BRIN-UTS Launch Joint Program to Strengthen Research Capacity

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia is taking a significant step to bolster its research ecosystem through a new collaboration between the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS).

The two institutions signed a cooperation agreement on a research-based postgraduate program, aimed at advancing scientific collaboration and nurturing globally competitive researchers.

The agreement was formalized at the BJ Habibie Building in Jakarta on Monday, January 19, by BRIN’s Deputy for Human Resources in Science and Technology, Edy Giri Rachman Putra, and UTS Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor International, Leo Mian Liu.

BRIN Chair Arif Satria emphasized that the Degree by Research (DBR) program is a crucial instrument for strengthening Indonesia’s innovation ecosystem.

“Improving the quality of researchers is the foundation for mastering science, technology, and innovation that directly contributes to national development,” Arif Satria said, as quoted on BRIN'S official website.

Arif noted that the partnership builds on active collaboration since 2023, covering strategic areas such as governance, economics, community welfare, and digital platforms using AI and IoT for the blue food sector. In 2024, the scope expanded to marine biodiversity, health biotechnology, food security, fisheries, and climate change research.

He also highlighted BRIN’s commitment to capacity-building initiatives, including post-doctoral programs, visiting researcher schemes, and joint research visits.

“This Degree by Research program is expected to unite the strengths and resources of two leading institutions, producing researchers and experts who are reliable, adaptive, and globally competitive,” Arif added.

Under the agreement, BRIN and UTS will jointly organize a research-based PhD program with a remote learning model. This allows candidates to continue their research activities in Indonesia while remaining academically connected to UTS through supervision and evaluation aligned with Australian higher education standards.

Participants will also have opportunities to conduct research visits to UTS for up to six months each year, depending on academic needs.

The collaboration covers joint candidate selection and supervision, interdisciplinary research topics, shared use of research facilities, and projects aligned with Indonesia’s National Priority Programs.

Overall, the BRIN–UTS partnership represents a strategic instrument to reinforce Indonesia’s research and innovation ecosystem. By fostering high-quality researchers, the program is expected to contribute not only to advancing science and technology but also to delivering solutions for national and global development challenges. ***