Adnan Alrubaye, an assistant professor of poultry microbiology in Bumpers College and associate director of the Cell and Molecular Biology Program in the Graduate School and International Education, recently visited Indonesia for a 10-day trip to conduct research and recruit international students.

Alrubaye visited two universities and multiple research centers, where he gave public lectures, toured laboratories, spoke with prospective graduate students and met with members of the Indonesian Parliament, including Sen. Tamsil Linrung, deputy chairman of the Regional Representative Council (DPD) of Indonesia. He also visited commercial broiler farms and met with university representatives to discuss research collaborations with the U of A.

"Visiting Indonesian research and academic institutions fosters invaluable collaboration, knowledge exchange and innovation," Alrubaye said. "By working together, we can advance scientific discoveries, improve global food security and create sustainable solutions for the future."

Alrubaye's public lectures centered around his research program focusing on preventive strategies against Bacterial Chondronecrosis with Osteomyelitis (BCO) lameness in broiler chickens. As a significant animal welfare concern in the poultry industry, BCO lameness can affect both the health of the birds and the economic viability of poultry production.

"Conducting broiler chicken lameness research in Indonesia is crucial for understanding regional challenges, improving poultry health and enhancing sustainability," he said. "Collaborative efforts with local researchers in Indonesia can drive innovative solutions that benefit both the industry and animal health worldwide."

He also presented to students about why they should attend the U of A, highlighting Fayetteville's low cost of living, the university's free public transportation system and also the diversity and robustness of the university's research programs.

As one of only six universities in the United States with a poultry science department and residing in a state that is the largest rice producer in the U.S., the U of A is a top destination for Indonesian students, according to Alrubaye.

"We do top-notch poultry research, and we have outstanding support from the poultry industry and the USDA," he said. "That makes us a top destination for Indonesia, because they have high chicken consumption. And the U of A Division of Agriculture has an outstanding rice research program."

Alrubaye plans to return to the country in May to continue discussions around research collaborations with universities.

"The University of Arkansas values its growing partnership with Indonesia, built on research collaboration and academic exchange," he said. "My visit in December was just the beginning, and the upcoming trip in summer 2025 will further strengthen these connections, creating new opportunities for students and advancing innovative research."