Amid growing demands to improve research quality and the relevance of dental education, the Faculty of Dentistry at Universitas Gadjah Mada (FKG UGM) and the Faculty of Dentistry at Universitas Jember (FKG UNEJ) are strengthening collaboration in biomedical development as a foundational science supporting clinical competence.
FKG UGM and FKG UNEJ have reinforced their strategic partnership in advancing dental biomedical education and research. This collaboration aims to address challenges in research quality, learning relevance, and the downstream utilization of research outcomes in dentistry. The agreement emerged during a working visit by the Department of Biomedicine of FKG UGM to FKG UNEJ on January 26, 2026. The delegation was received directly by the Dean of FKG UNEJ, drg. Dwi Kartika Apriyono, M.Kes., Sp.OF(K), along with faculty leaders and biomedical lecturers from both institutions.
The Dean of FKG UNEJ emphasized that research collaboration has become an urgent necessity amid increasing demands to strengthen the Three Pillars of Higher Education (education, research, and community service). He noted that this partnership operates under an institutional framework already recognized nationally.
“Research is our primary program. Institutionally, there is already a legal umbrella through AFDOKGI, which opens opportunities for cross-institutional collaboration, including with IPDG. We hope this cooperation will be concrete and sustainable,” he stated.
BIOMEDICINE AS THE BACKBONE OF CLINICAL COMPETENCE
The Head of the Department of Biomedicine at FKG UGM affirmed that biomedicine is a core science determining the quality of clinical competence among dental graduates. Strengthening biomedical research is essential to bridging basic science and clinical practice.
“Clinical departments require strong biomedical support. Continuous evaluation of research and learning processes is necessary to ensure graduates have solid scientific foundations aligned with scientific developments,” he explained.
FKG UNEJ currently has 22 active biomedical lecturers across 11 scientific fields. All lecturers are required to join research groups, with expertise mapping aligned to faculty and university policies—an important asset for collaborative research development.
FROM THEMATIC RESEARCH TO BIOMEDICAL MOOCs
During the meeting, FKG UGM presented its biomedical development framework divided into three divisions with clear research and community service roadmaps. Research outputs are directed not only toward scientific publications but also toward downstream application and societal impact.
In education, both faculties agreed to develop topic-based learning systems, create a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) in biomedicine, implement portfolio-based learning evaluations, and analyze examination outcomes. An academic pathway will also be structured to strengthen continuity between undergraduate and professional dental programs.
TOWARD A NATIONAL DENTAL BIOMEDICAL FORUM
Collaboration opportunities include joint thematic research, development of collaborative teaching modules, and the establishment of an Indonesian Dental Biomedical Communication Forum. The partnership extends beyond undergraduate programs to master’s and doctoral levels.
The meeting concluded with an agreement to draft a Cooperation Agreement (PKS) as the legal framework for strengthening collaboration in education, research, and community service across all levels.
Through this strengthened partnership, both faculties hope that biomedicine will serve not only as an academic foundation but also as a driving force for national dental innovation.
(Contributor : drg. Ruslin, M.Kes., Ph.D, Photography: drg. Asikin Nur, M.Kes, Ph.D. Editor: Andri Wicaksono)
