Brawijaya University (UB) through the Head of the Center for Innovation and Technology Transfer, Dias Satria, visited the Australian Center for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) in Canberra, Australia in order to strengthen international cooperation in the fields of research and education, Tuesday (6/2/2024).
“This visit aims to follow up the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that has been signed between UB and ACIAR, opening a new chapter in collaboration between the two institutions in three main aspects, namely research in the field of digital agtech, scholarship/fellowship programs, and trilateral capacity building with Timor Leste,” he said.
Dias added, this MoU emphasizes UB’s involvement in digital agtech research projects funded by ACIAR. With a wide range of expertise and resources, the two institutions hope to overcome global challenges in the agricultural sector through technological innovation.
“We are proud to be able to contribute to the development of innovative agricultural solutions, which will have a positive impact not only in Indonesia but also on the global stage,” said Dias.
One important aspect of this MoU is access to scholarship and fellowship programs through the John Allwright Fellowship (JAF) which is specifically intended for UB research assistants involved in projects with ACIAR.
“This is a big step in improving the quality of human resources at UB and strengthening the network of young researchers who are ready to contribute to the advancement of science,” he said.
This MoU also includes initiatives for trilateral capacity building involving Timor Leste, in which UB will act as one of the training providers. This program is aimed at strengthening capacity in Timor Leste in the agricultural sector, with support from UB and ACIAR.
“This collaboration shows how important regional synergy is in facing global challenges,” said Dias Satria.
The presence of important figures from ACIAR at this meeting reaffirms the commitment of both institutions to close and productive cooperation.
By combining strengths, UB and ACIAR are expected to create a significant impact in the world of agriculture, education and capacity building, which will contribute to the welfare of the wider community. This collaboration paves the way for innovation and progress that will bring benefits to many parties, both in Indonesia, Australia and internationally.
The meeting was also attended by important figures from ACIAR, namely ACIAR CEO Prof. Wendy Umberger, ACIAR Senior Researcher David Shearer, and ACIAR Indonesia Country Manager Mirah. Their presence indicates a strong commitment from both parties to advance this collaboration. (DIZ/OKY/UB PR/ Trans. Iir)
