BRIN and Universitas Andalas Establish Nanocellulose Research Collaboration Center to Promote Sustainable Materials, Supporting SDG 9 and SDG 12

Padang, November 3, 2022 — As part of its commitment to advancing SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has designated Universitas Andalas as one of Indonesia’s Nanocellulose Research Collaboration Centers. This designation was marked by the launch of the Nanocellulose Research Collaboration Center (PKR) at Universitas Andalas, representing a strategic step toward the development of environmentally friendly materials based on renewable resources.

Head of BRIN, Laksana Tri Handoko, expressed appreciation for Universitas Andalas’ inclusion in the national PKR network. He emphasized that the establishment of the Nanocellulose PKR is expected to generate applied research breakthroughs with tangible benefits for society. According to him, the Research Collaboration Center scheme serves as a strategic mechanism to strengthen Indonesia’s research and innovation ecosystem through cross-institutional collaboration.

Chair of the Nanocellulose PKR at Universitas Andalas, Prof. Hairul Abral, explained that the center focuses on the production and utilization of nanocellulose derived from various sources, including biomass waste, bacterial cellulose, and marine resources. In addition, the center aims to develop nanocellulose-based products, technological prototypes, intellectual property rights (IPR), patents, and internationally reputable scientific publications.

The establishment of the Nanocellulose PKR is driven by the increasing use of synthetic polymers, which pose environmental challenges. Nanocellulose offers a promising alternative as a bio-based, biodegradable material with significant potential for application across various industrial sectors.

In its implementation, Universitas Andalas collaborates with multiple institutions, including BRIN, Institut Teknologi Batam, Politeknik Pertanian Payakumbuh, and Universitas Jember. This collaboration is expected to foster a strong research ecosystem while expanding both national and international partnerships in the field of nanocellulose.

Rector of Universitas Andalas, Prof. Yuliandri, expressed gratitude for the trust placed by BRIN. He noted that this designation marks an important milestone in strengthening Universitas Andalas as a research-based university. Moving forward, the Nanocellulose PKR is expected to accelerate the downstreaming of research outputs and contribute significantly to the development of sustainable material technologies in Indonesia.