BRIN appoints five new research professors to strengthen national innovation

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has inaugurated five new research professors in various strategic areas of expertise, covering biomaterials, plant protection, palm oil policy, marine biotechnology, and air resource management.

BRIN Head Arif Satria, during the Open Session of the Research Professors’ Inauguration Council in Jakarta on Wednesday, stressed that the title of professor is not the end of an academic journey, but the start of greater responsibilities.

“Professors must continue learning, conducting research, and serving as role models and inspiration for young researchers,” he said.

The five inaugurated research professors include I Nyoman Jujur (expertise in biomaterials), Muhammad Yasin (expertise in plant pests and diseases), Delima Hasri Azahari (expertise in agricultural economics and policy), Ratih Pangestuti (expertise in marine biotechnology), and Yayan Apriyana (expertise in agrometeorology and hydrology).

“There are many helmets, bulletproof vests, and several facilities currently being developed from various biomaterial sources, from palm oil waste and other wastes,” he stated.

Research in creating superior pest-resistant seeds is equally important in realising sustainable agriculture, while research in marine biodiversity paves the way for transforming microalgae, which can be utilised into high-value products relevant to modern food and health needs.

He hopes that the research conducted can also serve as a stepping stone in achieving national health resilience.

“90 per cent of our medicines are still based on imports. To enhance our health sovereignty, we still need experts capable of identifying local potentials, both at sea and on land. And at sea, biotechnology products have already been produced by various countries, which are currently flooding the domestic market,” said Arif Satria.