RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia and Australia have reaffirmed their commitment to transforming scientific research into tangible innovation through the "Indonesia-Australia Science Management & Innovation Symposium 2026."

Held at the B.J. Habibie Building in Jakarta on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, the symposium focused on how effective science management can bridge the gap between laboratory findings and real-world economic impact.

The second annual symposium is a high-level collaboration involving the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemdiktisaintek), and the Australian Government via the CSIRO and the KONEKSI program.

BRIN’s Deputy for Human Resources in Science and Technology, Edy Giri Rachman Putra, emphasized that brilliant researchers require equally brilliant systems to succeed. He noted that science management serves as the essential foundation for any national research ecosystem.

“A strong research ecosystem is not built by research talent alone. Behind every innovation, there must be effective leadership, capable science managers and institutions that allow ideas to evolve into solutions,” Edy stated, as quoted on BRIN's official website.

He further explained that this management extends to handling funding and linking research directly to industry through platforms like Rumah Inovasi Indonesia.

CSIRO’s Director for Southeast Asia, Amelia Fyfield, highlighted the long-standing partnership between the two nations on critical issues such as energy transition, food security, and regional data safety.

“Australia and Indonesia have a great interest in research collaboration, especially on trans-border issues. So far, we have worked together in the decade of energy transition, regional data security, to understanding future pandemic risks," Fyfield explained.

"Through this science management partnership, we are completing the missing puzzle pieces to ensure our innovation ecosystems walk hand in hand,” she added.

The Indonesian government is currently intensifying efforts to ensure that every research investment yields measurable public benefits. Director General of Research and Development at Kemdiktisaintek, Fauzan Adziman, expressed interest in adopting Australia’s successful models for commercialization and impact measurement.

“We want to delve deeper into economic analysis and impact measurement in our development program research. Without a strong understanding of impact measurement, driving innovation will not run optimally,” Fauzan remarked.

Fauzan also revealed that Indonesia is currently drafting a National Strategic Research Agenda and Roadmap to synchronize research funding and policy for the coming years.

The event, which featured discussions on AI-driven policy and inclusive innovation funding, concluded with the Australian Embassy's affirmation that science remains a pillar of bilateral productivity.

Minister-Counsellor at the Australian Embassy, Tim Stapleton, noted that these institutional links provide the practical insights necessary for both nations to advance their human capital. ***