Makassar, 23 April 2026 – SEAMEO BIOTROP, in collaboration with the Faculty of Forestry at Hasanuddin University, is strengthening efforts in scientific journal management and research-based innovation. This activity serves as a platform for knowledge exchange, particularly in enhancing the quality of international publications through the forest and society approach.

During the discussion session, the Editor-in-Chief of the Forest and Society journal, Muhammad Alif K. Sahide, presented strategies to improve journal quality, including strengthening global reviewer networks, increasing manuscript selectivity, and developing special issues. He emphasized the importance of citation quality and international authorship as key factors in enhancing journal reputation at the global level.

The SEAMEO BIOTROP delegation, which included the editorial team of BIOTROPIA, also conducted a benchmarking session on journal management practices. The discussion covered strategies to improve publication quality, organize scientific writing workshops, and promote research outputs with broader societal impact.

In addition, the discussion highlighted the importance of bridging research outcomes with societal needs. Local knowledge and field-based data were identified as having strong potential to be developed into relevant and applicable scientific references.

Moving forward, this collaboration is expected not only to produce high-quality scientific publications but also to foster innovation that connects research outcomes with various sectors through creative and interdisciplinary approaches.

Through this synergy, SEAMEO BIOTROP and the Faculty of Forestry UNHAS reaffirm their commitment to expanding the impact of research and positioning scientific publications as a bridge between knowledge development and societal needs.

(ms, hcn)