IPB University and Teuku Umar University Strengthen Collaboration, One of Which is Agromaritime 5.0 Research
IPB University and Teuku Umar University (UTU) officially established a strategic partnership through the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at the Dramaga Campus, Bogor (2/24).
This collaboration focuses on strengthening the three pillars of higher education, agromaritime 5.0 research, developing leading commodities, and transforming higher education governance.
The Rector of IPB University, Dr Alim Setiawan, expressed his appreciation for the visit by the Rector and leadership of Teuku Umar University.
Dr Alim explained to the UTU delegation that the 267-hectare Dramaga Campus is one of the five main campuses of IPB University, which currently has 14 faculties/schools with around 38.000 students and 1.500 lecturers, 353 of whom are professors. In proportion, the number of professors at IPB University reaches 26 percent of the total number of lecturers.
According to him, there are vast opportunities for cooperation in the fields of education, research, and community service. In terms of education, IPB University has implemented Real Work Lecture (KKN) and International Real Work Lecture with Thailand and Malaysia.
In addition, IPB University regularly holds 25 international summer courses each year in offline, online, and hybrid formats. “This is also very open if UTU students can join various themes,” he said.
In the field of research, continued Dr Alim, IPB University carries the focus of Agromaritim 5.0 in four main areas, namely omics (genomics, metabolomics), artificial intelligence (AI), sustainability, and social science.
In terms of commodities, IPB University is currently promoting rice productivity of up to 15 tons per hectare, soybean development through access to 47 strains, and garlic research in Humbang Hasundutan Regency, North Sumatra.
“IPB University also offers business incubation support through a startup center, processed food production, and a network of export oriented villages that have penetrated the global market,” he said.
Meanwhile, UTU Rector Prof Ishak Hasan said that Teuku Umar University, which is now entering its 12th year as a state university (PTN), still needs to strengthen collaboration to support institutional development.
He emphasized UTU’s commitment to the agro and marine industry sectors in line with the potential of the West Aceh region. “We are very suitable for cooperation, especially in the fields of research, learning, and human resource strengthening,” he said.
He hopes that IPB University can become a mentor in the development of agro and marine laboratories, student mobility, leading research, and institutional capacity building. (dr) (IAAS/SSR)
