Connecting Science and Industry, FMIPA UI Expands International Collaboration in South Korea

Depok, June 3, 2026 — The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Indonesia (FMIPA UI), continues to strengthen its role in bridging science and industry through the expansion of international research collaborations in South Korea. Through its participation in the Universitas Indonesia delegation, FMIPA UI actively engaged in a series of strategic meetings and visits aimed at fostering academic partnerships, advancing research collaboration, and enhancing innovation-driven cooperation between academia and industry The First International Conference on Valufacturing (ICV) 2026 during a visit to Incheon, South Korea, from May 26–28, 2026, FMIPA UI explored various strategic partnership opportunities aimed at accelerating the transformation of research outcomes into innovations that generate meaningful impact for society and industry.

In this initiative, FMIPA UI was represented by its Vice Dean for Education, Research, and Student Affairs, Anom Bowolaksono, who joined the Universitas Indonesia delegation led by Hamdi Muluk, Vice Rector for Research, Innovation, Students, and Alumni Affairs, along with several other university and faculty leaders.

FMIPA UI’s participation in ICV 2026 opened opportunities for collaboration among academics, researchers, and global industry partners to bridge fundamental science with industrial needs and foster the development of impactful innovations.

On the sidelines of the conference activities, the UI delegation also carried out bilateral meeting with UST–KITECH School, South Korea. The meeting resulted in a number of strategic agreements, including the provision of scholarships for master's and doctoral programs, the development of joint research, program joint research, program fellowship, as well as strengthening long-term partnerships between UI, UST-KITECH, and the industrial sector.

Prof. Anom explained that this collaboration is of significant importance to FMIPA UI in strengthening the bridge between science and industry. As a faculty with strong expertise in mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, geosciences, and computer science, FMIPA UI is committed to advancing research that can be transformed into innovations and practical solutions to address future industrial challenges.

“FMIPA UI views international collaboration as a means to accelerate the downstreaming and commercialization of research outcomes while enhancing the relevance of research to the evolving needs of the industrial sector,” said Prof. Anom in an interview with the FMIPA UI Public Relations team.

Through support fellowship facilitated by the Directorate of Innovation and High-Impact Research (DIRBT) at the University of Indonesia (UI), FMIPA UI lecturers will have the opportunity to conduct research with researchers at the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (KITECH), an institution known for successfully connecting research with industrial needs. This collaboration is expected to expand access to international-standard research facilities, strengthen knowledge and technology transfer, and encourage the birth of innovations that have added value and global competitiveness.

Prof. Anom also emphasized that strengthening international collaboration is a strategic step toward ensuring that the fundamental sciences developed at FMIPA UI can make tangible contributions to technological advancement and industrial development.

“FMIPA UI’s strength lies in its solid scientific foundation. However, in this era of technological transformation, we must also ensure that the knowledge generated in our laboratories is connected to industry needs and delivers tangible benefits to society. Therefore, international collaboration serves as an essential bridge between scientific advancement and the creation of innovation,” he stated.

He further added that the collaboration with Korea Institute of Industrial Technology presents a valuable opportunity for FMIPA UI to learn from best practices in integrating research, technology, and industrial needs.

“We hope that this collaboration will encourage FMIPA UI lecturers and students to become more confident in taking part in global research collaborations and competitions, while also generating innovations that create tangible impacts for society and industry,” he added.

In addition to creating collaboration opportunities for faculty members, the partnership also offers direct benefits for students and alumni. Starting in 2026, Universitas Indonesia alumni will have access to a special admission pathway to pursue further studies at the UST–KITECH School, a research-based graduate program that integrates academic education with hands-on research experience in an industrial environment.

For FMIPA UI, this opportunity forms part of its commitment to preparing highly qualified human resources who possess not only strong academic competencies but also a deep understanding of the dynamics of high-technology industries. The scheme provides FMIPA UI graduates with the opportunity to gain international exposure while learning how research can be developed into practical solutions that address the needs of the industrial sector.

FMIPA UI’s active participation in ICV 2026 underscores the faculty’s commitment to building stronger bridges between science and industry through international collaboration. By expanding its global research network, strengthening partnerships with leading technology institutions, and creating capacity-building opportunities for faculty members, students, and alumni, FMIPA UI continues to foster the development of science-based innovations that address the needs of industry while making meaningful contributions to sustainable development.