Dr. Ali Budhi Kusuma is an assistant professor and director of the Indonesian Centre for Extremophile Bioresources and Biotechnology (ICEBB) at Universitas Teknologi Sumbawa, West Nusa Tenggara. He earned his bachelor’s degree in microbiology from Institut Teknologi Bandung, a master’s degree in microbiology and infection from University of Birmingham, and a doctoral degree in microbiology from Newcastle University, United Kingdom.

As a Fulbright Visiting Scholar at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, he conducts research in microbiology, focusing on hyperthermophiles, microorganisms that thrive in extremely hot environments such as geothermal springs. These organisms may produce valuable compounds and enzymes that can be used in a range of industries. He aims to establish Indonesia’s first hyperthermophile research platform at ICEBB to support future discoveries and strengthen long-term research collaboration between Indonesia and the United States.