UNS — Sustainable food has become an important issue discussed around the world, especially in meeting food needs for people in many countries. One of the major challenges is currently faced by India, which has the largest population in the world, reaching 1.48 billion people.
Related to this issue, two researchers from Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta, Dr. Dimas Rahadian Aji Muhammad and Ir. M. Zukhrufuz Zaman, were invited to Sharda University in Uttar Pradesh, India, to deliver keynote speeches at the international seminar titled 1st International Conference on Recent Advances in Phytochemical Research for Sustainable Development and also to give guest lectures at the university.
Dr. Dimas served as a keynote speaker on April 1–2, while Zukhrufuz Zaman became a keynote speaker at the event held earlier on March 30.
Dr. Dimas presented the theme of food innovation using local ingredients to improve public health, while Zukhrufuz Zaman discussed food safety, in line with his area of expertise.
“Research on food is closely related to global issues, especially the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Food research is strongly connected to SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being),” said Dr. Dimas to uns.ac.id on Thursday (9/4/2026).
The presentations delivered by Dr. Dimas and Dr. Zukhrufuz showed that UNS Research directly contributes to SDG 2 and SDG 3, particularly because these studies support improving food quality and the formulation of functional food. The application of these research results has the potential to strengthen food security while also improving public nutrition. Studies on food bioactive compounds, functional nutrition, and consumption patterns can help reduce the risk of diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
The invitation from Sharda University was also the result of cooperation initiatives that had already been established between UNS and Sharda University. This collaboration has been further strengthened through the International Research Network Scheme, which is part of the EQUITY Program from the Lembaga Pengelola Dana Pendidikan (LPDP).
Dr. Dimas, who also serves as Secretary of the Institute of Research and Community Service (LPPM) UNS, hopes that this cooperation can continue and be followed up with joint collaborative research, so that it will bring benefits to both institutions.
HUMAS UNS
