Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Dikti Saintek) of the Republic of Indonesia Prof. Brian Yuliarto attended the “Nobel Laureate Lecture at Hasanuddin University,” organized by Hasanuddin University (Unhas) in cooperation with The International Peace Foundation (IPF). The event was also supported by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology through the Directorate of Science and Technology Talent Development.
The prestigious event featured Prof. Morten P. Meldal, winner of the 2022 Nobel Prize in Chemistry and Head of the Center for Evolutionary Biology, University of Copenhagen, Denmark, as keynote speaker. It began at 09:30 WITA (Central Indonesia Time) at Baruga A.P Pettarani, Unhas Tamalanrea Campus, Makassar, on Thursday (29 January).
The public lecture was attended by nearly 2,000 participants from higher education and secondary institutions across Indonesia.
Prof Brian said the presence of world-class scientists at Indonesian universities is a strategic moment for strengthening the global research ecosystem. The public lecture is not only a forum for sharing knowledge but also a means of building sustainable international research collaboration networks.
Lectures by Nobel laureates, Prof. Brian said, play an important role in changing the way the academic community thinks, especially researchers and students. Direct exposure to scientists involved in research with global impact is expected to encourage the courage to think across disciplines, critically, and innovatively in answering scientific challenges.
“International research collaboration is key to improving the quality and competitiveness of researchers. Through this event, Indonesian researchers are encouraged to actively explore opportunities for joint research and scientific publication collaboration with the world’s leading research centers,” said Prof Brian.
Indonesia has very great research potential in various strategic fields. Global issues such as the environment, sustainable energy, and climate change are research areas relevant to develop through international collaboration based on local strengths.
In the context of human resource development, the event is considered important for inspiring the younger generation of Indonesian researchers. Direct interaction with a Nobel laureate is expected to foster a scientific spirit, academic integrity, and a long-term, impact-oriented research outlook.
Closing the remarks, Prof Brian hoped the event can be the beginning of concrete and sustainable research collaboration. Prof Brian stressed that synergy between world scientists and Indonesian researchers is an important investment in the future of science, technology, and national sustainable development.
On the same occasion, Unhas Rector Prof. Dr. Ir. Jamaluddin Jompa, M.Sc., explained that bringing in world-class scientists is part of Unhas’s steps to improve its international reputation. Such moments provide room for impactful research cooperation for the Unhas academic community and Indonesia.
“This event was attended by thousands of participants, including academics from Unhas and various universities in Indonesia. We hope public lectures like this will become a regular agenda for us in the future,” said Prof. JJ.
Prof. JJ especially expressed appreciation for the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology’s tangible support for the public lecture. “I know the Minister is very busy, yet was willing to attend this event. It shows that the presence of a world-class public lecture like this has important benefits and impact for higher education in our country,” Prof. JJ concluded. (*/mir)
Editor: Ishaq Rahman
This article is an English translation of the original Indonesian report.