IPB University Explores Research Collaboration with UC Dublin and the University of Limerick, Ireland
IPB University is pioneering a strategic partnership with two leading universities in Ireland, namely University College Dublin (UCD) and the University of Limerick (UL). This collaboration was initiated by Prof Bambang Purwantara, a Full Professor at IPB University’s School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences (SKHB) in the Division of Reproduction and Obstetrics.
The visit, conducted through the Matchmaking Program-DAPT-EQUITY scheme and supported by the Education Fund Management Agency (LPDP), focused on the development of research, education, academic exchanges, and opportunities for joint supervision of graduate students.
During the visit, Prof Bambang was received by Prof Patrick Lonergan and Prof Trudee Fair (professors in the field of livestock reproduction), Assoc Prof Aifric O’Sullivan (Vice Principal (International) at UCD’s College of Health and Agricultural Sciences), and Damien Dempsey (Marketing Manager at UCD’s School of Agriculture and Food Science).
“In addition to the main campus in Belfield, we also visited Lyons Farm in Newcastle-Kildare, a key educational and research facility for the College of Health and Agricultural Science (CHAS) at UCD. Spanning approximately 250 hectares and located 30 kilometers from UCD’s main campus, Lyons Farm houses 200 dairy cows and 150–350 beef cattle, 350 sheep, and a dozen horses,” said Prof Bambang.
During his visit to the School of Veterinary Medicine, Prof Bambang met with Assoc Prof Marijke Beltman, an expert in veterinary education and teaching. The two met to discuss the veterinary medicine curriculum implemented at UCD, particularly in preparation for the implementation of the new ‘K2025’ curriculum at the School of Veterinary Medicine, IPB University.
At the same location, Prof Bambang also toured the clinical facilities and research laboratories to explore opportunities for collaboration in research, education, and training in the fields of biotechnology and equine reproductive health.
Next, the delegation visited the Irish National Stud, where elite stallions are bred, mated, and developed to meet the demand for the finest racehorse breeding stock in Ireland and the United Kingdom.
Visit to the University of Limerick
During his visit to Ireland, Prof Bambang also took the time to discuss research activities in the field of animal reproduction at the University of Limerick. There, he met with Prof Sean Fair, Chairman of the Department of Biological Sciences and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the International Congress on Animal Reproduction (ICAR).
“Prof Fair is one of the pioneers in microfluidics studies for sperm selection, as well as the focal point for Bull Nest, a European cross national research consortium aimed at improving bovine sperm performance,” he said.
Based on this exploration of collaboration opportunities, Prof Bambang hopes that the graduate education partnership between Indonesia and Ireland will continue to grow, thereby broadening the scope of scientific research. (*/Rz) (IAAS/FHD)
