Jakarta, March 30, 2023 – Two Universitas Diponegoro lecturers, Ni Kadek Dita Cahyani and Laila Kholid Alfirdaus, became two of 27 Indonesian researchers who successfully completed a nine-month world-class scientific leadership development program by The Conversation Indonesia, Science Leadership Collaborative (SLC). The inauguration of the 27 researchers from various regions and disciplines was held on March 17, 2023 in Ungasan, Bali.

Renowned science figures such as Prof. Sangkot Marzuki, Chairman of the Indonesian Academy of Sciences 2008-2018, and Prof. Jatna Supriatna, Professor of the Universitas Indonesia, also gave speeches and inaugurated the graduation of the researchers.

“This current batch is a pioneer. I hope that in the future they will not only be able to collaborate, but also become full-fledged scientists,” Prof. Jatna Supriatna said in his speech.

Over the course of nine months, Dita and Laila undertook a series of lessons designed with leading-edge methods with leadership development experts from America, Europe and Asia. The learning series included seminars and workshops, 1-on-1 coaching, peer learning, and learning through learning machine system.

In addition, Dita and Laila were also paired with mentors who were renowned scientists in their fields. Dita was paired with Dr. Karen Osborn, a scientist at the Smithsonian Institution in the United States. Meanwhile, Laila was paired with Prof. Agus Pramusinto, a lecturer at Universitas Gadjah Mada and Chairman of the State Civil Apparatus Commission (KASN).

“Dita, it’s been a pleasure getting to know you. Talking about your challenges, successes and all the exciting work you do. I hope your success continues and grows into the future,” said Dr. Karen.

“I hope Dr. Laila can continue to be consistent in her chosen profession. With her experience, I believe she can become a future leader in the field of public policy”, added Prof. Agus.

In this graduation event, the researchers were challenged to present the innovation projects they developed at the end of the program. Dita was one of five researchers selected as a presenter, with a project entitled Building the Indonesian Genetic Diversity Database or Repository.

Prof. Sangkot Marzuki as an academic representative, Prodita Sabarini as a media representative, Rifa Atsari as a start-up representative, as well as an audience consisting of various stakeholders provided a variety of feedback to help Dita finalize her project.

The graduation ceremony was then concluded with a dinner and inauguration. There were many expectations that arose after this program was completed, one of which was related to the impact that the researchers could create after graduating from this program. Prodita Sabarini, CEO/Publisher of The Conversation Indonesia, said, “I hope there will be many new collaborations, new initiatives, and a wider network among them”.

Source: undip.ac.id