Semarang, October 9, 2025 – The Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Mathematics (FSM), Diponegoro University (Undip), hosted an initiation meeting for a research collaboration with the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). The discussion took place at the FSM campus in Tembalang, Semarang, and was attended by representatives from both institutions.
The Department of Biology was represented by Prof. Drs. Sapto Purnomo Putro, M.Si., Ph.D., Head of the Department of Biology FSM Undip, while IIUM was represented by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zarina Binti Zainuddin, who visited FSM Undip as part of the Research Mobility Program organized by IIUM.
The meeting focused on exploring potential areas for joint research collaboration between Biology FSM Undip and IIUM.
Prof. Sapto highlighted that Undip has several research clusters related to the field of biology, particularly CEMEBSA (Center for Marine Ecology and Biomonitoring of Sustainable Aquaculture) and CPALIM (Center for Paleoecology, Limnology, and Management of Aquatic Resources).
“CEMEBSA, which I coordinate, focuses mainly on biomonitoring, aquatic ecology, and aquaculture development. Meanwhile, CPALIM, coordinated by Prof. Dr. Tri Retnaningsih Soeprobowati, M.App.Sc., concentrates on limnology studies,” explained Prof. Sapto.
On the other hand, Dr. Zarina Binti Zainuddin shared that her research interests are centered on plant biotechnology and plant tissue culture. She expressed interest in establishing a collaborative research initiative with Dr. Yulita Nurchayati, M.Si., and her research team from FSM Undip, who have been developing similar studies in plant tissue culture for several years.
The discussion was warm and engaging, opening up opportunities for both institutions to work together in advancing scientific knowledge and research capacity.
“This collaboration holds great potential to strengthen the contribution of Undip and IIUM to global scientific and technological advancement,” Prof. Sapto concluded.
This initiative also aligns with Diponegoro University’s mission to build a strong global research reputation through international partnerships and academic collaboration. It is hoped that this promising research collaboration between FSM Undip and IIUM will soon be realized and developed further in the near future.
(Gie-Bioundip)
