International Research Collaboration: Developing Stable Polyacylated Anthocyanins for Food Industry Applications.

International research collaboration not only enhances the quality of research but also fortifies institutional capacity, broadens networks, and creates opportunities for global innovation. Dr. rer. nat. Olly Sanny Hutabarat, S.TP., M.Si., the Head of the Thematic Research Group (TRG) Postharvest Metabo Engineering, has initiated a research collaboration with the Vienna University of Technology (TU Wien), Austria. This collaboration is funded by the European Union through the ASEA-UNINET scheme. The research project, titled “Polyacylated Anthocyanins as Stable Pigments in the Food Industry,” is scheduled to run for two years, from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2027.

The Principal Investigator for this project is Prof. Heidi Halbwirth from TU Wien, Austria, who also serves as an external collaborator of the TRG Postharvest Metabo Engineering. The research team comprises five staff members from the Faculty of Agricultural Technology, in addition to the Head of TRG Postharvest Metabo Engineering: Prof. Dr. Ir. Salengke, M.Sc.; Dr. Hasizah Mochtar; Februadi Bastian, Ph.D.; Dr. Gemala Hardinasinta; and Febriana Intan Permata Hati, M.Sc. The research activities were initiated by Olly Sanny Hutabarat, who acts as the team leader and representative researcher from Hasanuddin University (Unhas). The Principal coordinator of the project is Heidi Halbwirth from TU Wien. Dr. rer. nat. Olly Sanny Hutabarat conducted research at TU Wien, Austria, during November–December 2025. The research at TU Wien focuses on developing natural colorants through the extraction of bioactive compounds from fruits and vegetables derived from greenhouse waste. Other members of the Unhas research team, Dr. Gemala Hardinasinta and Febriana Intan Permata Hati, will continue the research at TU Wien consecutively during January–February and March–April 2026. During the project period, Austrian researchers will also be deployed to Indonesia to further strengthen scientific collaboration. The anticipated research outcomes include technological innovations in the stabilization of polyacylated anthocyanins, facilitating their extensive application in the food industry as a safer and more sustainable alternative to synthetic colorants, thereby contributing to global innovative advancements.