As part of the Equity – Research Matchmaking program, a team from the Faculty of Industrial Technology, Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), led by Dr. Ir. Tri Partono Adhi, with the team members, Dr. Eng. Aghietyas Choirun Az Zahra, Dr. Anita Kusuma Wardani, and Dr.Eng. Hafis Pratama Rendra Graha, S.T., M.T., M.Eng., delegates Aghietyas and Anita to visit the University of Nottingham Malaysia and hold a meaningful discussion with Prof. Dominic C. Y. Foo. The meeting explored collaborative research opportunities in sustainable process simulation and integration, with a focus on improving resource efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.

Prof. Dominic is widely recognized as a leading academic in the field of chemical engineering, particularly in process integration and sustainability. To date, he has produced more than 380 scientific publications in reputable international journals, with an H-index of approximately 54 based on the Scopus database. In addition to his research activities, he is actively involved in editorial roles across various international journals and publishers, including as Series Editor for Green Chemistry and Chemical Engineering (CRC Press), Editor-in-Chief of Process Integration and Optimization for Sustainability (Springer Nature), Editor for the Clean Technology section of Trans IChemE Part B: Process Safety & Environmental Protection (Elsevier), as well as Associate Editor for Water Conservation Science and Engineering and Frontiers in Sustainability. He also serves as an Editor for the South African Journal of Chemical Engineering.

During the discussion, Prof. Dominic presented his research direction, which focuses on process simulation and integration through a holistic approach encompassing the design, optimization, and operation of process systems. This approach emphasizes the importance of integration across process units to achieve optimal resource efficiency. The methodologies applied include pinch analysis and mathematical optimization to address challenges related to energy and material conservation, carbon dioxide emission reduction, and the development of more sustainable process systems. These research directions strongly align with FTI ITB’s research roadmap, particularly in the development of sustainability-oriented process technologies.

The visit also included discussions on potential research collaboration with Dr. Yoke Kin Wan. These discussions focused on exploring joint research opportunities in water and wastewater treatment, particularly in the development of efficient and sustainable treatment technologies. In addition, process optimization approaches based on mathematical methods were discussed, including modeling, simulation, and optimization of process systems to enhance operational efficiency and resource utilization. These topics demonstrate strong alignment with the expertise of both institutions, opening opportunities for impactful, science-based collaborative research.

Furthermore, exploratory discussions on research collaboration were conducted in the field of biomass thermal processing with Dr. Suchithra Tangalazhy Gopakumar from the Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, University of Nottingham Malaysia. This meeting represents a strategic step in strengthening research development in renewable energy based on biomass, which is increasingly relevant in addressing global challenges. Amid the growing energy crisis, climate change, and the depletion of fossil resources, waste-based biomass research offers a sustainable, practical, and applicable solution to support the transition toward cleaner and low-carbon energy systems.

Dr. Suchithra is a researcher with strong expertise in biomass thermal processing, particularly in pyrolysis and hydrothermal processing technologies. Her research focuses on the conversion of various types of biomass, especially waste-based biomass, into value-added products such as bioenergy, green chemicals, and functional materials. This research direction demonstrates strong alignment with long-established research areas at FTI ITB, particularly within the Bioenergy and Chemurgy Study Program. The alignment of these research themes presents significant opportunities for synergy in terms of scientific development, utilization of research facilities, and enhancement of publication quality and innovation outputs. Furthermore, this collaborative research contributes directly to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) through the development of alternative non-fossil energy sources; SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) through the utilization of biomass waste as feedstock; and SDG 13 (Climate Action) through the reduction of carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.

As a follow-up to this meeting, both institutions agreed to develop a more structured collaboration, including the exploration of joint research initiatives, student and researcher exchanges, and the preparation of joint proposals for international funding schemes. This visit not only represents an outcome of the Equity – Research Matchmaking program but also opens opportunities for long-term synergy between FTI ITB and the University of Nottingham Malaysia. It is expected that this collaboration will generate complementary research, strengthen institutional capacity, and contribute meaningfully to the development of sustainable energy and process technologies.