INUCost strengthens research collaboration

International research collaboration serves as a vital key to delivering solutions for various global challenges. Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) reaffirmed this commitment through its Directorate of Research and Innovation by hosting the Early Research Dissemination Forum for the Indonesian-Netherlands Universities Consortium on Sustainable Futures (INUCoST). The event took place on Monday, June 29, 2026, at the Majapahit Room, ASEEC Tower, Dharmawangsa-B Campus, UNAIR. This forum served as a platform to monitor the progress of eight collaborative research projects funded by the 2024–2026 INUCoST grant while simultaneously strengthening the synergy between Indonesian higher education institutions and the Leiden-Delft-Erasmus (LDE) Universities to build a sustainable future.

The Vice Rector for Academic, Student, and Alumni Affairs, Prof Ir Mochammad Amin Alamsjah MSi PhD, stated that this forum was far more than a mere agenda for presenting preliminary research findings. According to him, the event provided a reflective space for researchers to evaluate their milestones. Furthermore, it offered an arena to exchange cross-disciplinary ideas while reinforcing the foundation of the Indonesian-Dutch research partnership. “This forum is not just a formality to present initial research findings. It is also an opportunity to reflect on progress, exchange ideas across disciplines, and strengthen partnerships. This is what will shape the next stage of our collaborative research,” he noted.

Prof Alamsjah added that the research themes in INUCoST, ranging from biodiversity, artificial intelligence, and smart cities to energy transition hold immense relevance to global challenges while supporting Indonesia’s sustainable development agenda. He emphasized that transnational collaboration is a critical factor in producing research that is not only academically excellent but also impactful for society. “At Universitas Airlangga, we believe that impactful research is born from collaboration that transcends institutional and national boundaries. Excellent research does not merely generate high-quality publications, but also provides tangible benefits to society. Ultimately, it also supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” he stated.

The Education and Science Attache of the Embassy of the Netherlands in Indonesia, Yvonne Klers, commended the close academic relationship between Indonesia and the Netherlands, which has continued to flourish over recent years. Throughout her service of more than three years in Indonesia, she has witnessed an equally profound enthusiasm from both nations to foster collaboration in higher education and research. “Universities in Indonesia and the Netherlands are truly well-connected and share the same passion for collaboration. It is this mutual enthusiasm from both parties that keeps this cooperation growing,” she expressed.

Furthermore, Yvonne Klers evaluated INUCoST as an exemplary model of international collaboration capable of addressing shared challenges through multidisciplinary research. In her view, the eight research projects possess great potential to generate local solutions that can be applied on a global scale. “INUCoST is a prime example of how a consortium can collaborate on a multi-year project to bring local solutions to global challenges. This program holds vast potential to create positive impact and transformation for communities in Indonesia, the Netherlands, and the world,” she stated.

Commitment toward the program’s sustainability also came from various stakeholders. The Head of the Research Grant Division at LPDP, Adisty Dwi Lestari, revealed that LPDP, alongside the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, has optimally funded the eight INUCoST research projects. “Moving forward, we will strengthen research collaboration while integrating it with scholarship programs. This ensures that the development of research and human resources progresses cohesively in accordance with national priorities,” she explained.

In alignment with this sentiment, the Head of the Research Division at the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Erlin Puspaputri SSi MSc, praised UNAIR for serving as the inaugural host of INUCoST. She expressed hope that this forum would generate high-quality scientific outputs while solidifying the academic partnership between Indonesia and the Netherlands. “We hope the INUCoST projects produce meaningful scientific outputs. Additionally, we hope it strengthens the academic partnership between the two countries, and most importantly, delivers a tangible impact for the community,” she concluded.

Through this forum, UNAIR has once again reaffirmed its active commitment to building international research collaborations. The meeting served not only as a space to disseminate preliminary research outcomes, but also as a strategic forum for both nations. It provided an opportunity to design future innovations and continuous cooperation between Indonesia and the Netherlands in realizing a more sustainable future through impactful research.