SYDNEY,UNHAS.TV – A significant step in international academic and scientific collaboration was taken this month as Hasanuddin University (Unhas) and the University of Sydney (Usyd) deepened their existing partnership. The engagement, highlighted by a research presentation and specialized training, promises to enhance research capabilities and foster innovation in agricultural sciences.
The Department of Plant Pests and Diseases from Unhas’s Faculty of Agriculture was invited to the prestigious Food & Agriculture Seminar Series hosted by Usyd’s School of Life and Environmental Sciences (SoLES) starting May 5, 2025. This visit also facilitated advanced training in NGS-Nanopore Sequencing and genomic analysis for an Unhas staff member.
This initiative builds upon an established research collaboration involving Usyd, PT. Mars, and Unhas. Their joint project, "Fast-track breeding target for resistance genes to VSD and other serious diseases," is spearheaded by Prof. David Guest, Head of Horticultural Research at the Sydney Institute of Agriculture, and commenced on March 28.
Dr. Muhammad Junaid, S.P., M.P., Ph.D., is delivering his seminar presentation as part of the Phytophthora and Cocoa Research Groups, affiliated with the Faculty of Agriculture. He is shown in a lecture theatre (LT 327) at the Carslaw Building, presenting the seminar series for SoLES F&A on May 9, 2025. Credit: Jun.
Representing Unhas, Dr. Muhammad Junaid, S.P., M.P., Ph.D., Head of the Phytophthora Research Group, delivered a compelling presentation on May 9 titled, “Beyond the symptoms: A metagenomic perspective on fungal diversity in Vascular Streak Dieback (VSD) disease of Sulawesi Cocoa.” The seminar, held in the Carslaw Building, drew 35 attendees, including SoLES professors, and was lauded by moderator Dr. Peri Tobias for its significant insights. In a notable recognition of his contributions, the University of Sydney granted Dr. Junaid a Research Affiliation Appointment, effective until December 31, 2025.
Running concurrently from May 5 to May 19, Ms. Eirene Brugman, SP., MSi, a lecturer from the Unhas Department of Plant Pests and Diseases, underwent intensive training in NGS-Nanopore sequencing and genomic analysis. The program, conducted at the Life, Earth, and Environmental Sciences (LEES) Building, was led by SoLES research fellows Dr. Peri Tobias and Dr. Jacob Dawn.
Beyond the formal presentations and training, Dr. Junaid engaged in strategic discussions to broaden research partnerships. Meetings with Prof. Greg Fox, Head of the Southeast Asia Centre, and coordinated with Prof. Nasum Massi, Head of Unhas’s Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM), explored potential collaborations in digital farming, soil mapping, renewable energy and other potential areas.
The overarching goal of the visit was to solidify strategic research and academic alliances. Key discussions involved collaborative projects with the University of New Castle, Australia, represented by Dr. Teuku Geumpana, and continued work with Prof. Budiman Minasny of Usyd, particularly focusing on soil mapping. Opportunities for Ph.D. studies at the University of Sydney and joint publications were also key agenda items.
Eirene Brugman, a young lecturer from Hasanuddin University (Unhas), is undergoing training in NGS-Nanopore sequencing and genome analysis in plant pathology, as part of the Phytophthora Research Group of the Faculty of Agriculture. She is currently working in the laboratory at the LEES Building, University of Sydney (Usyd). Credit: Jun.
Existing cooperation between the institutions already includes guest lectures, joint research publications, and staff exchanges. The potential Ph.D. candidature for Ms. Eirene Brugman at Usyd further underscores commitment to academic development.
Leaders from all involved institutions, including Prof. David Guest, Prof. Budiman Minasny, and Prof. Greg Fox from the University of Sydney, and Dr. Teuku Geumpana from the University of NewCastle, have expressed strong support for these initiatives. Further online discussions with Prof. David Guest and an in-office meeting between Dr. Junaid and Prof. Budiman Minasny at the Sydney Institute of Agriculture reaffirmed the commitment to advancing agricultural technology, innovation, and addressing land issues in Sulawesi.
This strengthened collaboration is poised to make significant contributions to scientific advancement, particularly in the burgeoning fields of digital farming and renewable energy, promising a global impact on agricultural innovation and technological development.(*)
