Jakarta, March 30, 2023 — Two Diponegoro University lecturers, Ni Kadek Dita Cahyani and Laila Kholid Alfirdaus, are two of 27 selected Indonesian researchers who have successfully completed a nine-month world-class scientific leadership development program from The Conversation Indonesia, Science Leadership Collaborative (SLC). The inauguration of the graduation of 27 researchers from various regions and disciplines was held on March 17, 2023 in Ungasan, Bali.
Famous science figures such as Prof. Sangkot Marzuki, Chairman of the Indonesian Academy of Sciences 2008-2018, and Prof. Jatna Supriatna, Professor at the University of Indonesia, also gave a speech and confirmed the researchers’ graduation.
“This class is a pioneer. I hope that in the future they will not only be able to collaborate, but also become mature scientists,” said Prof. Jatna Supriatna in his speech.
For nine months, Dita and Laila carried out a learning series designed with leading methods with leadership development experts from America, Europe and Asia. This learning series includes seminars and workshops, 1-on-1 coaching, peer learning, and learning through machine learning systems.
In addition, Dita and Laila are also paired with mentors who are well-known scientists in their fields. Dita is paired with Dr. Karen Osborn, scientist at the Smithsonian Institution, United States. While Laila was paired with Prof. Agus Pramusinto, lecturer at Gadjah Mada University and Chair of the State Civil Apparatus Commission (KASN).
“Dita, it’s nice to meet you. Talking about challenges, successes, and all the interesting work you do. I hope your success will continue and grow in the future,” said Dr. Karen.
“I hope Dr. Laila can continue to be consistent in pursuing the profession she chooses. With her experience, I am sure she can become a future leader in the field of public policy,” added Prof. Agus.
In this graduation ceremony, the researchers were challenged to present the innovation projects they had developed at the end of the program. Dita is one of five researchers selected to be presenters, with a project entitled Building the Indonesian Genetic Diversity Database or Repository.
Prof. Sangkot Marzuki as a representative for academics, Prodita Sabarini as a media representative, Rifa Atsari as a start-up representative, as well as an audience consisting of various stakeholders provided various feedbacks to help Dita finalize her project.
The series of graduation events then closed with dinner and graduation inauguration. Many hopes emerged after the program was completed, one of which was related to the impact that researchers could create after graduating from this program. Prodita Sabarini, CEO/Publisher of The Conversation Indonesia, said, “I hope that there will be many new collaborations, new initiatives, as well as a wider network between them.”
Source: The Conversation Indonesia