IEIF ASEAN Research Collaboration Project – Round 3 successful applicants

Abhimata Paramanandana

• Host organisation: The University of Sydney
• Project title: Lactobacillus rhamnosus as an Inhalable Ûiotherapeutic: Implications for Lung Microbiome Ûalance and Antimicrobial Resistance
• Project outline: This project aims to develop a viable dry powder inhaler (DPI) formulation of Lactobacillus rhamnosus using advanced particle engineering techniques for pulmonary delivery. The study will evaluate aerosol performance, bacterial viability, and physicochemical properties of the formulation. It will further investigate the impact of inhaled Lactobacillus rhamnosus on lung microbiome balance as a novel, non-antibiotic strategy to help mitigate antibiotic resistance.
• Email address: abhimata.p@ff.unair.ac.id
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abhimata-paramanandana-phd-4b43869b/

Agung Setiawan

• Host organisation: Swinburne University of Technology
• Project title: Sustainable Dephosphorisation of Monazite Ores via Biomass-Based Carbothermic Reduction
• Project outline: This project will develop an environmentally suitable process for Phosphorus removal from rare-earth-bearing monazite ores Using biomass-based reductants. The methodology will integrate Thermodynamic modelling with systematic experimental validation to optimise carbothermic reduction conditions.
• Email address: agung.metallurgy@gmail.com | agung@metalurgi.co.id

Anggito Tetuko

• Host organisation: Swinburne University of Technology
• Project title: Phase Change Materials Encapsulated Concrete as Thermal Energy Storage by utilizing Industrial Waste Heat for Supporting the Net Zero Emission
• Project outline: Phase Change Materials (PCMs) could be used as a thermal management material in renewable energy devices. PCMs could also act as thermal energy storage to utilize the industrial waste heat. The waste heat could be stored by implementing phase change materials (PCMs) inside the concrete that have direct contact with industrial waste heat. Concrete has the natural behavior to absorb and hold heat. On the other hand, PCMs can absorb, store, and release latent heat. The combination of concrete and PCMs could be used to solve the problem of waste heat in the industry sector.
• Email address: angg005@brin.go.id | anggito.p.tetuko@gmail.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anggito-p-tetuko-ph-d-b92a4810/

Bakti Berlyanto Sedayu

• Host organisation: Swinburne University of Technology
• Project title: Enhancement of Seaweed-Bioplastic Properties by Surface Modification Using Atmospheric Plasma Irradiation
• Project outline: Enhancing the water resistance of seaweed-based bioplastic surfaces through atmospheric plasma surface modification, thereby enabling broader application of the resulting bioplastics, particularly as environmentally friendly food packaging materials
• Email address: bakt002@brin.go.id | baktibsedayu@gmail.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bakti-berlyanto-sedayu-5b15981b/

Budi Mandra Harahap

• Host organisation: University of Technology Sydney
• Project title: Sustainable aviation fuel production from municipal organic waste through microbial chain elongation and catalytic upgrading: Techno-economic and life-cylce assessment
• Project outline: This project examines the conversion of municipal organic waste into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) via microbial chain elongation and catalytic upgrading, focusing on the production of medium-chain carboxylic acids that enable efficient fuel synthesis. It will apply TEAand LCA to compare four waste-to-SAF configurations that differ in bioconversion pathways and hydrogen-supply strategies
• Email address: budi.m.harahap@gmail.com

Erma Yulihastin

• Host organisation: The University of Melbourne
• Project title: Assessment of Extreme Weather over the Maritime Continent-North Australia Under Climate Change
• Project outline: The Indonesian Maritime Continent and North Australia are highly vulnerable to climate change. This study uses CMIP6 GXDDP data to analyze projected changes in wind and precipitation extremes and their drivers. The aim is to support Indonesia and Australia in reducing the risks of severe weather.
• Email address: erma.yulihastin@brin.go.id
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prof-dr-erma-yulihastin-a2334038/

