On March 4, 2026, an important international collaboration initiative took place at the headquarters of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of Indonesia. The Indonesia–UK Research Translation Forum 2026 gathered researchers, policymakers, and innovation leaders from Indonesia and the United Kingdom to discuss how academic discoveries can be translated into practical solutions that benefit society—particularly in the fields of health innovation and drug development.
The forum was organized under the framework of the International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF), a program supported by the British Council aimed at strengthening international collaboration in science and research. The event represented a major step in building deeper research partnerships between Indonesian and UK institutions, encouraging the transformation of academic research into impactful innovations.
Leadership and Collaboration
The project was led by Nunung Nurul Qomariyah, Ph.D., from the Computer Science Department of BINUS University (BINUS International). Dr. Qomariyah was responsible for developing the concept and coordinating the implementation of the forum as part of the ISPF initiative. Her leadership focused on creating a collaborative environment where research findings could be connected with industry needs, policy development, and societal challenges.
The initiative was supported by a multidisciplinary team from BINUS University, reflecting the institution’s commitment to advancing international research collaboration. The team included Feri Setiawan from Computer Science BINUS International, Afny Andryani from the Department of Computer Science at BINUS, and Elioenai Sitepu from the Research and Technology Transfer Office (RTTO). Together, the team coordinated the event’s program, discussions, and networking sessions aimed at fostering sustainable partnerships.
Strengthening Research Translation
One of the central themes of the forum was research translation—the process of transforming academic discoveries into practical technologies, policies, or solutions that can be implemented in real-world contexts. While both Indonesia and the United Kingdom have strong research ecosystems, bridging the gap between research findings and societal application remains a critical challenge.
The forum addressed this challenge by facilitating dialogue among researchers, government representatives, industry stakeholders, and innovation experts. Participants discussed strategies to accelerate the journey from scientific discovery to tangible outcomes that benefit public health, economic development, and technological advancement.
A particular emphasis was placed on health sector innovation and pharmaceutical development, where cross-country collaboration can significantly accelerate breakthroughs. By combining Indonesia’s growing research capacity with the UK’s established scientific networks and innovation infrastructure, the forum highlighted the potential for joint projects that address global health challenges.
A Platform for Knowledge Exchange
Organized by the British Council and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, with institutional support from BINUS University, the forum served as a platform for knowledge exchange and strategic dialogue. Experts shared insights on research commercialization, technology transfer mechanisms, and collaborative funding opportunities that enable research to move beyond academic publications into practical implementation.
Through panel discussions, presentations, and interactive sessions, participants explored models of equitable international collaboration, ensuring that partnerships between Indonesian and UK institutions remain mutually beneficial and sustainable. These discussions also addressed how universities can work more closely with industry partners and government agencies to maximize the societal impact of research investments.
Building Future Partnerships
Beyond the discussions themselves, the Indonesia–UK Research Translation Forum 2026 emphasized the importance of building long-term research partnerships. By bringing together stakeholders from academia, government, and innovation ecosystems, the event created opportunities for new collaborative initiatives, joint research programs, and cross-border knowledge sharing.
For BINUS University, the event highlighted its growing role in facilitating international academic collaboration and research translation. The involvement of its Computer Science department and the Research and Technology Transfer Office demonstrated how universities can act as catalysts for innovation and global scientific engagement.
As global challenges—from health crises to technological transformation—require increasingly collaborative solutions, initiatives such as the Indonesia–UK Research Translation Forum illustrate the power of international partnerships. By connecting research with real-world applications, the forum reaffirmed a shared commitment between Indonesia and the United Kingdom to transform scientific knowledge into meaningful societal impact.
