Depok, March 9, 2026 – The Faculty of Public Health (FPH) Universitas Indonesia (UI) continues to expand its international academic network through the exploration of collaboration with the University of Derby, United Kingdom. This collaboration aims to broaden international partnerships while opening opportunities for the development of education, teaching, and research in the field of public health. The activity was conducted online via the Microsoft Teams platform and attended by leaders and academics from both universities.
During the meeting, the University of Derby was represented by Prof. Stephen Wordsworth as Associate Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Care; Simon Williams as Head of the Department of Public Health and Social Care; Dono Widiatmoko, S.K.M., M.Sc., PgCE., Senior Lecturer at the University of Derby; and Dr. Madeline Tomlinson. Meanwhile, the delegation from FPH UI was led by the Dean of FPH UI, Prof. Dr. Indri Hapsari Susilowati, S.K.M., M.K.K.K.; Vice Dean for Education, Research, and Student Affairs, Prof. Dr. Besral, S.K.M., M.Sc.; Head of Academic Quality Assurance, Audit, and Ethics, Prof. Dr. Robiana Modjo, S.K.M., M.Kes.; Manager of Research and Community Engagement, Rizka Maulida, S.K.M., M.HSc., Ph.D.; Manager of Cooperation and Venture, Dr. Budi Hartono, S.Si., M.K.M.; and dr. Fathimah Sulistyowati Sigit, M.Res., Ph.D., Head of the Undergraduate Nutrition Study Program.
At the initial stage, both institutions agreed to begin the collaboration through the preparation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for guest lectures and knowledge exchange among lecturers. Prof. Stephen, Associate Dean of the Faculty of Health and Social Care at the University of Derby, emphasized that the collaboration would develop gradually. “We want to begin this collaboration realistically. The goal is to start ‘rolling the ball’ of cooperation before eventually expanding into a larger collaboration,” he stated.
In the field of education, the collaboration discussed includes the possibility of cross-teaching or joint teaching between lecturers from both universities, including online lectures and guest lectures. In the future, opportunities for developing joint academic programs are also open. The Dean of FPH UI, Prof. Dr. Indri Hapsari Susilowati, stated that strengthening international networks is an important part of efforts to improve the quality of education and research at FPH UI. “Collaboration with international universities such as the University of Derby is expected to open more opportunities for FPH UI students and lecturers to engage in global-scale academic activities,” said Prof. Indri.
In addition to teaching, research also became a key focus of the collaboration plan. Both institutions encouraged researchers to establish research partnerships, both individually and institutionally, which are expected to create opportunities for research development and future research funding. “At the initial stage, research can begin organically without having to wait for major funding,” added Prof. Stephen.
The meeting also discussed the possibility of appointing adjunct professors or visiting professors from partner universities who could contribute to academic activities at FPH UI, such as delivering lectures, supervising research, and participating in curriculum development. “We are very open to experts from the University of Derby who are willing to become visiting professors at FPH UI, as the presence of international academics is highly needed in developing our international programs,” said Prof. Indri. In addition, FPH UI offers various programs that can serve as platforms for international collaboration, such as student mobility programs and a range of short courses in public health, nutrition, environmental health, and occupational health and safety.
Through this collaboration initiative, FPH UI hopes to create broader opportunities for students to gain international academic experience while strengthening the contribution of Indonesian academics in addressing various global public health challenges. (EAR)