Imagine a virtual gathering where young minds from around the world converge to tackle pressing nutrition challenges. That’s precisely what happened on May 24, 2025, as the Department of Nutrition Science at Universitas Hasanuddin’s Faculty of Public Health (FKM Unhas) enthusiastically participated in NICER 2025 – the Nutrition International Colloquium for Excellence in Undergraduate Research. This wasn’t just any conference; it was a vibrant hub for innovative ideas and global academic connections.
More than just a showcase for student research, NICER 2025 served as a powerful bridge connecting four major institutions: Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), UCSI University (Malaysia), IPB University (Bogor), and Unhas (Makassar). Together, they orchestrated this impactful online mini-conference, shining a spotlight on groundbreaking undergraduate research in nutrition.
For FKM Unhas, involvement in NICER 2025 was a strategic move. “This is a tangible step towards solidifying our presence in the global academic landscape,” affirmed Prof. Sukri Palutturi, Dean of FKM Unhas, whose words resonated with optimism. He believes such initiatives are crucial for nurturing graduates who are not only academically superior but also ready to thrive in the international arena.
The conference buzzed with intellectual energy. Students confidently presented their findings, drawing the keen attention of academics from diverse backgrounds. FKM Unhas proudly contributed several expert lecturers from its Department of Nutrition Science to serve as judges, meticulously evaluating each presentation’s methodology, relevance, and potential impact on community nutrition.
Adding depth to the discussions were two distinguished Indonesian nutrition experts. Among them was Dr. Healthy Hidayanty, a seasoned dietitian and FKM Unhas lecturer, who unveiled her compelling research on nutritional issues faced by adolescent girls in South Sulawesi’s island communities. Her presentation, titled “Study of Nutrition Problems among Adolescent Girls in the Island Based of South Sulawesi, Indonesia,” underscored a critical dual challenge: widespread iron deficiency alongside the rising threat of overweight.
“In our coastal areas, a combination of sedentary lifestyles and imbalanced diets creates a complex web of nutritional challenges. Effective interventions must be deeply rooted in the community and culturally sensitive,” emphasized Dr. Healthy.
NICER 2025 left an indelible mark, fostering a strong research culture from the undergraduate level and nurturing a spirit of international academic camaraderie. For FKM Unhas, this engagement is a cornerstone of its long-term vision to elevate its educational standing globally and forge stronger international partnerships in public nutrition.
In an increasingly interconnected world, collaborative academic platforms like NICER 2025 are essential for developing solutions that resonate not only locally but also globally. FKM Unhas is actively shaping this future, not merely as a participant, but as a pivotal partner in advancing nutrition science worldwide.