The Faculty of Forestry, Universitas Sumatera Utara (Fahutan USU), once again expanded its knowledge exchange through a Top Scientist Webinar held online via the Zoom platform on Friday (September 30, 2026). The activity, which began at 09.30 WIB, featured Prof. Koji Takayama as the main speaker, presenting a study on the biogeography and dispersal patterns of Talipariti tiliaceum (Malvaceae), a plant commonly found in mangrove ecosystems.
The webinar carried the topic “Contrasting Dispersal Syndromes and the Biogeographical History of Talipariti tiliaceum (Malvaceae), a Widespread Mangrove Associate”. The discussion highlighted a scientific perspective on dispersal syndromes and the biogeographical history of Talipariti tiliaceum, which is closely associated with coastal environments and mangrove ecosystems.
The activity was hosted by Prof. Mohammad Basyuni, S.Hut., M.Si., Ph.D. The presence of Prof. Koji Takayama as the speaker provided the academic community with an opportunity to gain insights from a scientist's perspective in examining plant dispersal dynamics and biogeographical history, particularly in species associated with mangrove ecosystems.
Through the Top Scientist Webinar, the Faculty of Forestry USU continues to promote an academic environment that is open to developments in science and international scientific networks. The online webinar format also enabled broader and more flexible exchange of ideas while opening opportunities for the academic community to connect with researchers and scientists from various scientific backgrounds.
The study of Talipariti tiliaceum is relevant in the context of forestry and the environment because understanding the dispersal patterns and biogeographical history of a species can enrich perspectives on the relationship between plants, habitats, and ecosystem dynamics. Such knowledge can ultimately become an important part of strengthening research, education, and efforts to conserve biodiversity and coastal ecosystems.
The organization of this activity is in line with the commitment of the Faculty of Forestry USU to strengthening quality education and academic collaboration networks. From the perspective of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this activity supports SDG 4: Quality Education through strengthening access to knowledge and academic learning, as well as SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals through the development of networks and knowledge exchange across institutions and countries. Substantively, the topic is also related to SDG 14: Life Below Water and SDG 15: Life on Land, particularly in strengthening scientific understanding of biodiversity and coastal and mangrove ecosystems.