Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) received a KONEKSI-BRIN research visit on Wednesday, June 24, 2026. This visit was part of efforts to strengthen research and innovation collaboration between Indonesia and Australia through the Knowledge Partnership Platform Australia-Indonesia (KONEKSI) program.
KONEKSI is a knowledge partnership and innovation program between Australia and Indonesia supported by both governments. Through this program, Universitas Airlangga has become one of the strategic partners involved in various collaborative research projects with institutions in both Indonesia and Australia.
The Australian delegation present during the visit consisted of Glen Askew as Consul General of Australia in Surabaya, Elena Martin Avila as 1st Secretary of the Australian Embassy, Jana C. Hertz as KONEKSI Team Leader, Pingkan Umboh as Head of Partnerships Management KONEKSI, and Noviana Aisyiah as Senior Partnerships Coordinator KONEKSI.
The purpose of this visit was to meet with Universitas Airlangga researchers involved in four collaborative research projects supported by KONEKSI. These various projects focus on health, digital transformation, climate resilience, and sustainable natural resource management. During the agenda, the Minister Counsellor and the Australian delegation discussed with the researchers the progress of research, findings that have been produced, and the potential utilization of research results for society and policy development.
One of the researchers who had the opportunity to present her research results was Prof. apt. Rr. Retno Widyowati, S.Si., M.Pharm., Ph.D., an FF UNAIR lecturer whose research was selected under the KONEKSI funding scheme.
A series of activities took place throughout the morning. Following the research presentation session, the delegation continued the agenda by meeting with the UNAIR Rector to discuss strengthening academic and research cooperation between Indonesia and Australia. The discussion also highlighted the strategic role of Universitas Airlangga in building a research ecosystem capable of addressing various global challenges through cross-country collaboration.
The activity then continued with a visit to FF UNAIR laboratories. During this opportunity, the Australian delegation reviewed the research facilities operated by the faculty while interacting directly with students. The discussion atmosphere was warm, providing space for staff and students to introduce the academic and research activities they are conducting.
This visit can expand opportunities for impactful collaborative research while strengthening academic relationships between Indonesia and Australia. This synergy is expected to produce research-based innovations that support sustainable development and improve the health and well-being of society.
This activity also aligns with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 (Good Health and Well-being) through the strengthening of health research, and SDGs 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through the development of international partnerships that encourage research collaboration, innovation, and knowledge exchange between Indonesia and Australia.
