UGM leaders emphasized that the university has been part of the AIC’s journey since its establishment in 2014, with collaborations ranging from split-site and double degree programs to joint research and publications. UGM Vice Rector for Research, Business Development, and Cooperation, Danang Sri Hadmoko, noted that these experiences provide a strong foundation for advancing doctoral-level collaboration.

“UGM witnessed the birth of AIC in 2014. We are pleased to see its growth, and we believe our past collaborations can serve as a basis for developing structured doctoral scholarship schemes,” he said, as quoted on UGM official website, on August 5, 2026.

Echoing this, Director of Global Partnerships and Relations, Puji Astuti, stressed the importance of integrating existing initiatives rather than starting from scratch. “We can build on what we already have--funding schemes, double degree programs, and ongoing collaborations. The challenge now is to align them into one system so we don’t begin from zero,” she explained.

Discussions also explored co-funding opportunities by leveraging resources from Indonesia’s LPDP (Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education Agency), Australian partner universities, and potential industry involvement. Strategic themes such as food security, energy transition, climate change, health, and coastal development were identified as priority areas for joint research.

Presenting AIC’s vision, Boyd Whalan outlined a model for a more integrated doctoral ecosystem, built on three pillars: preparatory programs for prospective doctoral students, joint doctoral pathways, and research aligned with Indonesia’s national priorities.

“One challenge has been that many doctoral candidates are not yet eligible for scholarships. We want to prepare them beforehand, so their chances of success are greater,” Whalan explained, adding that the initiative aims to coordinate existing collaborations rather than replace them, serving as a “force multiplier” for ongoing efforts.

As a follow-up, UGM will coordinate internally to refine program design, funding mechanisms, and implementation models, while AIC engages with Australian universities to strengthen planning. The initiative reflects a broader ambition to expand Indonesia–Australia academic cooperation, enhance doctoral education partnerships, and build a sustainable ecosystem for collaborative research. ***