Vientiane, Laos – In an effort to expand its international research network and address food security challenges, a research team from the Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Padjadjaran (Unpad) conducted a strategic visit to Vientiane, Laos. The visit, which took place from July 1–3 2025, was led by Dr. Febri Doni, a researcher affiliated with both Unpad and Cornell University, and Dr. Mia Miranti from Unpad.

The trip aimed to explore potential rice research collaborations with leading institutions in Laos, with a primary focus on developing sustainable biological control methods. The team also included postgraduate students Thomas Argyarich Jefferson (PhD student), Rosamond Chan (Master’s student), and Anggita Rahmi Hafsari (Master’s student), providing them with invaluable hands-on international research experience.

The visit included a meeting at the Lao National Agriculture and Forestry Research Institute (NAFRI), where they were hosted by Dr. Siviengkhek Phommalath, Director of the Lao Rice and Cash Crop Research Center. Discussions focused on potential collaboration in rice research, particularly the biological control of emerging pests and diseases, as well as opportunities for joint funding applications. Later, the team visited rice fields around Vientiane, hosted by Mr. Viengxay Photakoun. They were also introduced to Mr. Manosing Traymany, who shared valuable on-the-ground knowledge about rice cultivation practices in Laos, especially regarding pest and disease management.

Moving forward, the Department of Biology at Unpad and NAFRI in Laos will follow up on the outcomes of this meeting by drafting a framework for a joint research proposal. This collaboration is expected to not only yield reputable scientific publications but also produce innovative, applicable solutions to enhance rice productivity and support food security in the Southeast Asian region. The involvement of postgraduate students in this initiative also underscores the department’s commitment to fostering globally-minded, high-caliber researchers.

Author by Rahmat Hibatul Hadi
Photo by Thomas Agyarich Jefferson