MAKASSAR – Collaboration between universities opens opportunities for students to gain cross-border academic experience while bringing together researchers’ expertise to address scientific challenges. Hasanuddin University (Unhas) and the University of Queensland (UQ), Australia, are strengthening their cooperation through the development of double degree programs, scholarships, and the exploration of joint research.
The strengthened partnership was marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Makassar on Monday, 12 October 2026. The MoU was signed by the Rector of Unhas, Prof. Dr. Ir. Jamaluddin Jompa, M.Sc., and the Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Global Partnerships of UQ, Prof. Brett Lovegrove.
The Rector of Unhas, Prof.JJ, explained that the relationship between Unhas and UQ has in fact existed since 2017. The academic network between Unhas and Australian higher education institutions has prepared room for the development of cross-border research. One form of this collaboration is the Australia-Indonesia Centre (AIC) Lab at Unhas, which connects Indonesian and Australian researchers.
“The AIC Lab is both an opportunity and a trust for Unhas to strengthen collaboration between Indonesian and Australian researchers. Unhas serves as a hub connecting researchers from both countries and encouraging the development of joint research,” explained Prof. JJ.
Prof. JJ also stressed collaboration in developing double degree programs that allow students to gain learning experience in the partner’s academic environment. The program opens opportunities for two-way student exchange, including chances for Unhas students to study at UQ and for UQ students to experience Unhas’s academic environment.
The Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Global Partnerships of UQ, Prof. Brett Lovegrove, emphasized the importance of educational partnerships that benefit students at both universities.
“We want to build collaboration that benefits both Unhas and UQ students. Through this cooperation, students from both universities have the chance to broaden their international perspectives and to strengthen Indonesia–Australia relations,” explained Prof. Lovegrove.
Besides the double degree program, Unhas and UQ are exploring the development of doctoral education through research collaboration and opportunities for joint supervision. Discussions on scholarships are also aimed at widening access to education and supporting cross-border academic mobility.
Research cooperation also opens opportunities for studies on critical minerals. Sulawesi’s mineral resource potential can provide context for developing joint research, from mineral characteristics and processing technology to the sustainability of resource management. The two universities need to map priority areas, align academic programs, and formulate a research agenda based on their respective expertise. (*/mir)
Editor : Ishaq Rahman
This article is an English translation of the original Indonesian report.