Cambridge, MA, USA, September 15th, 2025. In a significant step towards international academic collaboration and its World-Class University initiative, Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) are currently engaged in a knowledge-sharing partnership through a specialized staff exchange program. The program features Dr. Nuruliarizki Shinta Pandupuspitasari, S.Pt., M.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., an accomplished Assistant Professor from UNDIP’s Faculty of Animal and Agricultural Sciences, who is on a three-week Staff Exchange as visiting scientist at MIT’s renowned Department of Biological Engineering.
The residency, which began on September 2nd and will continue until September 22nd, 2024, is a key activity within UNDIP’s internationalization strategy. Dr. Shinta is being hosted by Professor Eric J. Alm, a leading authority in microbial systems and the Director of The MIT Microbiome Center. Their collaboration focuses on advanced research in microbiome science and its applications in agricultural and biological engineering, fostering interdisciplinary innovation and research excellence.
“This exchange is a foundational activity within our World-Class University program,” says Dr. Shinta. “Working alongside pioneers like Professor Alm at MIT’s Microbiome Center is providing invaluable experience for advancing my research. I look forward to integrating these cutting-edge perspectives and methodologies into my work with students and colleagues at UNDIP. This initiative embodies the spirit of global scientific partnership that we are building.”
The program’s agenda includes high-level strategic meetings to strengthen the framework for long-term collaboration between UNDIP and MIT. Dr. Shinta has met with key MIT leadership, including the Interim Head of the MIT Biological Engineering Department and the Director of the International Scholars Office (IScho). These discussions are focused on expanding collaborative opportunities, including potential student exchanges, joint research projects, and academic co-supervision.
Professor Eric J. Alm expressed his enthusiasm for the visit, stating, “We are delighted to host Dr. Shinta at MIT. International collaborations are the bedrock of scientific progress. Her work aligns closely with several ongoing initiatives here, and we are excited about the potential for a fruitful and enduring partnership with UNDIP.”
This pioneering exchange serves as a cornerstone for deepening academic ties between Indonesia and the United States and is a key milestone in UNDIP’s strategy to enhance its global research and educational footprint.