Havid Aqoma Khoiruddin

• Host organisation: The University of Melbourne
• Project title: Low-Cost Carbon Electrodes for High-Efficiency Perovskite Quantum Dot Solar Cells
• Project outline: This project aims to fabricate perovskite quantum dot solar cells by replacing expensive metal components with alternative carbon ink. The outcome will be a proof-of concept for affordable solar technology that supports the renewable energy goals of both Australia and ASEAN.
• Email address: havidaqoma.khoiruddin@xmu.edu.my
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/havidaqoma/

Mario Leonardus

• Host organisation: Monash University
• Project title: Exploration of Porphyrin and Porphyrin Building Blocks to Form π-Conjugated Materials/Frameworks for CO2 Catalysis
• Project outline: Porphyrin catalysts suffer from aggregation, which severely limits their efficiency in CO2 reduction. This research proposes to solve this by synthesizing novel porphyrin precursors and integrating them into π-conjugated solid-state frameworks (like MOFs/COFs) to enhance structural durability and electron transport. The project aims to produce stable, high-performance catalysts for the industrial valorisation of CO2, representing a major step toward practical sustainable energy solutions.
• Email address: mari058@brin.go.id
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mario-leonardus/

Novi Syaftika

• Host organisation: Murdoch University
• Project title: Wastewater-based cultivation of Ulva sp. for simultaneous nutrient recovery and ulvan production
• Project outline: This research focuses on seaweed cultivation Ulva sp. In wastewater to recover nutrients and produce ulvan-rich biomass. Growth performance, nutrient removal, and ulvan content will be evaluated. The results will support future seaweed-based bioproduct recovery within a circular bioeconomy framework.
• Email address: novi.syaftika@brin.go.id
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/novi-syaftika

Roni Nugraha

• Host organisation: James Cook University
• Project title: Innovative Seaweed-Derived Proteins for Food Security and Health in Indonesia
• Project outline: This project aims to explore and optimize the extraction and characterization of proteins from selected Indonesian seaweed species, with the goal of identifying their potential as sustainable sources of functional and bioactive proteins. The development of efficient protein extraction and characterization methods will pave the way for the valorization of seaweed biomass beyond hydrocolloid production.
• Email address: rnugraha@apps.ipb.ac.id
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/roni-nugraha-28a5a368/

Toga Pangihotan Napitupulu

• Host organisation: Charles Darwin University
• Project title: Valorisation of agro-industrial wastes: A prospect for mushroom circular bioeconomy and biorefinery process
• Project outline: This internship aims to address global challenges such as environmental issues, resource depletion, inflation, and population growth by recycling agricultural waste, such as oil palm bunch waste and residual grain crops, to create substrate for mushroom production and novel bioenergy generation. While this breakthrough by utilizing agricultural waste has significant potential for application, its financial viability and production process need to be modeled and optimized. Moreover, this program seeks to evaluate the commercialization potential of mushroom farming under the conditions of the Northern Territory (now limited to a few small family enterprises) and Indonesia.
• Email address: toga001@brin.go.id
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toga-pangihotan-napitupulu-14064634/

Yassaroh

• Host organisation: RMIT University
• Project title: Next Generation Nanocomposite Materials for High Performance Supercapacitor Energy Storage
• Project outline: This field integrates materials science, nanotechnology, and electrochemical engineering to design sustainable, efficient, and durable energy storage systems. The study aims to synthesize hybrid electrode materials for enhanced electrochemical performance of supercapacitor.
• Email address: yass001@brin.go.id | yassaroh@gmail.com

Izdihar Binti Kamal

• Host organisation: RMIT University
• Project title: Radiolabeled Polymer based-Holmium composite/hybrid: A Biodegradable Biomaterial for Potential used in Cancer Treatment
• Project outline: This study provides foundational materials-level evidence for the development of holmium-based composite systems intended for localized cancer therapy. The findings from this proof-of-concept study will serve as a critical preliminary step toward future radiolabelling, biological evaluation, and translational research involving holmium-based therapeutic platforms.
• Email address: izdiharkamal@upm.edu.my

