The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) at the Universitas Indonesia (UI) welcomed a delegation from Chang Gung University (CGU), Taiwan, on 11 February 2026 at the Meeting Room of the Multidisciplinary Research Laboratory Building, FMIPA UI, in Depok. The meeting was held to explore international collaboration in education and research, particularly in the fields of biology, biomedicine, and biosciences.

The CGU delegation was led by Jim-Tong Horng, Head of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, and Scott C. Schuyler, Ph.D., from the College of Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences.

During the meeting, both institutions discussed several potential areas of collaboration, including student mobility programs, research internships, joint supervision of final projects, and accelerated Bachelor–Master (fast track 3+2) schemes. Opportunities for faculty exchange through short-term academic visits, as well as joint research development, were also on the agenda.

The CGU representatives presented the institution’s profile as a research-oriented university supported by large-scale teaching hospitals. This support provides research funding and access to clinical data for the advancement of biomedical and bioscience studies.

One of the main focuses of the discussion was the Bachelor–Master fast track (3+2) scheme. Under this program, students complete three years of undergraduate study at their home university, then spend one year as exchange students at CGU to begin research. In the fifth year, students are officially enrolled in the master’s program. This scheme is designed to ensure research continuity from the undergraduate to the master’s level under the guidance of the same supervisor.

Additionally, the student research internship program was considered the most feasible form of collaboration to be implemented immediately. The internship can be credited as part of the undergraduate thesis research and carried out through a joint supervision scheme between FMIPA UI faculty and CGU faculty.

Astari Dwiranti, M.Eng., Ph.D., Head of the Research Ecosystem Subdirectorate at the Directorate of Research Funding and Ecosystem, Universitas Indonesia (DPER UI), stated that this phased approach is considered strategic for building sustainable collaboration.

“The internship and joint supervision programs represent the most realistic initial steps to be implemented immediately. This scheme allows students to gain international research experience without having to wait for the full joint-degree program to be launched,” she stated.

Regarding support for international students, CGU offers several funding schemes, including monthly scholarships for master’s and doctoral students, internship funding, and affordable on-campus housing. Students who study in Taiwan for at least two years also have the opportunity to apply for an employment card.

In closing, Zico Alaia Akbar Junior, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., Manager of Research Ecosystem and Impactful Science Commercialization at FMIPA UI, expressed hope that the meeting would serve as a foundation for developing long-term collaboration between the two institutions.

“We hope this meeting can serve as an initial step to strengthen academic collaboration between FMIPA UI and Chang Gung University, particularly in developing research internship programs, joint supervision, and international education schemes that can be implemented gradually and sustainably,” he stated.

The meeting was also attended by faculty leadership and members of the Department of Biology, including Dr. Fevi Novkaniza, S.Si., M.Si., Education Manager; Dr. Yulia Mariana Tesa Ayudia Putri, S.Si., M.Si., Assistant Manager for Student Achievement and Ecosystem Development; Sri Oktavioni Indraswari, S.T., M.Sc., Assistant Manager for Curriculum and International Class; Dr. Windri Handayani, S.Si., M.Si., Head of the Department of Biology; Niarsi Merry Hemelda, M.Si., Ph.D., Head of the Undergraduate Biology Program; and Dr. Dimas Haryo Pradana, S.Si., M.Si., Head of the Master’s and Doctoral Biology Programs, along with several other faculty members.