Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) continues to expand its international academic partnerships. UGM welcomed a delegation from the University of Tartu, Estonia, on Wednesday (September 16) at the UGM Rector’s Reception Room. The meeting explored opportunities to strengthen cooperation in education, research, and student mobility, allowing both universities to present their strengths and identify potential areas for collaboration.
UGM Vice Rector for Research, Business Development, and Partnerships, Dr. Danang Sri Hadmoko, said that UGM is a comprehensive university encompassing a wide range of academic disciplines, from science and technology, health, and social sciences and humanities to economics and business. This academic diversity provides opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration with the University of Tartu.
“We are very familiar with the European education system. We also have extensive experience as a key partner in various European projects. I believe that we have very strong ties with European universities,” he said.
Head of the Asia Center at the University of Tartu, Dr. Elo Süld, expressed openness to developing student exchange programs, including opportunities for UGM students to take courses in Estonia for one semester. Erasmus schemes and funding support through cooperation programs could also help expand academic mobility.
“We are also very open to one-semester student exchanges. So, undergraduate students from Islamic Studies programs can visit and study for one semester,” she explained.
Furthermore, Dr. Elo Süld emphasized the importance of an interdisciplinary approach to research development, including collaboration between the humanities and other academic fields.
“We think that new things or innovations often emerge between different disciplines. It is very interesting to bring together different disciplines, both within the humanities and with other faculties,” she said.
The group also discussed partnership opportunities through the Asia Center at the University of Tartu, a hub connecting research and academic relations across countries. Anastasia Sinitsyna, a researcher in Asian Market Development Business Economics at the Asia Center, explained that the research center focuses on developments in Asia, including political, economic, migration, and social trends. She also said the center offers opportunities for conferences, fellowships, internships, and joint research.
“We serve as a hub, as a bridge. We can connect students with the faculties or units at our university that match their interests,” she explained.
In response, Danang also introduced several academic units that could potentially collaborate, including the Faculty of Cultural Sciences (FIB UGM), Faculty of Economics and Business (FEB UGM), Faculty of Law (FH UGM), and Center for Religious and Cross-cultural Studies (CRCS). The discussion highlighted potential areas for collaboration in religion, culture, and interdisciplinary studies.
“The diversity of academic disciplines at both universities is expected to serve as a foundation for developing joint academic agendas,” he said.
UGM Director of Partnerships and Global Relations, Professor Puji Astuti, also introduced the international programs offered by UGM faculties, including student exchanges, double-degree programs, and the Global Summer Program. These programs combine coursework, cultural experiences, and interactions with practitioners.
“UGM and the University of Tartu can also explore and develop cooperation with joint funding support to strengthen their academic relations,” she said.
The meeting continued with discussions on follow-up cooperation, including plans for the University of Tartu delegation to visit several faculties and units at UGM. Both sides also explored opportunities to develop collaboration through student exchange programs, academic staff mobility, and joint research. The meeting is expected to serve as an initial step toward strengthening academic relations between UGM and the University of Tartu and creating opportunities for academic communities from both universities to share knowledge, experiences, and perspectives through international collaboration.
Author: Cyntia Noviana
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-Editor: Priyananda
Photo: Donnie Tristan