On July 20, 2026, the Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FT USU) recorded 21 researchers among the recipients of the 2026 USU TALENTA Research Grants under the Reputation Research Group, funded through non-Non-Tax State Revenue (non-PNBP) allocations. The awardees are distributed across five research schemes encompassing a wide range of scientific fields.
Under the Fundamental Research Scheme, grants were awarded to Riza Inanda Siregar, Gina Cynthia Raphita Hasibuan, Sanjaya Baroar Sakti Nasution, Novrida Harpah Hasibuan, Sarah Patumona Manalu, and Ade Irwan. Their research topics include flood and sedimentation control, circular economy-based construction waste management, wind turbine development for tropical environments, biochar filtration for microplastic removal, biodegradable biomaterials, and lightweight structural composites.
The Applied Research Scheme includes Rahmi Karolina, Muhammad Aswin, Iriany, Rondang Tambun, Rosnani Ginting, Tigor Hamonangan Nasution, Ferry Rahmat Astianta Bukit, and Ikhsan Siregar. Their projects focus on low-carbon construction materials, the utilization of flood sediment and organic waste, virgin coconut oil (VCO) and palm oil processing, sensor-based rehabilitation technologies, interactive learning media, solar panel efficiency enhancement, and pharmaceutical testing devices.
Under the International Collaborative Research Scheme, grants were awarded to Rosdanelli Hasibuan, Halimatuddahliana, Bambang Trisakti, Hamidah Harahap, and Renita Manurung. Rivaldi Sidabutar received funding through the Government Collaborative Research Scheme, while Hilma Tamiami Fachrudin was supported under the Center of Excellence/Research Center/Study Center Research Scheme. These projects explore topics such as integrated pyrolysis drying, biofoam development, palm oil mill effluent (POME) treatment, microfiltration membranes, vitamin extraction from palm oil, conversion of empty fruit bunches into value-added products, and passive design strategies for green buildings.
The diversity of these research projects reflects FT USU's strengthened research agenda in the fields of disaster mitigation, renewable energy, healthcare, advanced materials, circular economy, education, and sustainability. The funding supports Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure by advancing research and technological innovation. It also contributes to SDG 4: Quality Education and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals through enhanced academic capacity and strengthened international and government research collaborations. The long-term impacts of these projects will be assessed as each study progresses and achieves its intended research outputs.
The Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Sumatera Utara, remains committed to fostering high-quality, collaborative, and impactful research that addresses contemporary development challenges. By supporting recipients of the 2026 USU TALENTA Research Grants, FT USU aims to strengthen scientific and technological advancement while encouraging the development of research outcomes that benefit society, industry, the environment, and education.