[Surabaya, May 29, 2026] — The Department of Chemical Engineering, Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS), held a Hybrid Sharing Session entitled “Transforming Your Curriculum with Project-Based Learning (PBL)” on Friday, May 29, 2026. The session featured Dr. Zareena Gani, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at University College London (UCL), as the keynote speaker. The sharing session was attended by lecturers, researchers, students, and academics with an interest in developing project-based learning in higher education.
Through this activity, participants were invited to understand how Project-Based Learning (PBL) can serve as a learning approach that is more relevant to the needs of today’s higher education.
“PBL does not merely position students as recipients of learning materials, but also as active problem solvers who identify problems, design solutions, work in teams, and connect theory with real-world experience,” said Zareena.
This activity also served as part of strengthening academic collaboration between ITS and UCL. Previously, the two institutions had been involved in an international research collaboration to develop biodegradable packaging made from coconut fiber. The research was supported by the Global Engagement Funds (GEF) 2025/2026 and was introduced to the community through a workshop entitled “Utilization of Coconut Fiber for Sustainable Packaging Materials: Optimizing Local Resources in Banyuwangi” at Rumah Kreatif Banyuwangi on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
The collaboration demonstrates how learning, research, and community engagement can be interconnected. The ITS team, led by Siti Nurkhamidah from the Food Engineering Study Program, Department of Chemical Engineering ITS, focuses on material formulation, binder selection, coconut fiber composition, and packaging production processes.
“Meanwhile, the UCL team from the Mechanical Engineering Department contributes to product design and packaging structure development,” added Siti Nurkhamidah.
Through this research, coconut fiber, which has not yet been optimally utilized, is being developed into an environmentally friendly packaging material with high economic value. This innovation is expected to open new opportunities for MSME actors, particularly in Banyuwangi, while also supporting efforts to reduce plastic use through the sustainable utilization of local resources.
Through the synergy of education, international research, MSME empowerment, and the development of sustainable packaging technology, ITS continues to demonstrate its commitment to delivering real contributions to society. This coconut fiber-based biodegradable packaging innovation not only supports the reduction of plastic waste and increases the added value of local resources, but also strengthens the halal product industry ecosystem in Indonesia by providing safe, environmentally friendly, and high-value food packaging.
— Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) actively participated as a speaker in the 2026 Convention
— Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) participated as a key speaker in the Focus Group
— The Department of Chemical Engineering at Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS), in collaboration with