Tolosa, Philippines – The Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences of Universitas Airlangga (FPK UNAIR) reaffirmed its commitment to advancing global academic collaboration through active participation in an international seminar hosted by Visayas State University (VSU) Tolosa on April 30, 2026. The Hyflex Seminar on Marine Biopolymers and Fisheries Innovations, conducted in a hybrid format, brought together academics, researchers, and students to explore emerging innovations in marine biotechnology, particularly focusing on chitin, fucoidan, and their future applications.
Representing Indonesia in this international forum, Dr. nat. Techn. Muhamad Nur Ghoyatul Amin, a lecturer and researcher from FPK UNAIR, delivered a comprehensive presentation highlighting the potential of marine biopolymers derived from Indonesia’s rich coastal biodiversity. His participation reflects the growing role of Indonesian academia in contributing to global scientific discourse, particularly in sustainable marine resource utilization. The seminar attracted participants from multiple faculties within VSU, including the Faculty of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences and the Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences, demonstrating strong interdisciplinary interest in marine innovation.
The event commenced with opening remarks from Assoc. Prof. Shereen A. Merro, Director for Academic Affairs at VSU Tolosa, and was moderated by Dr. Rizalyn Gozales, Dean of the Faculty of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences. During his session titled “Biorefineries of Indonesian Wild Brown Algae,” Dr. Amin elaborated on the concept of biorefinery as an integrated and sustainable approach to processing marine biomass. He emphasized how this method enables the efficient utilization of all components of brown algae, transforming them into high-value products such as functional food ingredients and nutraceuticals.
A key focus of the discussion was fucoidan, a sulfated polysaccharide extracted from brown algae found across various Indonesian regions, including Madura, Lombok, Makassar, Riau, Bali, and Karawang. Dr. Amin highlighted its significant potential in health-related applications, positioning Indonesia’s marine biodiversity as a strategic asset for future biotechnological development. His insights provided participants with a deeper understanding of how marine-based compounds can contribute to sustainable innovation in the global health and food sectors.
Beyond knowledge exchange, the seminar also served as a platform to promote academic opportunities at FPK UNAIR. Participants were introduced to the Master’s Program in Fisheries and Marine Biotechnology, along with scholarship opportunities such as the Airlangga Development Scholarship. This initiative underscores the faculty’s commitment to fostering international academic mobility and strengthening research collaboration across borders.
The seminar not only enhanced academic networking between institutions but also facilitated meaningful discussions on the future of marine biotechnology. The hybrid format allowed broader participation, encouraging dynamic interaction and knowledge sharing among attendees from different countries and academic backgrounds.
This international engagement aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) through the promotion of international academic exchange, SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) through the advancement of marine-based innovations, SDG 14 (Life Below Water) through sustainable utilization of marine resources, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through strengthened global collaboration.
Through its active involvement in international forums, FPK UNAIR continues to position itself as a globally engaged institution committed to advancing science, innovation, and sustainability in the fisheries and marine sector.
