Two units at UGM, Gama Inatek (University CoE of Technological Innovation for Disaster Mitigation) and Pusat Studi Sosial Asia Tenggara/PSSAT (Center for Southeast Asian Social Studies), are certified as a Center of Excellence for Higher Education (PUI-PT). Directorate of Research UGM handed over the certificate symbolically to each unit representative on Tuesday (26/1).
PUI-PT itself is a program from Dikti (Directorate General of Higher Education) to increase the capacity and capability of higher education R&D institutions to be of excellence and international standard in specific fields. This program aims at encouraging the relevance and productivity of the utilization of science and technology in the production sector, both goods and services, to increase its competitiveness to affect the community welfare improvement. It started in 2010 under the name PUI and continued in 2016 under the name PUI-PT to date.
Head of PUI-PT PSSAT UGM, Dr. Phil. Hermin Indah Wahyuni said this certificate meant the world to the receiving parties and was not easy to obtain. Units committed to PUI-PT must be willing to be nurtured and trained by Dikti for approximately three years prior to being declared to meet standards and receive a certificate.
“Although the certificate is already in hand, the challenges are just emerging now. The spirit of PUI-PT is far beyond the certification. We admit that in the current state, we cannot move alone. As a result, we ask for support, both from universities and other structures,” she said.
Prof. Ir. Teuku Fathani, Ph.D., Head of PUI-PT Gama Inatek, expressed the same. According to him, the pandemic has limited productivity and enthusiasm, in one way or another. It results in the income flow to develop research and products being slightly hampered. Besides, Gama Inatek is now preparing to host the UNESCO Chair program. “Based on this reason, we hope to get more support from various parties at UGM,” he explained.
Dr. Mirwan Ushada, STP., M.App.Life.Sc., Secretary of the Directorate of Research UGM, congratulated the two units on this achievement. He said this achievement could be an example for other centers of study at UGM. He also revealed that his party would further integrate various supports to direct many centers of study to be PUI-PT certified.
“Representing UGM, we are proud of the achievements of the two units that have received the PUI-PT certificate. It proves that despite nearly a year of pandemic situation, UGM is still active and productive. In 2021, we commit to helping UGM researchers to be more productive. Hence if there is a unit or study center needing assistance, we are ready to provide any,” he concluded.
Author: Hakam