The Environmental Engineering Study Program of the Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FT USU), conducted a Matchmaking Research Visit to the State University of New York Polytechnic Institute (SUNY Poly) in Utica, New York, United States. The seven-week program, held from July 1 to August 18, 2026, focused on developing research and innovation networks in new and renewable energy, recycling, and manufacturing technologies.

During the program, the FT USU research team carried out several research activities according to their respective areas of expertise. Dr. Adri Huda, S.Si., worked on the development of perovskite-based solar cells. Reisya Ichwani, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., studied the potential reuse and recycling of spent graphite obtained from battery recycling processes. Meanwhile, Akbar Gading Alfadli Harahap, S.T., M.T., conducted an exploratory study on the potential of AlSi10Mg material prepared using 3D technology to support the development of sustainable manufacturing materials.

The research collaboration also included academic capacity-building activities across institutions. Reisya Ichwani, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., provided technical supervision in battery preparation to Bernice Abraham, a doctoral student from the African University of Science and Technology, Nigeria. This activity expanded the scope of collaboration from joint research to the exchange of knowledge and expertise among researchers and students at the international level.

In addition to research activities, the FT USU team explored opportunities for collaboration in education and teaching, particularly through the International Undergraduate Program (IUP), Joint Degree, and Joint Supervision schemes. During the process, the team engaged with Prof. Winston Soboyejo, President of SUNY Poly, to discuss opportunities to strengthen academic and research relations between the two institutions. The visit also resulted in institutional cooperation through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Universitas Sumatera Utara and SUNY Poly, providing a foundation for further collaboration.

The Matchmaking Research Visit brought together three areas closely connected to sustainable development: energy technology through perovskite solar cell research, the reuse of materials recovered from battery waste, and the exploration of materials and manufacturing technologies. The transfer of knowledge and expertise during the program is expected to strengthen FT USU’s research capacity while creating opportunities for future joint research.

The activity primarily supports SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure through research and technology development in the energy and manufacturing sectors. Its contribution to SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production is reflected in research on the reuse of materials recovered from recycled batteries, while SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals is strengthened through research collaboration, expertise exchange, and institutional cooperation between USU and SUNY Poly.

Through this Matchmaking Research Visit, FT USU reaffirms its commitment to expanding the internationalization of research, strengthening innovation, and building impact-oriented academic partnerships. The collaboration with SUNY Poly is expected to develop into joint research, technology transfer, academic mobility, and collaborative education programs that support capacity building among the academic community and the development of an Impact-Oriented Engineering Faculty.