In an effort to strengthen the existing cooperation, a delegation from the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), represented by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc as the Dean and Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc as the Vice Dean of Research, Community Service, Collaboration, and Alumni visited the University of Leeds and the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom on Thursday (June 8, 2023). The purpose of this visit was to explore collaboration opportunities with the University of Nottingham and to strengthen the existing partnership between the Faculty of Biology UGM and the University of Leeds.
The Faculty of Biological Sciences at the University of Leeds is one of the prestigious higher education institutions in the UK, renowned for its excellence in the field of biology. It is ranked in the top 100 in the world for Life Sciences (Times Higher Education World University Rankings) and top 100 in the world for Sports according to the QS World University Rankings. The faculty offers high-quality study programs and is equipped with advanced research facilities. During the visit to the University of Leeds, the Faculty of Biology UGM delegation held discussions with Prof. Ian Wood, Professor of Molecular Neuroscience, to expand the collaboration in the Double Degree program for Master’s and Doctoral degrees.
Meanwhile, the Faculty of Science at the University of Nottingham also have a strong reputation in the field of natural sciences. The faculty offers comprehensive study programs and provides a dynamic academic environment. During this visit, the Faculty of Biology UGM delegation explored research and academic collaboration opportunities with the Faculty of Science at the University of Nottingham. Some forms of collaboration being explored include Students And Staff Mobility, Visiting Professors, and Double Supervision for the Double Degree Program.
During the visit to the University of Nottingham, the Faculty of Biology UGM delegation was welcomed by Dr. Nigel Mongan, Ph.D., FHEA., FRC.Path (Director of Global Engagement Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences), David Ouchterlonie (Associate Director Global Engagement External Relations), and Rachel Jessop (Senior Strategic Projects and International Manager Faculty of Science).
As a follow-up to this collaborative visit, it was announced that several professors from the University of Leeds and the University of Nottingham have agreed to become keynote/invited speakers at the 6th International Summer Course on Tropical Biodiversity & Sustainable Development, an upcoming program organized by the Faculty of Biology UGM in July 2023. This program will provide an opportunity for students and academic staff to gain insights and new knowledge from renowned experts in the field of tropical biology.
Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc., expressed his delight with the progress of this collaboration. He hopes that the quantity and quality of international cooperation in the Faculty of Biology UGM will continue to increase, particularly with several universities in the UK.
The visit by the Faculty of Biology UGM delegation to the University of Leeds and the University of Nottingham is a concrete step in implementing the commitment of the Faculty of Biology UGM to build beneficial international cooperation in the academic and research fields.