Khaw Kooi Yeong

• Host organisation: Monash University
• Project title: Discovery of bioactive compounds from Malaysian natural resources as potential analgesic drug candidates
• Project outline: This project aims to discover safer, non-opioid analgesics for chronic pain using bioactive natural product compound. Building on an established Australia–ASEAN collaboration, we will characterise bioactive compounds and elucidate their pain-modulating mechanisms using advanced neuropharmacological assays.
• Email address: kooiyeong86@gmail.com

Marlinda binti Ab Rahman

• Host organisation: The University of Adelaide
• Project title: Graphene-Based Sensors for Biomarker Detection to Monitor Yeast-Based Biomanufacturing
• Project outline: In this study, graphene-based sensors are used to see if they can quickly spot key yeast biomarkers, like certain gaseous and proteins, that show how well the yeast is working. The sensor data will be used in an AI-powered computer model to help operators make better decisions in the bioprocess, turning complex results into simple recommendations.
• Email address: marlinda@um.edu.my
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marlinda-ab-rahman-8b7bb4101

Nur Sumirah Mohd Dom

• Host organisation: The University of Melbourne
• Project title: Myocotoxin and Nutritional Profiling of Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) for Safe Alternative Feed.
• Project outline: Black Solider Fly Larvae efficiently convert organic waste into insect biomass, and this study evaluates their mycotoxin safety and nutritional quality to support their use as a safe and sustainable animal feed.
• Email address: n_smurah@upm.edu.my

Stella Tan Li Kar

• Host organisation: NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University
• Project title: Development and Optimisation of Injectable Hydrogel Scaffold Delivery of Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) for Acute Myeloid Leukaemia
• Project outline: This project focuses on the development of an injectable hydrogel as a delivery system for therapeutic extracellular vesicles in acute myeloid leukaemia. Following injection, the hydrogel is expected to form a supportive scaffold that enables the slow and controlled release of extracellular vesicles
• Email address: Stella.Tan@taylors.edu.my
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stella-tan-li-kar-94722b11b

Woh Pei Yee

• Host organisation: The Australian National University
• Project title: Bridging Salmonella Antimicrobial Resistance to Enhance Food Safety Epidemiology Research between Australia and Vietnam [SAFER]
• Project outline: SAFER is a joint research effort between Australia and Vietnam to examine how antimicrobial-resistant Salmonella spreads through the food chain and affects human health. By identifying key resistance genes in food animals and humans, the projects supports the One Health approach to strengthen AMR control and prevention in line with World Health Organisation priorities.
• Email address: peiyee.w@vinuni.edu.vn | peggywoh@gmail.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peywoh/

Khaliyah Sani

• Host organisation: Griffith University
• Project title: Valorization of Sugar Industry Residues via Anaerobic Co-digestion for Renewable Energy Recovery and Circular Bio-economy
• Project outline: This project explores anaerobic co-digestion of sugar industry residues to recover renewable energy and reduce organic waste. By combining filter cake, vinasse, and ash, the study aims to improve biogas production and support circular bioeconomy development.
• Email address: khaliyah.s@psu.ac.th
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khaliyah-sani-a65893394

Narthsirinth Netirith

• Host organisation: University of Tasmania
• Project title: Geo-Marketing for Hydrogen Port Development: Strategic from Thailand and Australia within the RCEP Context.
• Project outline: This project develops an integrated geo-marketing framework to support strategic hydrogen port development in Australia and Thailand within the RCEP context. By combining spatial analysis, stakeholder insights, and Fuzzy TOPSIS decision modelling, the research identifies key infrastructure, logistics, and market priorities shaping hydrogen port competitiveness.
• Email address: narthsirinth.n@ku.th

