The opportunity to work directly with research facilities at Ghent University, Belgium, became an important experience for Aulia Widya Rofiani, a student of the Master’s Program in Food Science and Technology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (MFST UGM). Through the Joint Supervision Program, Aulia carried out part of her thesis research at Ghent University from October 2 to 31, 2025.
Aulia’s thesis research was jointly supervised by Dr. Arima Diah Setiowati, S.T.P., M.Sc. from UGM and Prof. Paul Van Der Meeren from Ghent University. Her research, titled “Microwave Assisted Conjugation of Phycocyanin with Carrageenan to Improve Its Stability and Technofunctionality,” focuses on the conjugation of phycocyanin and carrageenan to improve its stability and technofunctional properties.
During her stay at Ghent University, Aulia carried out part of her research at The Particle and Interfacial Technology Group (PaInT). She worked on trial methods for particle size and zeta potential analysis, from sample preparation to operating the instruments herself.
This hands-on experience allowed Aulia to understand the analytical process in greater detail. Similar analyses are usually carried out through testing services or require students to wait for instrument availability. At PaInT, she was able to take part directly in each step of the analysis while improving her skills in particle characterization to support her thesis research.
Beyond the research facilities, the laboratory work culture was also one of the most memorable parts of her experience. According to Aulia, glassware, instruments, and materials were readily available, allowing students to work independently while remaining responsible for the facilities they used. Communication with researchers and laboratory technicians was mostly done by email, including arranging discussions and scheduling instrument use.
The highly scheduled work system was initially a challenge because it was different from what she was used to in Indonesia, especially with the relatively short research period. However, the experience gave her valuable lessons in planning, communication, and adapting to an international research environment.
“Having the opportunity to join a student mobility program at Ghent University was an unforgettable experience. Besides being able to use the laboratory facilities directly, I also learned how to adapt to a different work culture. This experience was especially valuable because it was my first time collaborating in an international research environment,” Aulia said.
Throughout her research, Aulia also received support from laboratory staff, technicians, postgraduate students, and postdoctoral researchers at PaInT, both in administrative matters and during her experiments. Outside the laboratory, living in Ghent also gave her a different experience. The walkable city, convenient public transportation, and atmosphere that was very different from Indonesia became part of her adjustment to living and studying in Belgium.
Aulia’s participation in the Joint Supervision Program reflects one of the opportunities available to MFST UGM students to carry out part of their thesis research with international academic partners. In addition to supporting her research, the program helped strengthen her laboratory skills, independence, adaptability, and understanding of different research cultures.
This activity also supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 on Quality Education, SDG 9 on Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, and SDG 17 on Partnerships for the Goals.
