Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), ITB, and IPB are incorporated with an interdisciplinary scientific consortium from several universities in the UK that have received support from the Indonesian and British governments. UGM Chancellor, Prof. Ir. Panut Mulyono, M.Eng., D.Eng., said this consortium would focus on research and expertise to build its resilience against global pandemics, climate emergencies, and natural disasters. However, this consortium will be open and inclusive in terms of issues and disciplines. "This consortium emboldens real work in contributing, hence it may have an impact on society," said the Chancellor on Thursday (27/8).
The Chancellor said that several universities in the United Kingdom were involved in this consortium. They include the University of Nottingham, University of Warwick and Coventry University. The consortium, named UKICIS or UK-Indonesia Consortium for Interdisciplinary Sciences, can be a power for transferring and disseminating knowledge and technology transfer between Indonesia and the UK for the next 25 years. "This consortium intends to strengthen the fields of education, economy, and Indonesian-British culture through various activities and engagement with the community," he added.
Assistant Professor in Chemical and Environmental Engineering at the University of Nottingham, namely Dr. Bagus Muljadi, who is also the UKICIS Coordinator, said the members of the consortium's colleges would focus on the discussion of a food security issue and global public health. "UKICIS members will extensively explore global resilience from various interdisciplinary perspectives," he said.
According to Bagus, another essential issue is a business recovery strategy after the financial crisis and policy resilience amid the social and economic changes caused by the pandemic's impact.
Author: Gusti Grehenson
Translator: Natasa A