The Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPK), Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), continues to strengthen its global academic network by sending four students from the Fisheries Product Technology (THP) Study Program to the Institute of Tropical Aquaculture and Fisheries (AKUATROP), Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), Malaysia. The participation marks the implementation of the International Mobility Program, designed to enhance research collaboration, academic exchange, and scientific capacity building at the international level.
The program was conducted from 28 October to 25 November 2025 under the supervision of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nurul Ulfah Karim, a researcher and lecturer at AKUATROP–UMT. The selected students—Elzy Novita Pristanty, Khoirun Nisak Rahmawati, Faiz Naufal Rahman, and Aisyah Alfina Amarilis—were assigned research projects based on topics approved by AKUATROP. Their studies focused on the extraction and characterization of collagen derived from different parts of the greenback mullet (Planiliza subviridis), including skin, scales, fins, and bones. Each student conducted laboratory research aimed at determining collagen solubility and identifying functional groups using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The research activities were carried out in AKUATROP’s laboratory facilities, where students received full access to advanced equipment and research support systems. This structured scientific engagement provided them with direct exposure to international research standards, laboratory management systems, and interdisciplinary collaboration practices within a global academic environment.
Throughout the mobility period, the students were immersed in a conducive research setting supported by close mentorship from UMT researchers. They participated in intensive laboratory work, data analysis sessions, and academic discussions that deepened their understanding of research methodologies in fisheries product technology. The experience not only strengthened their technical laboratory competencies but also broadened their academic perspectives through interaction with international scholars and students. One of the participants expressed that the comprehensive laboratory facilities, structured research supervision, and hands-on experience in internationally scaled research significantly enhanced their professional competence, particularly in collagen extraction techniques and analytical characterization. Beyond technical skills, the program fostered intercultural communication, adaptability, and collaborative research abilities—key competencies required in today’s global scientific community.
This initiative reflects FPK UNAIR’s commitment to encouraging students to actively engage in international academic activities aligned with their field of study. The faculty provided administrative and academic assistance both prior to departure and throughout the program to ensure smooth implementation and optimal academic outcomes. Through this collaboration with AKUATROP–UMT, FPK UNAIR aims to further expand joint mobility initiatives and cross-institutional research partnerships in the future. The faculty also expects that the students’ research findings will be developed into scientific publications and contribute to innovation in the sustainable utilization of fisheries resources in Indonesia, reinforcing UNAIR’s role in advancing globally competitive research and academic excellence.
