Prof. Kuwat Triyana, Dean of FMIPA UGM, Calls for Strategic Partnerships to Strengthen Research Downstreaming and Impactful Science
The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at Universitas Gadjah Mada (FMIPA UGM) continues to promote the development of research that can be applied beyond the academic environment. This effort is pursued by strengthening the involvement of strategic partners from the early stages of research so that research outcomes can address the needs of industry and the business sector.
Dean of FMIPA UGM, Prof. Kuwat Triyana, conveyed this message at the FMIPA UGM Strategic Partnership Award, held at The Alana Yogyakarta Hotel & Convention Center, Jalan Palagan Tentara Pelajar, Sleman, Special Region of Yogyakarta, on Monday (September 21). According to him, partnerships with external partners need to be established based on alignment between the challenges faced by industry and the research capabilities available at universities.
“The partnerships we build are based on the principles of need and alignment between the problems faced by industry and the capabilities we have at the university,” explained Prof. Kuwat.
According to Prof. Kuwat, communication with partners from the outset can help researchers determine research directions that are more closely aligned with users’ needs. As a result, research findings have greater potential to be adopted and utilized by industry and the business sector.
“Through discussions and guidance from the very beginning, we can produce research outcomes that can then be genuinely utilized by industry and the business sector,” he said.
Prof. Kuwat noted that this approach is in line with efforts to promote research that generates tangible impact. Within the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, research impact is encouraged, among other ways, through the process of research downstreaming, ensuring that research outcomes do not stop at the publication stage.
In addition to strengthening partnerships with industry and the business sector, FMIPA UGM also continues to maintain alumni involvement in supporting the faculty’s development. Alumni based across Indonesia and overseas contribute input in determining the faculty’s strategies and policies.
Prof. Kuwat explained that alumni contributions do not necessarily take the form of financial support. The knowledge, insights, and networks developed by alumni are also valuable forms of support that help the faculty make decisions informed by practical experience and perspectives from the field.
Overall, these efforts also contribute to the achievement of SDG 9 through strengthening innovation and the utilization of research outcomes, as well as SDG 17 through collaboration among universities, industry, the business sector, and alumni. Partnerships established from the early stages of research are part of FMIPA UGM’s efforts to expand the application of science and technology so that they can deliver more tangible benefits to society.
Writer: Inna Mutifah
Photographers: Afiandina Sukma dan Daffa Athatara