IPB University and Germany’s ZMT Expand Collaboration in Education, Research, and Community Service
IPB University and the Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT), Germany, have strengthened their strategic partnership through the signing of a letter of intent (LoI) at the IPB Dramaga Campus, Bogor (6/9). The agreement marks an initial step toward expanding international cooperation in education, research, professional development, as well as various training and academic exchange programs.
The ZMT delegation was led by Prof Raimund Bleischwitz, Scientific Director of ZMT, accompanied by Dr Sebastian Ferse. They were welcomed by Dr Beginer Subhan, Dean of the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (FPIK) at IPB University, along with senior researchers from FPIK, including Prof Kustiariyah, Prof Hefni Effendi, and Dr Cici Suhaeni, Assistant Director for International Collaboration and Networks.
Dr Beginer stated that the partnership between IPB University and ZMT has existed for more than three decades and has resulted in numerous forms of collaboration, including IPB alumni who pursued their studies at ZMT. During the meeting, both institutions discussed opportunities to broaden the scope of cooperation.
“The collaboration between IPB and ZMT has lasted for more than 30 years. Several of our staff members are also graduates of ZMT. Today, we discussed new directions for collaboration, particularly in education, research, and topics such as scientific diving, blue food, tourism, and human activities,” he said.
In his presentation, Prof Raimund Bleischwitz introduced various international collaborations developed by ZMT to address global marine issues. One of these initiatives involves contributing to the World Ocean Assessment (WOA) III by developing the Ecosystem Co-Design concept, which has become an important focus in international environmental policy.
Through the LoI, IPB University and ZMT agreed to explore opportunities for cooperation in education, research, professional development, and training. Both institutions also committed to promoting collaborative research, organizing public lectures and symposiums, facilitating exchanges of students, lecturers, and researchers, and sharing data, information, and academic materials in areas of mutual interest.
The LoI serves as an initial foundation for broader collaboration. Moving forward, these programs will be formalized through joint agreements based on the needs of both institutions. The partnership is expected to further strengthen IPB University’s international network while advancing marine research and education that contribute to addressing global challenges. (dh) (IAAS/CAA)
