The student team from the Chemical Engineering Study Program, Faculty of Engineering, USU, successfully won 2nd Place or a Silver Medal in the Presentation Category at the 2026 National Student Scientific Week (PIMNAS) through the PKM-K2 scheme.
The award was achieved through their work entitled “DURIOFOAM: Biofoam Based on Durian Seeds and Peels (Durio zibethinus) for the Production of Eco-Friendly Cups.” This innovation highlights the utilization of durian seeds and peels as materials for developing biofoam for more environmentally friendly packaging products.
The team consisted of Nurul Hanifah Nasution as the team leader, together with Arraya Badawi Rahman Nasution, Tiara Anggun Mashanda, and Sri Hanifah. The program development process and competition implementation were supervised by Ir. Erni Misran, S.T., M.T., Ph.D.
This achievement further strengthens the culture of creativity, research, and student innovation within the Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Sumatera Utara. Participation in PIMNAS serves as a means of integrating academic knowledge, problem-solving skills, teamwork, and scientific communication in a national-level competition.
This achievement supports SDG 4 on Quality Education through the strengthening of students' research experience, creativity, teamwork, and scientific communication. The work is also related to SDG 9 on Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure through the development of alternative materials, as well as SDG 12 on Responsible Consumption and Production through the utilization of durian seeds and peels in an environmentally friendly concept.
The Faculty of Engineering, USU, continues to encourage students to develop ideas based on scientific knowledge and community needs. This achievement at the 39th PIMNAS is one of the accomplishments that demonstrates the role of academic guidance and faculty mentorship in supporting student innovation.