A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was formally signed in October 2025 between Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) and Çukurova University, Türkiye, marking a significant milestone in strengthening international academic and research collaboration between the two institutions. The agreement will be in effect from 2025 to 2030 and establishes a framework for cooperation in various academic, research, and exchange activities.

The collaboration between the two universities traces its origins to the European Biomass Conference and Exhibition (EUBCE 2015) held in Vienna, Austria, where Associate Prof. Dr. Mohd Rafein Zakaria from UPM first met Associate Prof. Dr. Recep İrfan Nazlı from Çukurova University. This initial meeting laid the groundwork for a long-standing professional relationship and numerous collaborative initiatives in the field of bioresource utilization, renewable energy, and sustainable agricultural technologies.

Over the years, both researchers have jointly participated in several international grant applications, including the MEVLANA Exchange Programme and the TÜBİTAK-MIGHT Joint Grant Scheme, fostering mobility and research exchange between Malaysia and Türkiye. Their collaboration has also extended to academic publishing, with both serving as Guest Editors for a Special Issue of the Journal of Biocatalysis and Agricultural Biotechnology in 2024, which focused on advancements in bio-based technologies and sustainable agricultural systems.

In addition, Dr. Mohd Rafein and Dr. Nazlı have participated and co-organized significant international academic events, such as the 2nd International Conference on Plantation Technology (ICPTech 2023) held in Malaysia, and the 5th International Conference on Research of Agricultural and Food Technologies (I-CRAFT 2025) in Ganja, Azerbaijan. These events have successfully brought together global experts to discuss innovative solutions in agriculture, biomass conversion, and food technologies.

Under the newly signed MoU, a bilateral cooperation protocol has been established between the Faculty of Agriculture of Çukurova University and the Institute of Plantation Studies (IKP) of UPM, which is ranked 75th globally in Agriculture and Forestry according to the QS World University Rankings 2025. The agreement encompasses:

• Collaborative research and joint development of innovative agricultural and biotechnological products,
• Joint participation and organization of international conferences and symposiums,
• Conducting collaborative field research and demonstration trials,
• Student exchange programs,
• Academic and staff mobility, and
• Other mutually beneficial cooperative initiatives.

This MoU symbolizes a strong commitment to advancing sustainable agricultural research, innovation, and academic exchange between Malaysia and Türkiye, paving the way for impactful global contributions in agricultural science and technology.

Prepared by: Associate Professor Dr. Mohd Rafein Zakaria, Universiti Putra Malaysia

Date of Input: 11/11/2025 | Updated: 11/11/2025 | ainzubaidah