The Tropical Biopharmaca Research Center (TropBRC) LRI-PGK IPB University successfully hosted the Advanced Chemometrics Workshop and Its Applications in Metabolomics Research. Held online via Zoom on 21–22 November 2025, the event aimed to enhance analytical skills among Indonesian researchers.
Prior to the main event, a pre-workshop session took place on 18 November 2025. Dr. Dewi Anggraini Septaningsih, S.Si., M.Si., guided participants in installing and preparing the SIMCA® (trial) software. This preparation ensured the software was ready to serve as the primary tool for upcoming practical sessions. The chemometrics workshop attracted 35 participants from prominent institutions, including Universitas Negeri Malang, the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), Universitas Jember (Unej), Universitas Indonesia (UI), and Universitas Brawijaya (UB).
Chemometrics Workshop: Pattern Recognition in Metabolomics
Prof. Dr. Mohamad Rafi, S.Si., M.Si., opened the first day by presenting the application of supervised pattern recognition. He highlighted its importance in developing herbal quality control (QC) methods and advancing metabolomics research. Subsequently, Dr. Rudi Heryanto, S.Si., M.Si., explained the foundational concepts for building these supervised pattern recognition models. After a brief break, Dr. Farit Mochamad Afendi, S.Si., M.Si., provided deep insights into the fundamental theories of PLS-DA and OPLS-DA techniques. The sessions sparked interactive discussions, with participants asking insightful questions regarding multivariate analysis concepts.
The second day focused entirely on practical implementation. Dr. Rudi Heryanto and his team led a hands-on exploration of model development for metabolomics studies. Following this, Dr. Dewi Anggraini Septaningsih and her team introduced MetaboAnalyst 6.0 alongside the SIMCA® software. Participants actively practiced data preparation and PLS-DA/OPLS-DA analysis using both platforms. Consequently, these practical sessions became a highlight of the event, offering attendees direct experience in processing MS data. A SIMCA® vendor representative also shared additional software information before the event formally concluded.
Overall, the training received highly positive feedback. Participants praised the committee’s fast response, the speakers’ expertise, and the comprehensive materials provided. Furthermore, they appreciated TropBRC’s informative and supportive facilitation. Many attendees emphasized the critical need for continuous training programs to help young researchers and lecturers develop their analytical skills.
Through this initiative, TropBRC reaffirms its commitment to strengthening Indonesia’s research capacity, particularly in biopharmaca and metabolomics. This event serves as a vital stepping stone for researchers to expand scientific collaborations, produce high-quality studies, and strengthen the national research ecosystem.
✍️ Author & Editor: Tiest
📸 Documentation: TropBRC Workshop Team