EduAsiaNews, Palu — The development of collaboration in higher education, research and academic publishing was among the topics discussed during a meeting between Tadulako University (Untad) and Universitas Brawijaya (UB) on Tuesday (Sept 22, 2026). Held at the Untad Rector’s Meeting Room, the meeting also included the extension of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and discussions on potential collaboration through UB’s PRESTIGE program (Partnership & Reputation Engagement to Strengthen Global Eminence).
Representing the Untad rector, Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Dr. Eng. Ir. Andi Rusdin, S.T., M.T., M.Sc., welcomed the UB vice rector and delegation. He expressed his appreciation for the continuation of the longstanding cooperation between Untad and UB.
The meeting also provided UB with an opportunity to present several programs that could be jointly developed, particularly those aimed at strengthening scientific publications and the academic reputation of higher education institutions.
UB Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Dr. Ir. Imam Santoso, MP, said expanding academic networks was part of UB’s efforts to accelerate improvements in its academic reputation and international publications.
In his presentation, Prof. Imam Santoso said UB currently ranked around 516th in global university rankings, an improvement from about five years ago, when it was still ranked outside the top 1,000. He explained that peer validation of academic reputation was among the factors contributing to the university’s improved standing.
In terms of publications, UB recorded around 2,300 Scopus-indexed publications throughout 2025. According to Imam, the achievement was also supported by the development of collaborations with various universities as academic partners.
UB also offered several collaboration schemes that could be jointly developed with Untad. One of them was a domestic visiting lecturer program involving lecturers and professors from partner universities. The program includes funding support to facilitate the publication of collaborative research findings.
Under the scheme, UB does not require its partners to serve as first or corresponding authors. Partners may participate as co-authors in publications resulting from the collaboration.
In addition to the visiting lecturer program, UB also opened opportunities for collaboration through the Indonesian Collaborative Research (RKI) program. The program requires the involvement of partners from outside the proposing institution and from different universities, creating opportunities for joint research between UB and Untad.
The extension of the Memorandum of Understanding was subsequently formalized through a signing ceremony between the two universities. Representing Untad, the MoU was signed by Vice Rector for Finance and General Affairs Prof. Dr. M. Rusydi H., M.Si., on behalf of the Untad rector, accompanied by Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Dr. Eng. Ir. Andi Rusdin, S.T., M.T., M.Sc.
Representing UB, the agreement was signed by UB Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Dr. Ir. Imam Santoso, MP.
The meeting was also attended by Untad’s vice rectors for academic affairs and finance and general affairs, deans of faculties across the university, the director of the postgraduate program, heads of university institutions and heads of bureaus.
The extension of the partnership is expected to strengthen institutional ties while creating broader opportunities for collaboration between Untad and UB in education, research, community service, human resource development and other mutually agreed areas.
Through discussions on the UB PRESTIGE program, the two universities also have opportunities to develop collaborations aimed at strengthening scientific publications, academic networks and the universities’ reputations at both the national and international levels.
