Indonesian universities to pool research funds

More than 40 universities in the east of Indonesia have agreed to collaborate to boost the impact of their research funding.

The venture is expected to increase the number of publications coming out of Indonesian institutions and boost the transfer of knowledge among academics, according to a report in the Jakarta Post.

The Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (ITS) will coordinate the venture, which will be known as the Eastern Part of Indonesia University Network.

Rector of the ITS, Joni Hermana, told the Post: “Collaboration can manage the issue of limited human resources. Not only that, but the final research in scientific journals or publications could multiply each year because the research is conducted jointly, with varied topics and human resources.”

Members of the group will be able to allocate research funds to a pot according to their abilities. The funds will then be used jointly under a cross-subsidy scheme. The network will also provide shared support services for members.

holly.else@tesglobal.com