UNS — The Chair of the Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM), Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) Surakarta, Prof. Okid Parama Astirin, delivers a statement related to the progress of research and community service activities conducted by the UNS academic members during the pandemic. The information is delivered by Prof. Okid during a press release for UNS 45th Anniversary, in Assembly Room IV, UNS dr Prakosa Rectory Building, alongside the Rector of UNS Prof. Jamal Wiwoho, Friday (5/2/2021) afternoon.
Prof. Okid states that at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic there were decreasing trends. However, the trends saw an increase after the announcement of the ‘New Norm’ regulation at in the middle of last year. “Because we do (red: research and community service) outside our home or campus, it is extremely challenging. However, since July, when the government designed and regulate the ‘New Normal’ order, research and community service activities can be resumed,” Prof. Okid states.
This condition is proven through the trust given by the Ministry of Research and Technology/National Research and Innovation Board (Kemenristek/BRIN) to UNS as one of the executors for Research and Innovation Consortium for Covid-19. As previously reported by uns.ac.id, on Thursday (28/5/2020), there are 13 research titles submitted to Kemenristek/BRIN that passed the selection. The result was announced through Kemenristek/BRIN Announcement No: B/1/ F2/PI. 01.00/2020 regarding the Research Title Recommended for Covid-19 Research and Innovation Consortium Funding Stage I.
Additionally, UNS also actively organize community service activities in plenty of villages and regions. Prof. Okid also ensures that during the pandemic in 2020, in terms of products, publications, and cooperation network under the supervision of LPPM UNS will keep growing. Meanwhile, due to the transformation to the Main Task and Function (Tupoksi) of the Vice-Rector for Academic and Alumni Affairs to the Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation Affairs, Prof. Okid emphasized that UNS will continue to improve research and innovation to support the handling of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic in Indonesia.
“In this PTN-BH era, research and innovation are under a specific Vice-Rector. Now, the Vice is focused on handling research and innovation activities. Thus, if previously it is only a small part of LPPM, now it is expanded and we expect that the product or outcome can be utilized,” she added.
Considering the number of challenges in 2021, Prof. Okid asked for prayers and support for UNS to answer the demands of research and innovation from the government. Currently, the UNS research progress in Covid-19 pandemic handling has reached the standardization of medical devices to treat the Covid-19 positive patients. Humas UNS
Reporter: Yefta Christopherus AS
Editor: Dwi Hastuti