MAKASSAR – Hasanuddin University’s (Unhas) commitment to strengthening the downstreaming of research and the development of science-based innovation has once again earned international recognition. Unhas Director of Innovation and Intellectual Property Asmi Citra Malina, S.Pi., M.Agr., Ph.D., has been selected as a participant in the 2026 Australia Awards Indonesia Short Course (AASC) themed “Advancing Research into Commercialisation,” announced by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) on 26 March 2026.
The program is a professional capacity-building scheme for leaders, innovation managers, academics, and policymakers who play a role in accelerating the transformation of research results into products, technologies, and services that deliver economic and social impact. Of about 500 applicants who went through the national selection process, only 25 participants were selected.
According to the DFAT letter, the program will run from April to October 2026, with Griffith University as the implementing institution. Activities include a pre-program workshop in Indonesia on 29–30 April 2026, an intensive course in Australia on 15–26 June 2026, and a post-program workshop on 26–28 October 2026.
The program’s main focus is to strengthen participants’ capacity to build effective research commercialization systems, from intellectual property management, development of industry partnerships, and technology transfer strategies to the establishment of start-ups and research-based spin-offs. Through this approach, university research results are expected to go beyond scientific publications and be adopted by businesses and society as real solutions to a range of development challenges.
All participants will receive full support from the organizers, including training costs, learning materials, international travel, accommodation, visas, health insurance while in Australia, and a living allowance throughout the program. This support is designed to ensure that participants can focus on learning and on building professional networks with experts, industry practitioners, and innovation institutions in Australia.
Asmi Citra Malina’s selection as a participant in the Australia Awards Short Course reflects Hasanuddin University’s increasingly strong position in the innovation and research downstreaming agenda. In recent years, Unhas has consistently developed its innovation ecosystem by improving intellectual property protection, strengthening cooperation with industry partners, and mentoring various research products with commercial potential.
Participation in the program is expected to broaden the international outlook and networks that will strengthen innovation management strategies at Hasanuddin University. The knowledge and experience gained during the program will also be an important asset in accelerating the transformation of research results into innovations that add value for society, industry, and national development. (*/dhs)
Editor : Ishaq Rahman
This article is an English translation of the original Indonesian report.