IPB University and BMBF Germany Strengthen Cooperation in Natural Resources, Marine Science and Circular Economy

Bogor, March 4, 2025 – IPB University held a strategic meeting with representatives from German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and German Embassy to discuss opportunities for collaboration in the fields of natural resources, climate change, biodiversity, marine science and Circular Economy.

The meeting was attended by the delegation from BMBF, led by Ms. Kathrin Meyer, along with several officials and scientists from various German research institutions, including Mr. Jens Hofmann (Head of Division Asia/Oceania, BMBF), Mr. Michael Sondermann (Head of Division Resources, Circular Economy, Geoscience, BMBF), Mr. Ludwig Kammesheidt (Head of Unit, Southeast Asia and South Asia, DLR-Project Management Agency), Ms. Susanne Fretzdorff (Marine Research and Geoscience, Project Management Agency Jülich), Mr. Thomas Rüde (Professor for Hydrogeology, RWTH Aachen), Ms. Britta Möller (Science Officer for Southeast Asia, German Research Foundation, DFG), and Ms. Annisa Fitria (Head of Science and Technology Section German Embassy Jakarta). Representing IPB University were the Rector, Prof. Dr. Arif Satria, along with vice rectors, deans, and researchers from various faculties.

During the meeting, BMBF reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening academic and research collaboration with Indonesia, particularly in the management of natural resources and environmental issues. One of the key topics discussed was post-mining solutions in Indonesia, which, according to Dr. Irdika Mansur, requires an approach based on German expertise and experience.

In addition to discussing potential research collaborations, BMBF introduced various funding opportunities for Indonesian researchers and students. The Young Research Grant was highlighted as one of the funding schemes available, with a submission deadline at the end of August. Other funding opportunities include for initiation grants, scientific networks and research grants.

Meanwhile, Prof. Luky Adrianto and Prof. Rizaldi Boer emphasized opportunities for joint research in the fields of marine science and climate change. The German representatives stated that they are open to collaboration across various research topics without specific restrictions, as long as the research presents innovative ideas and significant impact.

This meeting marks a stronger academic and research relationship between IPB University and Germany. IPB University currently maintains Memoranda of Understanding and Agreements with 16 institutions in Germany, comprising 25 agreements. IPB University and BMBF are committed to exploring further collaborative projects and designing funding schemes that can benefit researchers and academics in Indonesia. IPB University is optimistic that this collaboration will bring great benefits in developing innovations and solutions for environmental and natural resource challenges, while also supporting sustainable circular economic growth. (DDL)