The Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara (FK USU), continues to strengthen its international research network through the involvement of one of its faculty members, Prof. dr. Tri Widyawati, M.Si., Ph.D., Secretary of the Master’s Program in Clinical Medicine, as a Co-Researcher in a collaborative research project with Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).

The research, entitled “Elucidating the Modulatory Effects of Free Fatty Acids in Nipa Palm Vinegar on Glucose Homeostasis Using a Type 2 Diabetes Model,” received funding through the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS) from Malaysia’s Ministry of Higher Education, with a total grant of RM123,700. The research is being conducted from December 1, 2025, to November 30, 2027.

The research team consists of Dr. Nor Adlin binti Md Yusoff as the Principal Investigator, along with Dr. Nik Nur Syazni binti Nik Mohamed Kamal, Associate Professor Ts. Chm. Dr. Noor Fatimah binti Yahaya, and Prof. Tri Widyawati from Universitas Sumatera Utara. According to the grant documentation, Prof. Tri Widyawati is listed as an Outsider Co-Researcher, with active status beginning December 1, 2025.

The research focuses on exploring the modulatory effects of free fatty acids in nipa palm vinegar on glucose homeostasis using a type 2 diabetes mellitus model. The study falls under the Health and Medical cluster within the field of Pure and Applied Sciences and contributes to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Well-Being.

FK USU’s involvement in this research represents part of its efforts to strengthen the internationalization of research and academic collaboration. It also creates opportunities to enhance joint publications, facilitate knowledge exchange, and develop research networks between USU and international partners.

The collaboration is also aligned with FK USU’s commitment to promoting high-quality and impactful research while strengthening the university’s contribution to the achievement of SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals through cross-border research partnerships.