Professor of the Faculty of Agriculture at Universitas Gadjah Mada (Agriculture UGM), Ani Widiastuti, has taken on a new role as a professor in the Department of Applied Biology at Ibaraki University through a cross-appointment system, the result of collaboration between UGM and Ibaraki University. This scheme allows researchers to work at more than one institution and also marks the first time Ibaraki University has implemented such a system with a university outside Japan.
At Ibaraki University, Professor Widiastuti has the opportunity to teach at the Faculty of Agriculture and the Graduate School. The topics she delivers focus on climate change, adaptive agriculture, and plant protection techniques.
Her appointment as a visiting lecturer will run for one year, starting in January 2026.
“For the next year, I will be in Japan teaching at the Faculty and Graduate Program of Agriculture while also conducting research,” she said on Wednesday (Jan. 21).
Professor Widiastuti explained that her teaching plans aim to broaden students’ international perspectives through lectures and discussions conducted in English. In addition, she is involved in international collaborative research and social implementation initiatives designed to address local challenges.
According to her, the academic activities she is undertaking are expected to contribute to regional agricultural development, particularly in Ibaraki Prefecture.
“As an alumna, I want to contribute through research and other aspects. I am happy to meet students and eager to share the knowledge and skills I have gained from my expertise in plant pathology and immunology,” she explained.
Professor Widiastuti’s journey to becoming a lecturer at Ibaraki University was not coincidental. Previously, she had participated in faculty exchange programs in both education and research.
Among these, she facilitated academic visits by Ibaraki University lecturers to Universitas Gadjah Mada, which later opened opportunities for her doctoral studies in Japan.
During her doctoral program, Professor Widiastuti actively strengthened cooperation between the two institutions through involvement in collaborative research, mentoring exchange program students, and developing joint agricultural research.
These contributions continued with the signing of a joint research agreement in 2025 on tropical plant immunology, which led to her participation in the JST Sakura Science Program.
For Professor Widiastuti, Ibaraki University holds a special place in her life, as in April 2009, she enrolled in the doctoral program at the United Graduate School of Agricultural Sciences, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology, which was established by Ibaraki University.
After completing her studies, Professor Widiastuti received the Japan International Award for Young Agricultural Researchers 2015 from the Japanese government.
Author: Hanifah
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya
Photographs: Ibaraki University