The Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Brawijaya (FT UB), has officially launched the Bio-Engineering & Eco-Friendly (BEE) initiative, designed to strengthen international academic networks in the fields of bio-engineering and environmentally friendly technologies.

The program, initiated by Prof. Dr. Ir. Femiana Gapsari, ST., MT., aims to become a global collaboration hub, offering innovative solutions to various environmental challenges through research, workshops, and strategic partnerships.

Prof. Femiana explained that the activities held on November 11–12, 2024, align with UB’s vision of becoming an internationally recognized educational and research institution.

“We aim to create a global collaboration platform capable of generating sustainable technologies while addressing the future needs of a greener world,” she stated.

BEE emerges amid the growing demand for technological innovations that support sustainability. Bioengineering, a field that prioritizes renewable resources and eco-friendly solutions, is the primary focus of this program.

Through BEE, the Department of Mechanical Engineering is committed to fostering cross-country collaborations and increasing academic contributions to find concrete solutions to social and environmental challenges.

As an initial step, BEE held an international webinar attended by 120 participants from various countries. Three keynote speakers shared their insights into bio-engineering and sustainable technologies.

The three speakers included Dr. Sanjay Mavinkere Rangappa from Thailand, Dr. Lai Chin Wei from Malaysia, and Dr. Madhu P. from India. These experts presented their research on environmentally friendly materials, nanotechnology, and bio-composites as cutting-edge innovations in preserving the environment.

Several Mechanical Engineering academics also delivered presentations, including Prof. Nurkholis Hamidi, who discussed bioenergy technology, and Dr. Tech. Khairul Anam, who explained the development of bio-based materials for eco-friendly technologies.

BEE has several strategic objectives, such as enhancing international academic collaboration, encouraging publications in reputable journals, and strengthening UB’s academic capacity through interactions with global experts. This program will produce impactful research addressing global issues such as energy sustainability and waste management.

The BEE initiative is not only a new milestone for the Faculty of Engineering at UB but also for Indonesia in demonstrating its commitment to sustainable development. With cross-country collaboration and support from experts, UB is optimistic about making a real impact on a greener and more environmentally friendly future.