HUMAS FAHUTAN – The Faculty of Forestry at Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) once again strengthened its international academic atmosphere through an International General Lecture featuring a distinguished academic from Germany, Prof. Dr. rer. nat—Bernhard Grimm from Humboldt University of Berlin, on Friday, May 8, 2026.

The international public lecture, conducted in a hybrid format via Zoom Meeting, carried the theme “Tetrapyrroles – Pigments of Life, Structure, Function and Metabolism of Chlorophyll & Heme.” The event was moderated by Dr.Agr. Fauziah Nurhasanah Ritonga, S.Hut., M.Si., and began with an opening speech by Dr. Anita Zaitunah, S.Hut., M.Sc., Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and International Affairs of the Faculty of Forestry USU.

In his presentation, Prof. Bernhard Grimm explained how plants possess natural mechanisms that enable them to survive under various environmental conditions. According to him, plants always have backup mechanisms to ensure survival when facing environmental stress and changes.

The lecture also discussed the important role of tetrapyrroles as the “pigments of life,” particularly in relation to the structure, function, and metabolism of chlorophyll and heme in plant biological processes. This topic represents an important area of study in the development of forestry science, biosciences, and environmental resilience amid the challenges of global climate change.

The event was also attended by Dr. Ir. Tito Sucipto, S.Hut., M.Si., IPU., ASEAN Eng., Vice Dean for Education, Student Affairs, and Alumni Affairs; Dr. Evalina Herawati, S.Hut., M.Si., Secretary of the Undergraduate Forestry Study Program; Dr. Ir. Samsuri, S.Hut., M.Si., IPM., ASEAN Eng., Head of the Master’s Program in Forestry; dean’s expert staff, lecturers, administrative staff, and students of the Faculty of Forestry USU.

Following the International General Lecture session, the event continued with an academic discussion and the signing of an Implementation Arrangement (IA) as part of strengthening international collaboration in education, research, and the development of forestry science.

Through this activity, the Faculty of Forestry USU continues to demonstrate its commitment to supporting campus internationalization, expanding global academic networks, and improving the quality of education and research in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4 (Quality Education), Goal 13 (Climate Action), and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).