ITS Rector Prof Ir Bambang Pramujati ST MSc Eng PhD (second from right) with Irish Ambassador to Indonesia Pádraig Francis (second from left) after signing an MoU with the University of Galway, Ireland

ITS Campus, ITS News — Institut Teknologi Sepuluh Nopember (ITS) continues to expand strategic cooperation in strengthening the academic field through visits by the Irish and Finnish Ambassadors to the Republic of Indonesia (RI) on Wednesday, 30/4. The visit, which took place separately at the ITS Rectorate Building and the ITS Research Center Building, aimed to further expand research and technology development with Ireland and Finland.

ITS Vice Rector IV, Prof Ir Agus Muhamad Hatta ST MSi PhD, emphasized that this collaboration is a strategic step to strengthen development in academic and international research fields. This was supported by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the University of Galway, Ireland, witnessed by ITS leadership and representatives from the Irish Embassy to Indonesia and the University of Galway.

Furthermore, Hatta revealed that this collaboration also serves as a potential platform for academic exchange to support accelerated research across various fields. This aligns with the University of Galway’s flagship programs in medicine and health sciences, business, and biotechnology.

Hatta added that ITS has been striving to support research and technological innovation through the ITS Science Techno Park (STP). According to him, the existence of the ITS STP can be used as a means to encourage innovation based on global needs and increase human resource capacity. “Collaboration can be realized through researcher exchange programs, joint research, guest lectures, and the development of appropriate technology,” said the lecturer at the Photonics Laboratory, Department of Physics Engineering, ITS.

Finnish Ambassador to Indonesia Pekka Kaihilahti discussed Finland’s efforts to address climate change during a guest lecture titled “Finland as a Global Leader in Technology” at the ITS Research Center Auditorium.

In line with Hatta, Irish Ambassador to Indonesia Pádraig Francis welcomed the opportunity for collaboration with ITS to advance academic knowledge. He added that these efforts align with the Irish government’s objectives in supporting international cooperation in education and research.

In support of these objectives, Pádraig explained that the University of Galway is also developing research in the fields of biotechnology, medicine, and business, which align with the efforts already undertaken by ITS. “This collaboration can serve as a knowledge-sharing platform for students regarding academic knowledge and research across nations,” he stated.

In addition to Ireland, ITS is also continuing its cooperation with Finland. This cooperation, which was agreed upon in 2021, focuses on research with STP ITS. In addition to discussions related to cooperation, a guest lecture was also held by the Finnish Ambassador to Indonesia, Pekka Kaihilahti. The event, held at the ITS Research Center Auditorium, emphasized Finland’s efforts to address climate change through sustainable technology.

Vice Rector IV of ITS, Prof Ir Agus Muhamad Hatta ST MSi PhD, presenting the opportunities for collaboration between ITS and the University of Galway, Ireland, at the ITS Rectorate Building

In the same event, Director of Innovation and Science and Technology Zone (DIKST) ITS Dr Ir Endroyono DEA stated that this activity is a continuation of previous collaborations between ITS and Nokia, Indosat Ooredoo, and Oulu University as well as JAMK University of Applied Sciences, Finland. Endroyono hopes that this cooperation can be an opportunity for ITS and partner countries to further develop research and technology in various fields.

According to the lecturer at the Department of Electrical Engineering, who is familiarly called Edo, this cooperation is a concrete manifestation of the 17th Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely partnerships to achieve goals. Edo added that this initiative not only strengthens global collaboration but also promotes the exchange of knowledge, technology, and sustainable innovation. (ITS Public Relations)

Reporter: Hani Aqilah Safitri
Translator: Lael Soebakir