Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) is hosting the 4th International Symposium on Food and Agro-Biodiversity (ISFA 2024), held from October 2-4, 2024. Taking place at the Oak Tree Hotel Semarang, the opening of ISFA 2024 coincided with the launch of the innovative FIND4S International Collaboration Program. UNDIP Vice-Rector for Research, Innovation, and Cooperation, Wijayanto, S.IP., M.Si., Ph.D., officially opened the event this morning on behalf of the UNDIP Rector.
With the theme “For Healthy, Affordable, and Sustainable Food,” ISFA 2024 brings together over 120 experts, researchers, and professionals from around the world to discuss urgent issues related to food security, nutrition, and sustainable agriculture. Delegations from Belgium, Australia, Japan, India, Turkey, and various Southeast Asian countries participated in this symposium to share insights, present recent research, and establish new collaborations.
Participants in ISFA 2024 include food sector delegates from various universities. They will engage in expert panel discussions and research presentations to address critical issues in achieving a more sustainable, resilient, and affordable global food system.
In his opening speech, Wijayanto, S.IP., M.Si., Ph.D., as UNDIP Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, and Cooperation, emphasized the importance of ISFA 2024 in tackling global challenges related to food systems. He noted that issues of food insecurity and access to nutritious food continue to be global challenges. “This symposium provides a crucial platform for collaboration and innovation in addressing complex issues such as food insecurity, climate change, and the need for sustainable food production. We can gather answers provided by delegates from around the world and work together to achieve sustainable solutions to food issues,” he said.
The symposium, organized by the Faculty of Animal and Agricultural Sciences UNDIP, is supported by the Indonesian Food Technologists (IFT) and UNDIP’s World-Class University scheme. Yoga Pratama, S.TP., M.Sc., Ph.D., Chair of the ISFA 2024 organizing committee, expressed his hope that this event would build long-term relationships and collaborative networks among researchers and professionals worldwide.
Since its beginning in 2014, ISFA has been recognized as a leading forum for knowledge exchange in the fields of food and agriculture. Previous symposia have resulted in influential research published in leading scientific journals, strengthening the global academic discourse on sustainable food systems.
In addition to the symposium, UNDIP also launched the FIND4S International Collaboration Program, raising the theme “Enhancing Higher Education Capacity for Sustainable Data-Driven Food Systems in Indonesia.” The European Union supports this initiative and involves prestigious universities such as KU Leuven (Belgium), University College Dublin (Ireland), Universidade Católica Portuguesa (Portugal), and Hochschule Anhalt (Germany). Several Indonesian universities, including Universitas Semarang, Universitas Nasional Karang Turi, Universitas Tidar, Universitas Muhammadiyah Semarang, Universitas 17 Agustus Semarang, and Universitas PGRI Semarang, are also involved in the FIND4S Program and participated in this symposium.
The FIND4S Program will focus on building data-driven food systems through an innovative curriculum and institutional strengthening to address the need for sustainable solutions in Indonesia’s food sector. The Vice Rector emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating, “The FIND4S program is a major leap forward in empowering Indonesian universities to meet the evolving demands of the food industry, particularly in sustainable and data-driven food systems.” (ISFA FPP UNDIP Team – Titis UNDIP Public Relations)
