Strengthening International Networks, FMIPA UI Welcomes UNSW Delegation to Discuss Research Collaboration and Joint Degree Programs

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Indonesia (FMIPA UI), welcomed a delegation from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) School of Chemical Engineering on Friday, February 6, 2026. The visit served as an initial discussion forum aimed at strengthening international collaboration, particularly in the fields of research and academic development.

The series of activities began with a leadership meeting held at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences Central Administration Meeting Room, FMIPA UI, Depok. The meeting was attended by the FMIPA UI leadership and the Head of the Department of Chemistry. It was opened by the Vice Dean for Education, Research, and Student Affairs of FMIPA UI, Prof. Anom Bowolaksono, Ph.D., who delivered welcoming remarks and expressed appreciation for the visit of the UNSW delegation.

In his remarks, Prof. Anom emphasized that FMIPA UI warmly welcomes opportunities for international collaboration and remains open to various forms of partnership, particularly in research and academic development. He also highlighted the shift in research paradigms within academia, where research is no longer focused solely on outputs in the form of scientific publications, but is increasingly expected to produce tangible products and real benefits for society.

“Future research must be able to create impact. It is not enough to stop at scientific articles; we must also consider how research outcomes can be implemented and further developed,” Prof. Anom said.

He further noted that FMIPA UI provides full support for collaborations that can enhance research quality, research methodologies, and the sustainability of research impacts. At present, FMIPA UI has established a dedicated management structure to support the internationalization of education, research collaboration, as well as the management of patents and applied research.

The meeting also noted that FMIPA UI has already implemented joint degree programs in collaboration with the University of Queensland and Monash University. Going forward, FMIPA UI is interested in exploring the development of joint degree programs at the undergraduate and master’s levels with UNSW. This collaboration is expected not to be limited to the field of chemistry, but also to be expanded to other disciplines within FMIPA UI, such as biology, physics, and other related fields, in line with the availability of relevant study programs.

One of the UNSW delegates, Mr. Thomas Gao, a Manager at the New South Wales Chief Scientist & Engineer’s Office, expressed his institution’s interest in collaboration in the areas of research, human resource development, and the potential commercialization of research outcomes. The discussion focused on aligning previous discussions while also identifying more concrete and sustainable collaboration opportunities.

Thomas Gao also outlined his role in coordinating research and innovation at the state level in New South Wales. He attended the meeting not only as a government representative, but also as an alumnus of UNSW with close ties to the institution. “We see tremendous potential for international research collaboration at the institutional, state, and national levels. Such partnerships are crucial for driving innovation and developing human resources,” Thomas Gao said.

Following the leadership meeting, the activities continued with a guest lecture titled “Solar Chemicals and Fuels Research and Postgraduate Study Opportunities at UNSW,” held at the Prof. Dr. G. A. Siwabessy Auditorium, FMIPA UI. The guest lecture was attended by FMIPA UI lecturers and students, who enthusiastically followed the presentation on solar energy research, the development of future fuels, and postgraduate study opportunities at UNSW.

During the session, the presentations were delivered by Munawar Khalil, S.Si., M.Eng.Sc., Ph.D., Head of the Department of Chemistry, FMIPA UI, and Dr. Denny Gunawan, Research Associate at the Particles and Catalysis Research Group, School of Chemical Engineering, UNSW. They presented recent research developments and international collaboration opportunities in the fields of chemistry and renewable energy.

The UNSW delegation attending the series of activities included Dr. Mandalena Hermawan, Research Manager of the Particles and Catalysis Research Group and Business Manager of the ARC ITRP Training Centre for the Global Hydrogen Economy (GlobH2E) at UNSW; Dr. Michael Gunawan, Postdoctoral Research Associate at UNSW; and Mr. Stefen, Future Students Manager at UNSW.

The visit is expected to serve as an initial step in strengthening FMIPA UI’s international network while also opening up opportunities for more concrete collaboration in the fields of research, education, and human resource development in the future.