Manila, Philippines – On Thursday, July 11, 2024, a significant meeting took place at The Manila Hotel, marking a new chapter in educational and research collaboration between the Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), and the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA). The UGM delegation, led by Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, Dean, and Dr. Bambang Retnoaji, Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, officially met with SEARCA’s delegation, headed by Center Director Dr. Glenn Gregorio.
The primary agenda of the meeting was to discuss the possibility of a partnership aimed at advancing educational and research opportunities, contributing to the development of sustainable biodiversity management and agricultural practices in the region. This collaboration is expected to play a crucial role in addressing key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as ending poverty (#endpoverty), ensuring food security (#foodsecurity), and providing access to quality education (#accesstoeducation).
One of the key outcomes of the meeting was the initiation of a joint scholarship program. This program will include academic exchanges, double degree programs, and joint research projects, particularly targeting students from ASEAN countries. The scholarship aims to provide students with the opportunity to gain international experience and knowledge, thereby enhancing their academic and professional capabilities.
Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono emphasized the importance of this collaboration in fostering a new generation of scientists and researchers who are well-equipped to tackle regional and global challenges. “This partnership with SEARCA is a significant step towards achieving our shared goals of sustainable development and educational excellence,” he stated.
Dr. Glenn Gregorio, on behalf of SEARCA, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration. “We are excited to work with UGM in creating opportunities for students and researchers. This partnership will not only benefit the academic community but also contribute to the broader goals of sustainable agriculture and biodiversity management in Southeast Asia,” he said.
In addition to the scholarship discussions, Prof. Dr. Daryono extended an invitation to SEARCA to participate in UGM’s prestigious annual International Conference on Biological Sciences and the Summer Course on Sustainable Tropical Agriculture. These events provide platforms for scholars, researchers, and practitioners to share knowledge and advancements in their respective fields.
The meeting concluded with both parties expressing their commitment to formalizing the partnership and exploring further avenues for collaboration. The joint scholarship program is expected to be launched in the upcoming academic year, with detailed guidelines and application processes to be announced soon.
This initiative is seen as a significant milestone in the efforts to enhance educational and research capacities in the region. By providing students with access to quality education and research opportunities, UGM and SEARCA are contributing to the broader goals of sustainable development and regional cooperation.
The collaboration between UGM and SEARCA is a testament to the power of partnerships in achieving common goals. As both institutions move forward with this initiative, they are setting a precedent for other universities and research centers in the region to follow.
The joint scholarship program and the associated academic events are expected to attract a diverse group of participants, fostering a rich exchange of ideas and innovations. This, in turn, will contribute to the development of sustainable solutions for some of the most pressing challenges facing the region today.