Yogyakarta, 17 November 2025 — The Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Gadjah Mada strengthened its international network through a meeting with the University of Groningen, the Netherlands. The discussion brought together leaders and academics from both institutions to explore opportunities for research collaboration and academic initiatives.
From the University of Groningen, Rector Jacquelien Scherpen, Dean of the Faculty of Medical Sciences Wiro Niessen, and Director of the Graduate School of Medical Sciences Jolanda Smit participated actively in shaping the direction of the partnership, particularly in strengthening academic and research cooperation between Groningen and UGM.
UGM was represented by the leadership of the Faculty of Pharmacy, including the Dean, the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation and Alumni, and the Vice Dean for Finance, Assets, and Human Resources. Several faculty members from the Faculty of Pharmacy also took part in the meeting.
The discussion centered on student mobility initiatives, the development of research matchmaking, and academic activities such as guest lectures and seminars. Both universities exchanged ideas to create opportunities for internships, laboratory assistance, and student exchanges, enabling students from UGM and the University of Groningen to gain academic and research experience.
The institutions also emphasized the importance of joint research initiatives. The dialogue progressed toward exploring collaborative research across various topics in pharmacy and health sciences. To support this agenda, UGM and the University of Groningen committed to facilitating research matchmaking that connects researchers from both institutions in impactful scientific and socially relevant projects.
This meeting underscored collaborative efforts that contribute to improving the quality of education (SDG 4), strengthening global partnerships for innovative research (SDG 17), and advancing health-related research that supports public well-being (SDG 3), reflecting the shared commitment of UGM and the University of Groningen to building a robust and meaningful academic and research ecosystem.
