- University of Queensland (UQ) and Universitas Indonesia (UI) inaugurated the UI-UQ Collaboration Centre at UI’s new Science Techno Park in Depok, marking 25 years of partnership in education and research.
- The centre will focus on energy transition, climate resilience, health, and inclusive innovation, advancing UN Sustainable Development Goals.
- Supported by UQ’s strategic funding, the initiative aims to expand academic exchange, joint research, and PhD collaboration, strengthening Indonesia-Australia ties in science, technology, and education.
The University of Queensland and Universitas Indonesia are driving academic exchange, research, and innovation across Southeast Asia with the official opening of the UI-UQ Collaboration Centre. Based at UI's new Science Techno Park in Depok, Jawa Barat, the centre marks an important milestone in one of the most enduring and successful higher education partnerships between Indonesia and Australia.
UQ President and Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry AC said the new centre reflects a shared commitment by the two universities to address critical global and regional challenges. The collaboration also aligns closely with the priorities of both Indonesian and Australian governments, she added. "Initial focus areas will include energy transition, inclusive innovation, climate resilience, societal transformation and health, which reflect important United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, we are deeply grateful to UI for its generous support and vision in establishing this Centre, providing a dynamic space for connection and academic exchange", Professor Terry said.
UI Rector Professor Heri Hermansyah underlined the evolution of the partnership since the past 25 years, while calling it an ecosystem of learning, research, and friendship. “This collaboration has evolved into a living ecosystem of learning, research and global friendship,” he said. “As we inaugurate the UI-UQ Collaboration Centre, we are not only celebrating our past achievements but also paving the way for new breakthroughs in science, technology and education. Together, UI and UQ will continue to empower scholars and communities across borders toward creating meaningful impact for a sustainable future.”
Queensland Trade and Investment Commissioner for Indonesia Boyd Whalan, who attended the launch, said the centre represented a big step forward in Queensland's engagement with Indonesia. "By bringing together leading minds from UI and UQ, the Centre will foster innovation and facilitate world-class teaching and research, it builds on the partnership's success in addressing pressing challenges for the region-developing human capital, strengthening health systems, and accelerating sustainable development solutions", he said.
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The partnership between UQ and UI started 25 years ago with a joint double-degree program in Psychology, and has since expanded to include a linked Bachelor of Communications as well as other disciplines such as Arts, Business, Accounting, Engineering, and Computer Science. As at date, more than 700 students have graduated through the combined programs, where students do two years of study in Indonesia and two years in Australia.
The new Collaboration Centre will further expand opportunities for academic exchange, cultural immersion, and research collaboration, including joint PhD supervision and access to funding and expert mentorship. The UI-UQ Collaboration Centre, supported by UQ's strategic funding, will catalyze innovation, knowledge sharing, and bilateral engagement. The launch coincided with UQ's 25th anniversary of its partnership with UI and reiterated both partners' commitment to excellence in global education and research.
It is here that international collaborations such as this ensure that the students develop a world perspective to approach complex challenges, Professor Terry said. Professor Hermansyah added that UI remains committed to expanding the partnership and strengthening academic ties, calling it a bridge of excellence and friendship between Indonesia and Australia for years to come.
