Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) and Durham University, UK, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish more intensive educational and scientific collaboration in various fields, particularly geography and engineering.
This partnership expands on the collaboration between UGM’s Faculty of Law (FH UGM) and Durham School of Law, which began in 2023.
The MoU was signed by UGM’s Secretary, Dr. Andi Sandi Antonius Tabusassa Tonralipu, and Durham University’s Provost and Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mike Shipman, on Friday, Jul. 19, 2024, at UGM’s Central Office.
Founded in 1832, Durham University is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the UK. It consistently ranks among the Top 100 universities globally.
“UGM and Durham University share many similarities, such as having diverse academic fields and strong research capabilities,” said Professor Mike Shipman.
He added that forming a partnership and building networks between the two universities was key to developing education and research.
He hopes this collaboration will benefit both parties and has significant potential for expansion into other UGM faculties.
He also mentioned that Durham University is open to accepting UGM students who wish to study there.
“Providing opportunities for young generations is crucial so they can learn not only from their own country but also from others,” he concluded.
Dr. Tonralipu, representing UGM, expressed his satisfaction that this collaboration is not limited to just the Faculty of Law.
According to Dr. Tonralipu, this expanded cooperation will open opportunities for student exchange programs, allowing students from both universities to gain international exposure. He also hopes that this collaboration will enhance the reputation of both institutions.
“Although UGM is one of the oldest universities and has a good ranking in Indonesia, we hope this collaboration will further elevate UGM and Durham University’s positions globally,” he said.
Professor Puji Astuti, Director of Global Partnerships and Relations, welcomed the offer of student exchange and research programs across all levels at UGM.
“We have 18 faculties and two schools. Some of them already offer International Undergraduate Programs (IUP). The exchange program could involve student mobility for summer courses and community service, while for faculty, it could involve guest professor programs,” she said.
Regarding potential research and educational collaboration with the Faculty of Geography, Dr. Danang Sri Hadmoko, Dean of the Faculty of Geography, expressed enthusiasm for developing joint research projects.
He explained that the faculty has adopted a multidisciplinary approach to address environmental issues involving various fields, including science and technology, social sciences, and health.
Dr. Hadmoko continued that the Faculty of Geography contributes through research on the impacts of volcanic eruptions in Indonesia at both local and global scales and climate change impacts to formulate sustainable development strategies.
Author: Triya Andriyani
Post-editor: Lintang
Photographer: Firsto