Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) and the University of Glasgow, UK, have agreed to establish strategic cooperation in sustainable development.
Both universities also agreed on the potential expansion of collaboration areas in the future. Professor Clare McManus, Head of Central and Eastern European Studies at the University of Glasgow, highlighted this during a visit to UGM.
Professor Wening Udasmoro, UGM’s Vice-Rector for Education and Teaching, hosted the visit, which took place in the UGM Rector’s office on Monday (Nov. 25).
Professor McManus stated that Universitas Gadjah Mada and the University of Glasgow have long relationships.
The two universities first signed a memorandum of understanding in April 2015, which has been renewed and will be valid until June 2028.
“This collaboration extends beyond UGM. The University of Glasgow has also signed research collaboration agreements with Scotland and the UK, including a data-sharing agreement between the University of Glasgow’s Faculty of Law and Universitas Gadjah Mada,” she said.
Professor McManus also mentioned that the University of Glasgow has hosted students from UGM under the IISMA program from 2022 to 2024.
UGM has also sent its students to the University of Glasgow for exchange programs and various short courses.
“Unfortunately, the number of new students from the University of Glasgow coming to UGM is still minimal, despite the close connections between professors from UGM and the University of Glasgow through guest lectures and other discussions that are expected to enhance academic collaboration further,” she added.
Professor Wening Udasmoro noted that UGM and the University of Glasgow are now intensively discussing potential collaborations in various fields related to sustainable development.
She emphasized that sustainable development has become a global issue.
“Glasgow is interested in collaborating with UGM because UGM is recognized as a university with a strong commitment to sustainable development,” she said.
Professor Udasmoro mentioned that sustainable development can be pursued in various aspects, including renewable energy, medicine, economics, culture, and heritage.
The University of Glasgow is interested in collaborating with UGM in these fields through expert exchanges and more.
“This could involve Glasgow professors serving as examiners at UGM, UGM professors examining in Glasgow, joint supervision, and joint master’s and doctoral degree programs. Although cooperation has already existed, both universities, as members of the U21 consortium, aim to develop this partnership further,” Professor Udasmoro explained.
Author: Agung Nugroho
Photographer: Firsto
Post-editor: Afif