Yogyakarta, October 20, 2025 — The Master’s Program in Food Science and Technology, Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), continues to expand its international research network through a strategic collaboration with Taipei Medical University (TMU), Taiwan. This cross-country initiative aims to advance evidence-based food research and promote global health and food security. The partnership focuses on functional testing of food products derived from natural ingredients, marking an important step toward strengthening UGM’s global presence in the food–health research interface.
The meeting between Dr. Widiastuti Setyaningsih, Secretary of the Master’s Program in Food Science and Technology, UGM, and Dr. Sing-Chung Li from the School of Nutrition and Health Sciences, TMU, was also attended by Prof. Shih-Min Hsia, Chair of the School. The discussion explored the potential for joint research in functional testing of bioactive compounds, particularly studies on antioxidant, antidiabetic, and antidepressant activities, utilizing both in vitro and in vivo approaches in TMU’s advanced laboratories.
Beyond research, the collaboration also aims to enhance academic capacity building through joint supervision, joint publications, and the development of a double degree program for Food Science and Technology master’s students. TMU further offers opportunities through its International Internship Program (IIPP), enabling students to gain hands-on research experience, engage in scientific seminars, and develop professional networks in the field of nutrition and health sciences.
This initiative aligns with UGM’s strategy of internationalization toward becoming a World Class Research University, while contributing to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3) and Quality Education (SDG 4).
Affirming UGM’s Global Leadership in Food Research
This collaboration reaffirms the position of UGM’s Master’s Program in Food Science and Technology as a regional leader in food research and education in Southeast Asia. With strong expertise in green analytical chemistry, food metabolomics, and the development of functional food products from tropical bioresources, the program actively builds partnerships with renowned universities such as the University of Cádiz (Spain), Prince of Songkla University (Thailand), Kyoto University (Japan), and now Taipei Medical University (Taiwan).
Through such international partnerships, the program not only enriches students’ research experiences but also enhances graduates’ global competitiveness and readiness to contribute to the food industry and public health sectors worldwide. The collaboration serves as a model for how academic excellence and cross-border research synergy can generate tangible benefits for science and society.
