Depok — The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) at Universitas Indonesia (UI) has strengthened its academic collaboration with the Department of Chemistry, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), South Korea. This collaboration was formalized through the signing of an Agreement on Student, Scholar, and Staff Exchange on Monday (January 12, 2026).
The agreement was signed by Dean of FMIPA UI, Prof. Dr. Tito Latif Indra, S.Si., M.Si., and Head of the Department of Chemistry at POSTECH, Prof. Young Ho Rhee, Ph.D., at the Multidisciplinary Research Laboratory Building, FMIPA UI, Depok.
The five-year agreement opens opportunities for the exchange of students, lecturers, researchers, and academic staff, particularly in the field of science. This collaboration complements the existing partnerships between FMIPA UI and POSTECH, which had previously been established through the Department of Physics and the Department of Chemical Engineering.
As part of the series of activities, the POSTECH delegation, together with FMIPA UI leadership, also held a joint symposium, leadership-level discussions, and visits to several research laboratories.
“This visit and the signing of the agreement reflect the joint commitment of FMIPA UI and POSTECH to strengthen academic collaboration through scientific dialogue, knowledge exchange, and sustainable institutional partnerships,” said Prof. Tito.
He added that FMIPA UI continues to advance the basic sciences, including chemistry, physics, biology, mathematics, geography, geology, and geophysics, as a crucial foundation for innovation and the development of strategic sectors.
Meanwhile, Prof. Young Ho Rhee stated that this collaboration opens the door to broader partnerships. “This cooperation creates opportunities for wider research collaboration, intensive academic exchange, and the development of scientific programs that benefit students, researchers, and our institutions,” he said.
Through this collaboration, both institutions will develop various joint activities, including research collaboration in areas of mutual interest, organization of seminars and conferences, exchange of teaching materials and scientific publications, as well as the development of academic programs and enhancement of international mobility for the academic community.
Going forward, research collaboration will also focus on the development of advanced materials, renewable energy, nanotechnology, biotechnology, molecular and biomedical chemistry, and environmental sciences. In addition, this partnership creates opportunities for joint scientific publications, intellectual property development, and collaboration with industry and international research partners.
The collaboration is expected to enhance the academic and research capacities of both institutions, while also contributing to addressing global challenges such as climate change, energy security, public health, and sustainable development.
“FMIPA UI believes that a strategic partnership with POSTECH will provide a strong foundation for long-term collaboration, sustainable academic mobility, and joint scientific achievements that benefit both institutions and the global community,” said Prof. Tito.
FMIPA UI also welcomed the delegation from POSTECH’s Department of Chemistry, which included professors and researchers with expertise across various fields, ranging from organic, inorganic, physical, and analytical chemistry to polymers, nanomaterials, and biologically based chemistry.
From FMIPA UI, several leaders and faculty members attended, including Vice Dean for Education, Research, and Student Affairs, Prof. Dr. Anom Bowolaksono; Vice Dean for Resources, Ventures, and General Administration, Prof. Dr. Ivandini Tribidasari Anggraningrum, S.Si., M.Si.; Manager of Collaboration, Ventures, and Alumni Relations, Dr. Lukmanda Evan Lubis, M.Si., F.Med.; and Manager of Research and Community Service, Dr. Dipo Aldila, S.Si., M.Si.
Also in attendance were Munawar Khalil, S.Si., M.Eng.Sc., Ph.D., Manager of Internationalization and Global Ranking; Dr. Djati Handoko, S.Si., M.Si., Head of the Department of Physics; Dr. Iqbal Putut Ash Shidiq, S.Si., M.Sc., Chair of the Undergraduate Geography Program; Astari Dwiranti, M.Eng., Ph.D., faculty member of the Department of Biology and Head of the Ecosystem Sub-Directorate at the Directorate of Funding and Research Ecosystems (DPER) UI; and Samira Husen Alamudi, S.Si., Ph.D., faculty member of the Department of Chemistry.
The presence of the POSTECH delegation underscores FMIPA UI’s commitment to strengthening international academic and research networks, as well as promoting productive and sustainable scientific collaboration.
