The Australian Center for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) visited Brawijaya University (UB), Wednesday (17/1/2024). The visit was received directly by UB Rector, Prof. Widodo, M.Si., Ph.D.Med.Sc in his office. Also accompanying the Rector was the Director of UPT International Academic Affairs (IAA) Dr. Didik Hartono, M.Pd and his staff.
Representing ACIAR, Mirah Nuryati, as Country Manager, said that their aim in visiting UB was to build cooperation with leading Indonesian universities, one of which is UB.
According to her, so far ACIAR has collaborated directly with researchers in technical ministries related to their scope of work, such as the Ministry of Agriculture. However, since the researchers joined under one BRIN institution, and there is still a restructuring of the organization of their respective ministries, ACIAR decided to try a new step by establishing direct collaboration with universities.
“UB is one of the leading universities in Indonesia. Therefore, we feel the need to collaborate with UB as our collaboration partner at the university level,” said Maria.
In addition, ACIAR also opens opportunities for UB lecturers to study further in Australia through scholarships. This program is aimed at those with research interests in agriculture. The scholarship can be used for further studies at Masters and Doctoral levels.
“We have a scholarship program called the ‘John Alwright Fellowship’ for the agricultural sector. But if you don’t intend to study, there is a ‘John Dillon Fellowship’ for a short course for 4-6 weeks in Australia,” added Maria.
During the meeting, a cooperation agreement between UB and ACIAR was also signed. One of the programs covered by the agreement is that offered by Prof. Widodo, namely utilizing a matching fund scheme. Through this program, UB academics can have the opportunity to study at Australian universities or carry out research collaborations with relevant universities or institutions in Australia. [Lukman/UB PR/ Trans. Iir]
