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In an effort to strengthen and expand academic and research collaborations, a delegation from the Faculty of Biology at Universitas Gadjah Mada, 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, and Collaboration, visited the University of Edinburgh on Wednesday, June 7, 2023.
During the visit, the delegation engaged in discussions with Prof. Tom Bruce, M.Sc., Ph.D., Dean of International Students, College of Science & Engineering, University of Edinburgh, and Dr. Parvez Alam, Senior Lecturer and Researcher. The aim was to establish closer and sustained partnerships and explore new opportunities for collaboration between the two universities.
Research collaboration and publications between the Faculty of Biology UGM and the University of Edinburgh have been ongoing since 2008. Starting with collaborative visits and research projects with Dr. Parvez Alam, the partnership has resulted in five international publications.
One successful outcome of this collaboration is the improved quality of research collaboration and joint publications between the Faculty of Biology UGM and the University of Edinburgh. During this meeting, the deanery teams agreed to continue and enhance the collaboration by conducting more in-depth research collaborations and encouraging joint publications in leading biology journals.
Furthermore, the Faculty of Biology UGM is committed to developing and enhancing the quality of its human resources, particularly young lecturers who have not yet completed their doctoral programs. Through collaboration with the University of Edinburgh, these young lecturers will have the opportunity to study in a high-quality academic environment and gain valuable international experience. This is expected to enhance their research and teaching capabilities.
Moreover, the Faculty of Biology UGM plans to implement student and staff mobility programs with the University of Edinburgh. These programs will include student exchanges through the International Integrated Study and Mobility Program (IISMA) and independent exchanges. Additionally, they will invite visiting professors and keynote/invited speakers from the University of Edinburgh to provide lectures at International Conference on Biological Sciences (ICBS) and International Summer Course on Tropical Biodiversity & Sustainable Development, organized by the Faculty of Biology UGM.
Both universities also agreed to implement Double Degree programs for undergraduate and postgraduate programs. These programs will provide opportunities for students from both universities to obtain dual degrees, enhancing the quality of education and providing valuable international experience.
During the meeting, the deanery teams also discussed other potential collaborations, such as the development of joint curricula, joint seminars and workshops, and collaboration in submitting research proposals and developing new programs in the field of biology.
Prof. Dr. Budi Setiadi Daryono, M.Agr.Sc, Dean of the Faculty of Biology UGM, expressed hope that the discussed and decided collaborations during the visit will be promptly followed up, contributing to the realization of UGM as a locally rooted and globally respected institution.