Dr. Purwanto has served the University in various capacities, including heading various research centers. His more recent body of research has focused on tropical fruits: ripening systems, postharvest handling, postharvest losses, and long-term storage. He has likewise worked on the development of variety and technology for main and indigenous vegetables and the development of shallot production, both in support of food security. He has numerous publications based on his research work. Dr. Purwanto earned his MSc and doctorate in Biological and Environmental Engineering from the University of Tokyo where he also did a post-doctorate in the same field. He has a BSc in Agricultural Engineering from the Bogor Agricultural University.