June 24, 2026 — A research project team of biology students from Unpad is competing for the Henri de Laulanié Prize. This prestigious award recognizes student-led agroecology projects that demonstrate measurable and scalable impacts on both climate resilience and community livelihoods.

The project is led by Dedat Prismantoro (25023025000), a doctoral student in the Biotechnology Program at Unpad. Other students involved in the project include Thomas Argyarich Jefferson (140320240001) and Malvin Albert (140320250004), who are students in the Master’s Program in Biology Unpad, as well as Livia Putri Shafina (140410230084) and Hibar Abdillah (140410230004), who are currently in their sixth semester of the Bachelor’s Program in Biology Unpad.

Mentored by Dr. Febri Doni, the award-winning team developed and implemented a Trichoderma-based microbial inoculant for farmers practicing the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) in Tasikmalaya, Indonesia. Through multi-year field implementation, farmer capacity building, and a practical strategy for scaling up adoption, the project demonstrated how microbial inoculants can strengthen rice resilience against pests and diseases while advancing sustainable agricultural practices.

In addition to receiving a £2,000 prize, this recognition highlights the team’s scientific excellence, innovation, and commitment to translating research into meaningful benefits for farming communities. This award is a prestigious program aimed at enhancing the impact of students’ agroecology research, in honor of Pastor Henri de Laulanié SJ., who made significant contributions to the development of the System of Rice Intensification (SRI) and its impact on global rice yields.

We hope that the participation of biology students in this competition will serve as a platform for them to continue growing, particularly in fostering a generation that dares to compete and innovate. We extend our sincere congratulations to the entire team and their mentors on this outstanding achievement. Your success reflects the department’s commitment to impactful research and innovation in support of sustainable agriculture.

Writer: Nabiha Fatnunnisa