Prof. Ir. I Gede Wenten, M.Sc., Ph.D., as the Vice Rector for Research and Innovation at ITB, explained that ITB has been actively involved in various research and innovation initiatives covering crucial areas such as energy, food, water, health, and the environment.

"We have numerous research groups dedicated to these fields, and we are also engaged in substantial collaborations, particularly with international partners," stated Prof. Wenten during an interview on Monday (29/5/2023).

One notable international collaboration involves a project funded by the British Council. This project focuses on developing membranes for water purification, aiming to address water scarcity issues in Indonesia. ITB is also collaborating with the University of Glasgow on a research initiative related to membrane technology for energy storage.

Furthermore, ITB is actively participating in a research program funded by the Newton Fund, in partnership with the University of Edinburgh. This program centers on the development of membranes for treating industrial wastewater.

In the realm of food security, ITB is collaborating with Wageningen University and Research in the Netherlands on a project focused on sorghum cultivation. This collaboration seeks to explore sorghum's potential as an alternative food source to enhance food security in Indonesia.

Prof. Wenten emphasized that ITB's commitment to research and innovation is deeply rooted in its dedication to community service. He highlighted that ITB's research activities are consistently geared towards addressing real-world problems and contributing to the betterment of society.

"Our research is not solely for academic purposes; it's about making a tangible difference in the lives of people and contributing to the nation's development," Prof. Wenten affirmed.

He further elaborated that ITB's research and innovation endeavors are aligned with national priorities, as outlined in the National Research Priorities (PRN). These priorities encompass crucial areas such as energy, food, water, health, and the environment.

Prof. Wenten expressed optimism that ITB's research and innovation initiatives will yield significant benefits for the community and contribute to the achievement of the SDGs. He also conveyed his hope that these efforts will inspire further research and innovation activities across Indonesia.

"We believe that research and innovation are indispensable for national advancement. Therefore, we are fully committed to supporting these activities," Prof. Wenten concluded.