In an effort to expand the international cooperation network and improve the quality of education, the Vice Rector for Academic Affairs of Universitas Brawijaya (UB), Prof. Imam Santoso, held a meeting with the Education and Science Attaché of the Royal Netherlands Embassy in Indonesia, Yvonne Klerks, Tuesday (30/7/2024). This meeting aims to discuss the potential collaboration between UB and various universities in the Netherlands.
Prof. Imam Santoso explained a number of UB’s leading programs that can be the basis for cooperation with universities in the Netherlands. One of the highlighted programs is the student and lecturer exchange program which aims to improve academic and cultural experiences for both parties. “We are very open to establishing cooperation that can provide great benefits for students and academic staff. This exchange will enable the transfer of valuable knowledge and culture,” said Prof. Imam.
In addition, Prof. Imam also introduced a joint research program that covers various fields of science, from agricultural technology, environmental science, to industrial engineering. UB has a strong commitment to becoming an excellent research university and international collaboration is one of the main keys in achieving this goal. “We hope to develop joint research that is not only beneficial for both institutions, but also for the wider community,” he added.
Yvonne Klerks said that the Royal Netherlands Embassy strongly supports this initiative and introduced the NLHK Netherland House of Knowledge as a platform that can facilitate collaboration between Dutch and Indonesian universities. The NLHK Netherland House of Knowledge is an initiative that aims to strengthen academic relations between the Netherlands and Indonesia through various programs, including seminars, workshops, and joint research projects.
“The Netherlands House of Knowledge has become an important bridge in bringing together educational institutions from both countries. We see a lot of potential in cooperation with UB and hope to start several projects soon,” said Yvonne Klerks.
She added that NLHK will provide full support for every step of the collaboration taken, including in terms of funding, resources, and academic networks.
One of the ongoing collaborations between UB and Dutch universities is the Lighthouse Farm Academy summer course activity organized by Wageningen University of Research (WUR) with UB as the host. This program aims to develop research and innovation in the fields of agriculture and the environment. Lighthouse Farm Academy explores how various actors in the food system can contribute to bringing new solutions to a larger scale. “UB as the host of this activity is very enthusiastic to collaborate with WUR which has a reputation as the No. 1 University in the World in agricultural and environmental research,” said Prof. Imam.
The Lighthouse Farm Academy program begins with a one-week Summer School. This Summer School combines elements of classroom learning, application of knowledge to real challenges, and direct experience in the field from a farmer’s perspective. This program is designed based on WUR’s scientific study of the Global Lighthouse Farms Network, making this program unique in adhering to the highest academic standards while being based on real experience in the field.
After attending the Summer School, participants will be equipped with knowledge about the various solutions that are needed and can be achieved, as well as insight into their role and the contributions they can make to begin the transition towards a world of agriculture and food that is ready to face future challenges.
This meeting resulted in several concrete plans, including the preparation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UB and several universities in the Netherlands. This MoU will cover various aspects, ranging from student and lecturer exchanges, joint research programs, to curriculum development that is relevant to current global needs.
Prof. Imam Santoso emphasized the importance of international cooperation in facing global challenges in the fields of education and research.
“With this collaboration, we hope to make a greater contribution to solving global problems, such as climate change, food security, and technological innovation,” he said.
Yvonne Klerks also expressed her optimism about this collaboration.
“The Netherlands has many universities with global reputations that are ready to collaborate with UB. We believe that together, we can achieve many great things,” she said.
This meeting is a promising first step for improving an academic relationship between UB and universities in the Netherlands. With the spirit of collaboration and shared commitment, it is hoped that this collaboration can bring great benefits to both parties and contribute positively to the development of science and technology in Indonesia and the Netherlands. (IMS/UB PR/ Trans. Iir)
