On Monday, November 25, 2024, a delegation from Airlangga University (UNAIR), specifically from the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST), visited Leiden University in the Netherlands. The delegation consisted of Prof. Dr. Fatmawati, M.Si., Vice Dean for Research and Cooperation at FST, UNAIR, and Cicik Alfiniyah, M.Si., Ph.D., Secretary of the Department of Mathematics at FST, UNAIR, as well as Bidayatul Masulah, S.Si., a UNAIR Mathematics graduate who is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Applied Mathematics at Leiden University.
The visit began with welcoming remarks from both sides. During the welcoming speech, the representatives emphasized the importance of a friendly and open atmosphere for building strategic collaboration. They also highlighted the main goal of the visit, which was to enhance the quality of education and research through close international collaboration.
One of the main agendas of the visit was a discussion on the potential development of a Joint/Double Degree program for Master’s and Doctoral levels with Prof. Dr. Erik Danen, Dean of the Graduate School of Science at Leiden University. Through this discussion, it is hoped that both institutions can establish collaborative programs that will benefit both students and faculty.
Next, the UNAIR team was given a campus tour at Leiden University to explore its academic facilities, such as laboratories, classrooms, and research centers. The tour was led by Dr. Pieter Schipper, Head of Academic Affairs Science, and Yun Tian, Policy Officer for Global Engagement at the Faculty of Science, Leiden University. They provided in-depth insights into the academic culture and life at the Faculty of Science, Leiden University.
After lunch, the event continued with an in-depth discussion with Prof. Dr. Gianne Derks, Scientific Director of the Mathematics Institute at Leiden University, and his colleagues. This discussion focused on benchmarking academic quality, research collaboration opportunities, joint publications, and the development of innovative projects.
This visit is expected to mark a positive beginning for strengthening the bilateral relationship between UNAIR and Leiden University. The established collaboration is hoped to make significant contributions to the development of education and research at both institutions while enhancing the recognition and credibility of both universities on the international stage.
