Medan – The Faculty of Vocational Education, Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU), extended warm congratulations and high appreciation to the student research team awarded grant funding under the 2026 Student Creativity Program for Exact Sciences Research (PKM-RE), organized by the Directorate General of Higher Education, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology. This milestone reflects the research prowess and innovative spirit of USU students in delivering impactful solutions.
The interdisciplinary PKM-RE team is led by Inggrid Auralya Sandy (Faculty of Vocational Education), with members Efrida Yohana Sigalingging (FMIPA), Marthayuda Anwarta (FMIPA), Crisya Lestari Siregar (Faculty of Vocational Education), and Novaldo Imanuel Haloho (Faculty of Vocational Education), under the academic guidance of Juli Novitas Sari, S.Si., M.Sc. This cross-faculty collaboration demonstrates powerful academic synergy in advancing integrated scientific research.
The team's funded research project is titled "Development of Chitosan Edible Film with Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch Cellulose Nanofibers and Rambutan Peel Extract as Active Packaging for Post-Flood Red Chili." The study investigates bio-based food packaging by utilizing agricultural waste—oil palm empty fruit bunches and rambutan peels—to synthesize an active, environmentally friendly edible film. This innovation aims to preserve the quality and shelf life of red chili crops, particularly during post-flood distribution challenges.
Following their funding success, the team has qualified to represent USU at the prestigious 39th National Student Scientific Week (Pekan Ilmiah Mahasiswa Nasional - PIMNAS), scheduled for November 2–7, 2026, hosted by Universitas Diponegoro. PIMNAS serves as the premier national scientific arena, bringing together top student researchers from universities across Indonesia to showcase their research outputs and technological innovations.
The leadership of the Faculty of Vocational Education USU commends the team members and faculty advisor for their dedication, hard work, and academic rigor throughout the research process. This achievement serves as an inspiration for students across the university to pursue competitive scientific inquiry and contribute solutions to national agricultural and environmental challenges.
This research initiative directly supports Sustainable Development Goals SDG 4 (Quality Education) by advancing student scientific research and interdisciplinary learning, SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) through sustainable material research and eco-friendly packaging innovation, and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) by utilizing agricultural waste to reduce food loss and promote circular economy practices.
