The International Office of the Center for Developing Cooperation and International Affairs (CDCIA), UIN Sunan Kalijaga, successfully organized an International Public Lecture Series and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) featuring Prof. Khaled Chetehouna from INSA Centre Val de Loire, France, on December 18, 2025, at the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST).

Prof. Khaled Chetehouna is an internationally recognized expert in Fire and Engineering Sciences and currently serves as Vice-Chairman for Research at INSA Centre Val de Loire. He is also the Head of the P2CF Research Team at the PRISME Laboratory. With more than 150 publications, including journal articles, conference papers, and book chapters, Prof. Khaled has made significant contributions to his field. His visit to FST provided valuable opportunities for exploring potential collaborations in research and other academic partnership programs.

In his welcoming remarks, the Vice Dean of FST, Dr. Taufiq Nuruzzaman, emphasized the importance of strengthening international collaboration with overseas universities, particularly in supporting academic staff and students pursuing doctoral degrees. He highlighted that Prof. Khaled could serve as a potential research supervisor and collaborator through his laboratory at INSA. The FGD explored various possibilities for academic and research collaboration, including joint research projects, student mobility programs, and laboratory-based cooperation. During the discussion, Prof. Khaled introduced the PRISME Laboratory, a leading research facility in the Centre-Val de Loire region, outlining its research focus and international collaboration opportunities. The session concluded with a visit to UIN Sunan Kalijaga’s Integrated Laboratory, where Prof. Khaled toured the Physics, Biology, and Chemistry laboratories, gaining firsthand insight into the university’s research infrastructure.

The agenda continued with a seminar entitled “Development of Bio-Based Materials for Environmental Sustainability.” The seminar was attended by more than 50 participants, predominantly students from the Physics Department. The high level of interest was closely related to Prof. Khaled’s academic expertise and his role as the doctoral supervisor of Asih Melati, M.Sc., Ph.D., a lecturer in Physics at UIN Sunan Kalijaga.

During the seminar, Prof. Khaled delivered a comprehensive explanation of the development and application of bio-based materials as sustainable solutions for environmental preservation. He also introduced the academic profile of INSA Centre Val de Loire, sharing insights into its research culture, facilities, and academic environment. The seminar was intentionally conducted in a classroom setting to foster focus and engagement, resulting in an active and interactive discussion session.

Participants demonstrated strong enthusiasm by raising questions not only about bio-based materials, but also about academic life in France, international study opportunities, and potential internship programs at INSA Centre Val de Loire.

Through these activities, CDCIA UIN Sunan Kalijaga facilitated the Faculty of Science and Technology in reaffirming its commitment to strengthening international academic collaboration, promoting sustainable scientific research, and expanding global opportunities for students and faculty members.