Yogyakarta, Indonesia – On May 23, 2025, the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing (FK-KMK) Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) extended a warm and heartfelt welcome to the new cohort of fellows under the Implementation Science Leadership Fellowship Program through a special Welcome Lunch Fellowship held at the Tahir Building, 2nd Floor. This gathering served as an important milestone to officially introduce the fellows to the academic community and to foster early connections with faculty members, program managers, and the supporting staff who will accompany them throughout their journey. The event was organized by the Implementation Research at UGM (IR UGM Team). The program has consistently aimed to build professional capacity in addressing health issues specific to tropical regions, equipping fellows with both academic knowledge and practical experience to tackle pressing public health challenges.
The Implementation Science Leadership Fellowship Program is renowned for attracting participants from across the globe, and this year’s cohort is no exception. Three fellows officially joined the program: Rhondemo A. Kikon from India, Dina Arisonaningtyas from Indonesia, and Monjurul Karim from Bangladesh. Their diverse cultural and professional backgrounds bring unique perspectives and a wealth of experience to the table, which will enrich not only the learning environment but also the collaborative projects to be undertaken during the fellowship. Such diversity reflects the program’s international scope and its dedication to fostering global networks of health professionals who share a common mission improving health outcomes in tropical and underserved regions.
The Welcome Lunch was graced by the presence of faculty members and leaders, including the management, Prof. dr. E. Elsa Herdiana Murhandarwati, M.Kes., Ph.D., Dr. Dra. Retna Siwi Padmawati, MA, who each play significant roles in guiding and overseeing the program. Their involvement underscored the importance of building strong relationships between fellows and mentors from the very beginning. The presence of the entire supporting staff added warmth and ensured that the event served not only as an introduction but also as a genuine gesture of hospitality and solidarity. The event opened with an insightful presentation highlighting the fellowship program’s structure, objectives, and the range of activities the fellows will engage in during their stay. This presentation served as both a guide and an inspiration, outlining how the program equips participants with the skills, methodologies, and networks necessary to contribute effectively to tropical disease research and implementation. Following the presentation, a vibrant discussion and question-and-answer session allowed the fellows to engage directly with faculty and staff. This exchange of ideas was invaluable, as it offered the fellows a deeper understanding of the academic environment, institutional culture, and the potential opportunities for collaboration that lie ahead.
Beyond the ceremonial aspect, the Welcome Lunch Fellowship embodies the program’s alignment with broader global development agendas, particularly the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It directly supports SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being by cultivating skilled health professionals dedicated to combating diseases prevalent in tropical regions and improving the health status of vulnerable populations. Furthermore, the event exemplifies SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, as it fosters international collaboration and knowledge exchange among countries with shared public health priorities. Through such initiatives, Implementation Science Leadership Fellowship Program FK-KMK UGM demonstrates how academic programs can serve as catalysts for building lasting, cross-border partnerships that have tangible impacts on public health policies and practices.
As the fellows embark on their academic and professional journey at FK-KMK UGM, this warm welcome marks the beginning of a chapter filled with learning, collaboration, and impactful contributions. It is a testament to the institution’s commitment to creating an environment where diversity is celebrated, ideas are shared openly, and knowledge is applied for the betterment of communities not only in Indonesia but also around the world. The Welcome Lunch Fellowship of 2025 was more than just a gathering it was a reaffirmation of a shared vision: to strengthen global health collaboration and work hand-in-hand toward a healthier, more equitable future for all.
Writer: Fikri Wahiddinsyah
Sebetulnya yang SDGs tentang education masuk ga yah mas?