Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) Rector Professor Ova Emilia, accompanied by the Director of Education and Teaching, Professor Gandes Retno Rahayu, visited the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom on Wednesday (Jun. 24) as part of UGM’s official mission to the UK from June 21 to 29. The visit aimed to strengthen relationships with strategic partners and engage with UGM alumni based in the country.
During the visit to Oxford, the UGM delegation met with Professor Susie Dunachie, Co-Director of Oxford Global Health, as well as seven alumni of UGM’s Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing (FK-KMK UGM) who are currently pursuing doctoral studies at the university.
“The meeting provided a valuable platform for exchanging ideas on research developments and exploring ways to strengthen collaboration between our two institutions,” said Professor Gandes in a statement released on Monday (Jul. 13).
Professor Gandes explained that the meeting explored a range of potential collaborations, particularly in health and life sciences. Discussions covered the continuation of collaboration between FK-KMK UGM and the University of Oxford in the fields of artificial intelligence (AI), nutrition, community care, non-communicable diseases (NCDs), and the use of big data to support research and healthcare services. The two institutions also discussed opportunities between the University of Oxford’s Department of Biology and UGM’s Faculty of Biology (Biology UGM), including joint research initiatives and academic exchange programs.
The UGM delegation also expressed its interest in expanding academic mobility by sending UGM graduate students and research fellows to the University of Oxford.
“This initiative is expected to create broader opportunities for UGM’s academic community to engage in the global research ecosystem while strengthening the university’s research and educational capacity internationally,” Professor Gandes said.
The visit also served as an opportunity to strengthen ties between UGM and its alumni pursuing higher education in the United Kingdom. The presence of FK-KMK UGM alumni at the University of Oxford reflects the growing contribution and recognition of UGM graduates within the international academic community while opening greater opportunities for future collaboration with their alma mater.
In addition to visiting the University of Oxford, the Rector and the Director of Education and Teaching also paid a courtesy visit to the Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia (KBRI) in London. The delegation was received by the Indonesian Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the International Maritime Organization (IMO), Dr. Desra Percaya. The UGM delegation also met with the UGM Alumni Family (Kagama UGM) UK chapter to reinforce the university’s global alumni network.
The official visit concluded with a trip to the University of Dundee in Scotland, where the UGM Rector received an honorary Doctor of Laws (Doctor Honoris Causa) during the university’s graduation ceremony.
“This visit reaffirms UGM’s commitment to expanding its international partnerships, strengthening research and educational collaboration, and enhancing the university’s contribution to the advancement of knowledge globally,” Professor Gandes concluded.
Author: Hanifah
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-Editor: Priyanandaningrat
Photo: DKRG Team