The Department of Agricultural Microbiology, Faculty of Agriculture, UGM conducted a comparative study to Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST) and Plant Medicinal Research Centre (PMRC) in Vietnam. This activity aimed to establish cooperation with both institutions in Vietnam, promote the reputation of Gadjah Mada University as a global player in education, research, and community service, gain insights into curriculum development in the field of Agricultural Microbiology, and map potential programs that can be continued as collaborations between the university and related institutions. This comparative study was conducted from July 15-16, 2024, with activities including a visit to Hanoi University of Sciences and Technology (HUST) on Monday, July 15, 2024, with discussion topics on the potential collaboration between UGM and HUST. It continued on Tuesday, July 16, 2024, with a visit to the Plant Medicinal Research Center (PMRC) with the topic of potential collaboration between UGM and PMRC.
The comparative study was attended by the teaching staff of the Department of Agricultural Microbiology and accompanied by the Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture UGM, Ir. Jaka Widada, M.P., Ph.D., and the Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs of the Faculty of Agriculture UGM, Dr. Dyah Weny Respatie, S.P., M.Si. The Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture UGM expressed his views regarding HUST, which has an upstream-downstream research concept that can be well utilized through collaboration with industry. He believes that UGM can establish a collaboration with HUST.
“I am personally interested in all the potential collaborations with HUST. I think UGM can do more than what has been done so far, starting with several lecturers whose research is utilized by industry and also involvement as consultants,” said the Dean.
Assoc. Prof. Vu Thu Trang, Deputy Head of the Department of Food Engineering at HUST, explained that HUST is open to collaboration opportunities with UGM, both in education and research. Additionally, Dr. Nguyen Van Khiem, Director of the Medicinal Plant Research Center (MPRC), expressed his interest in the Ph.D. scholarship opportunities at UGM for PMRC research staff.
Ir. Donny Widianto, Ph.D., Head of the Department of Agricultural Microbiology, stated that this comparative study was intended to promote international programs that HUST students can participate in, such as student exchange, summer courses, and joint research. Moreover, the Department of Agricultural Microbiology at UGM also offers opportunities for HUST lecturers to become guest lecturers at UGM, and vice versa.
Desi Utami, S.P., M.Env.Sc., Ph.D., Chair of the Curriculum Committee of the Department of Agricultural Microbiology, added that with this comparative study, it is hoped that cooperation between the Faculty of Agriculture UGM and HUST and PMRC will be established to enhance their roles in education, research, and community service. The comparative study activities conducted are proof of the Faculty of Agriculture UGM’s commitment to achieving SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being, SDG 4: Quality Education, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.