Sakda Jampasa

• Host organisation: Murdoch University
• Project title: A rapid, low-cost, and portable molecularly imprinted polymer-based biosensor for the multiplex detection of emerging contaminants in various matrices
• Project outline: Establishing the MIP sensor for PFAS starts with creating the specific MIP-imprinted surface using an electrochemical monomer template. After generating the surface, it will detect the target analyte by monitoring changes in the electrochemical signal. Once the concept is proven, the parameters will be optimized, the system's sensing performance will be studied, and it will be applied to detect a real sample.
• Email address: Sakda.jam@wu.ac.th
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sakda-jampasa/?trk=public-profile-join-page

Sarunya Phunpee

• Host organisation: The University of Queensland
• Project title: Engineering Rod-Shaped Chitosan Nanocrystals to Enhance Immune Activation for Peptide Vaccines
• Project outline: This project aims to synthesize and characterize rod-shaped chitosan nanocrystals and conjugate them with model peptide antigens. We will evaluate their stability, cellular uptake, and immunostimulatory potential in vitro, comparing performance with spherical chitosan nanoparticles. The goal is to develop a safe and effective nanoplatform for next-generation peptide vaccines with enhanced immune activation.
• Email address: sarunya@nanotec.or.th

Sayamon Sukkha

• Host organisation: University of South Australia
• Project title: The Effect of Diltiazem on Tacrolimus Exposure: Model-Informed Precision Dosing in Kidney Transplant Patients
• Project outline: This research aims to advance precision dosing of tacrolimus in kidney transplant recipients. The study will identify key factors influencing tacrolimus exposure. A population pharmacokinetic model will be developed to support individualized dosing strategies
• Email address: sayamon.suk@mahidol.ac.th
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sayamon-sukkha-aa7b05166/

Toungporn Uttarotai

• Host organisation: Murdoch University
• Project title: Turning Agricultural Waste into Eco-Friendly Bioplastics Using Salt-Loving Microbes
• Project outline: This research aims to investigate the use of halophilic (salt-loving) microbes to convert agricultural waste into biodegradable bioplastics (PHAs). Using high-salinity, low-contamination processes, its aims to develop a simple, energy-efficient biomanufacturing workflow with potential applications in rural and decentralised production systems.
• Email address: Toungporn.ut@gmail.com
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toungporn-uttarotai

Nguyen Duc Viet

• Host organisation: The University of Adelaide
• Project title: AI-assisted design and structural modification of agricultural by-product-based biochar for carbon retention and heavy metal removal
• Project outline: This project develops biochar derived from agricultural by-products, optimized for heavy-metal adsorption. AI-assisted modelling will be used to predict biochar performance, followed by laboratory synthesis, characterization, and adsorption testing.
• Email address: viet.nguyenduc@hust.edu.vn
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/duc-viet-nguyen-027735147/

Cu Thi Hong Yen

• Host organisation: RMIT University
• Project title: Use of 3D concrete printing (3DCP) to develop sustainable highway walls using eco-friendly printable concrete mixtures
• Project outline: This research project aims to investigate the use of 3D concrete printing (3DCP) to develop sustainable highway walls using eco-friendly printable concrete mixtures. The concrete mixture will be developed from recycled materials, specifically recycled glass and plastic particles, combined with a high volume of fly ash, not only reduce environmental impact but also contribute to CO₂ absorption and storage, supporting the shift toward low-carbon construction.
• Email address: hongyenxd@hcmut.edu.vn

Tran Manh Trung

Vu Van Sang

Vu Quynh Huong

• Host organisation: The University of Sydney
• Project title: Optimising protein utilisation to improve chicken meat quality and reduce environmental impact
• Project outline: The project evaluates the efficacy of dietary protease on broiler chickens fed reduced-crude-protein diets formulated with different feed ingredients. Outcomes will help determine how protease supplementation influences protein and energy utilisation in broilers, thereby enabling more precise feeding strategies that reduce production costs and lessen environmental impacts.
• Email address: vqhuong@vnua.edu.vn
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/huong-quynh-vu-0583a2134