Yogyakarta – Two students from the Faculty of Agricultural Technology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Evelyn Gabriella Suliantoro and Husnul Wati, have achieved a remarkable national distinction by winning 1st Place in the Sustainable Livestock Transformation Research and Innovation Competition for Young Scientists. Organized by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in collaboration with Indonesia’s National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), the competition serves as a platform for emerging researchers to present innovative ideas that support the transformation of sustainable livestock systems.
In addition to receiving the top award, Evelyn and Husnul were also selected among the ten finalists invited to present their work during a pitching session in Jakarta. Their achievement was realized under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Ir. Supriyadi, M.Sc, who guided the development of the concept and the refinement of the innovation throughout the competition process.
For the competition, Evelyn Gabriella Suliantoro and Husnul Wati proposed an innovation centered on the real-time monitoring of beef freshness. Their work was motivated by concerns surrounding common beef packaging practices, which still largely rely on styrofoam trays and plastic wrap—non-biodegradable materials that offer limited protection and do not adequately support direct quality monitoring.
In response to this challenge, they initiated the development of an intelligent packaging system capable of detecting beef freshness in real time and integrating the results with a digital traceability system. This approach is intended not only to strengthen food safety, but also to contribute to more sustainable livestock systems through packaging innovation that is smarter, more functional, and increasingly responsive to the evolving needs of the food industry.
This accomplishment reflects the capacity of students in UGM’s Department of Food and Agricultural Product Technology to produce research-based innovations that address strategic issues at the intersection of food, livestock, and sustainability. Their success further underscores FTP UGM’s commitment to nurturing a new generation of scholars and innovators capable of making meaningful contributions to scientific advancement and to the resolution of pressing global challenges.
The achievement of Evelyn Gabriella Suliantoro and Husnul Wati is expected to inspire the academic community to continue advancing impactful research, expanding collaboration, and developing innovative solutions for a more sustainable future in food and agricultural systems.
Writer: Firstnandita Keisha
