IPB University Hosts BioCircle 2025, a Collaboration Event for Students from 8 Countries to Learn About Biopolymers and Biocomposites
IPB University officially concluded the Biopolymer and Biocomposite Summer Course, or BioCircle 2025. Held at the IPB Business School, the program served as an international collaboration platform integrating research, innovation, and green technology.
The event was attended by 27 students from eight countries, comprising 17 national participants and 10 international students from the Netherlands, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, Comoros Island, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.
Participants were encouraged to explore the potential of biopolymers and biocomposites for environmentally friendly products based on local resources.
The chairperson of the organizing committee, Dr Yessie Widya Sari, explained that BioCircle 2025 was made possible through cross-institutional collaboration within IPB University, including the International Research Institute (LRI) for Advanced Technology, the Department of Physics, the Business School, and the Center for Coastal and Marine Resources Studies (PKSPL).
Several prestigious institutions were also involved, including Groningen University and Wageningen University, as well as the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN).
“Over seven days, participants attended lectures, laboratory practices, thematic discussions, and industrial visits,” she explained.
At the program’s opening, various technical materials were presented by experts. These included the characteristics of biopolymers, processing techniques, rheology, and spectroscopy.
One of these was presented by Dr Daniele Parisi from the University of Groningen.
“Participants learned how to assess the quality and sustainability of biomass materials from various scientific approaches,” he said.
It wasn’t just theory, participants also developed innovation projects in groups. They presented their biopolymer product ideas through creative posters and videos, complete with their advantages, implementation strategies, and their impact on the environment and circular economy. The best works were evaluated by a panel of judges from IPB University’s academic community.
“The series of activities concluded with an industrial visit to PT Greenhope, a bioplastic manufacturer in Tangerang. There, participants witnessed the direct application of biomass technology on a business scale,” he revealed.
The highlight of the event took place on Saturday (6/29), featuring cultural performances, participant testimonials, and the announcement of the winners of the Sustainable Product Design competition. The competition was won by a joint team of students from IPB University, Gadjah Mada University (UGM), and Aurora State College of Technology (Philippines).
Vice Rector of IPB University for Global Connectivity, Cooperation, and Alumni, Prof Iskandar Z Siregar, closed the event with the hope that participants would continue to develop environmentally friendly innovations and expand their global networks.
“This program is a concrete example of IPB University’s contribution to promoting a bio-based economy and green technology for the future,” he said. (*/Rz) (IAAS/LAN)
