Yogyakarta, October 5, 2023 – The Faculty of Biology UGM has initiated a collaboration with the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) in Australia. This collaboration is part of the Faculty of Biology’s commitment to expanding connections and partnerships with various stakeholders to improve the quality of education, in line with their support for Sustainable Development Goals for education enhancement and extended cooperation (SDG 4 and 17). The meeting was conducted online and attended by representatives from the University of Technology Sydney, including Julia Shelley, the International Development Manager, Faculty of Science; Ian Menz, the Head of the School of Life Sciences; Steven Langford, the Head of the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences; Alexander Solntsev, the Associate Head Research of the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences; Valery Combes, an Associate Professor in the School of Life Sciences; Prof. Hui Chen; and Scott Chadwick, the Associate Head of the School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences. From the Faculty of Biology, there were Dr. Eko Agus Suyono, M.App.Sc., the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Collaboration and Alumni Affairs; Sukirno, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., the Head of the Undergraduate Program; and Tyas Iksan Hikmawan, M.Sc., Ph.D., the Secretary of the Office of International Affairs at the Faculty of Biology, UGM.
During the meeting, various aspects of collaboration were discussed, including student exchange, double degree programs, joint supervision, joint research, and more. Student exchange schemes and scholarships were also highlighted, both those supported by the government through the LPDP scheme and those offered by the university. Another noteworthy collaboration is the double degree program, along with a fast-track option, allowing students to complete both their undergraduate and master’s studies in a shorter period, specifically 7 years. The discussion on Wednesday (10/4) also addressed the need for curriculum mapping and further discussions regarding collaboration, especially in student exchange and double degree programs, which require discussions on accommodation and scholarship support. Follow-up discussions on curriculum alignment were conducted with Sukirno, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., the Head of the Undergraduate Program at the Faculty of Biology, UGM, to finalize the entire collaboration plan.
This discussion serves as a significant step towards strengthening the collaboration network between Universitas Gadjah Mada, particularly the Faculty of Biology, and the University of Technology Sydney. It is hoped that through this collaboration, it will support the enhancement of education and research at the Faculty of Biology, UGM, and provide students with international learning opportunities.
