashina Koji, further emphasizing the strong ties between both universities.

Iwate University Delegation
1. Prof. Shoji Koide (Dean, Faculty of Agriculture)
2. Prof. Harashina Koji (Associate Dean, The United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences)
3. Prof. Abidur Rahman (Coordinator, International Affairs Section, The United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences)
4. Dr. Pattama Wiriyasermkul

Day 1: Initiating Academic Collaboration

The first day focused on developing a collaboration framework and drafting key points for a future Memorandum of Agreement (MoA). Discussions highlighted joint academic initiatives, with student and staff exchanges recognized as top priorities for early implementation.

Representatives from the Faculty of Agriculture, IPB University, included:
1. Prof. Dr. Suryo Wiyono (Dean, Plant Protection)
2. Prof. Syarifah Iis Aisyah (Vice Dean, Plant Breeding)
3. Dr. Dyah Retno Panuju (Vice Dean)
4. Dr. Arya Widura Ritonga (Head of Agronomy and Horticulture Department, Plant Breeding)
5. Dr. Hafith Furqoni (Secretary, Agronomy and Horticulture Department; Plant Physiology)
6. Dr. Ahmad Junaedi (Agronomy, Rice Research)
7. Dr. Sintho Wahyuning Ardie (Plant Molecular Biotechnology)
8. Dr. Alinda F.M. Zain (Landscape Ecology & Planning)
9. Dr. Hana Fitria N. (Molecular Nutrition)

Both institutions expressed strong interest in collaborative research, academic exchanges, and joint educational activities, recognizing shared strengths and opportunities for innovation in agricultural sciences.

Day 2: Visit to Research and Academic Facilities

On the second day, the Iwate University delegation visited several facilities at IPB University to gain deeper insight into its research and academic environment. A major destination was the Plant Molecular Biotechnology-2 Laboratory (PMB2 Lab) under the Agronomy and Horticulture Department.

The PMB2 Lab, managed by Dr. Sintho Wahyuning Ardie and laboratory technician Mr. Yudiansyah, showcased ongoing research activities in plant molecular biotechnology. Five master’s students under Dr. Sintho’s supervision also attended the session, engaging in a scientific discussion with the visiting professors. Discussions touched on molecular marker development, genomics-driven research, and potential avenues for future collaboration.

 Toward a Strong and Sustainable Partnership

The two-day collaborative visit concluded with a shared commitment to developing concrete research and academic programs. With continued enthusiasm and long-standing connections between key academics from both institutions, the partnership between IPB University and Iwate University is expected to advance toward impactful, long-term collaboration that benefits students, researchers, and the broader agricultural science community.

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