Health researchers and genomics, research practitioners, academics and several stakeholders discussed the potential of Indonesia's young generation in terms of research in the field genomics and health. Collaboration between researchers from various scientific disciplines can support data-based policies in a series of themed dissemination events “Unleashing Indonesia's Research Potential: A Lesson Learned from The Genomics and Science Dojo”
This event was opened by the Regulatory Reform and Health Attaché, Zoe Dayan, from the British Embassy in Jakarta, CEO Summit Institute for Development, Yuni Dwi Setiyawati, and also the Secretary of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, Dr. Dr. Yuli Budiningsih, SpFM(K). This dissemination event was attended by 100 researchers from various ages, research and scientific backgrounds and also various research institutions and universities both in Jakarta and outside the city also attended this event.
Remarks by Dr. Dr. Yuli Budiningsih, SpFM(K) (Leading Secretary of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia)
In her speech, Dr. Dr. Yuli Budiningsih, SpFM(K), advised young researchers to get inspiration and be able to expand their network with senior researchers who attended this event. Meanwhile, Yuni Dwi Setiyawati, MHID, expressed the desire to facilitate the creation of an ecosystem that can support researchers, especially young researchers, to develop their skill capacity in conducting research.
Opening of the Dissemination Event by Yuni Dwi Setiyawati, MHID (CEO Summit Institute for Development)
"We hope that The Genomics and Science Dojo can become a safe space for researchers to exchange ideas with other researchers, test their research ideas by communicating them to other research colleagues, learn to argue and defend their analysis according to local wisdom, and be inspired and collaborate with other cross-specialty researchers," explained Yuni. "We want to create that ecosystem and culture in Indonesia."
Discussion Session with Genomics Experts
This session is divided divided into two and moderated by Intan Tanjung. The first session discussed the current situation, challenges and potential in the field of genomics and research wastechnology. Meanwhile, in the second session, strategies were discussed to improve research standards through effective communication processes, publications, and expanding collaboration with various platforms, one of which was the Dojo event which could be a bridge for this.
Present as a resource person at first session that is:
Prof. Dr.rer.physiol. dr. Septelia Inawati Wanandi as Speaker in the First Session
Prof. Dr.rer.physiol. dr. Septelia Inawati Wanandi who is a representative of IMERI and serves as chairman of Molecular Biology and Proteomics Core Facilities (MBPCF). Become the first speaker in the first session to present an interesting presentation about the research process genomics and health at the University of Indonesia. Prof. Septelia discusses the purpose of research as a form of solution for life in the future, through contribution what can we give.
Elisabeth Farah N. Coutrier, PhD (Head of EIJKMAN Institute for Molecular Biology) as Speaker in the First Session
These experts explained that to produce precise policy recommendations, it is not enough just to be based on research, but also on proper data analysis involving expertise from various fields. Therefore, it is very important to collaborate between research institutions to be able to solve health problems in society.
Then, Elisabeth Farah N. Coutrier, PhD (Head of EIJKMAN Institute for Molecular Biology) as a speaker in the first session explained research conducted by the EIJKMAN Institute for Molecular Biology which contributed to national policy. Dr. Elisabeth explained the challenges in research and the different steps that need to be taken to face them. He also proposed the use of an integrated data center, involving laboratory, bioinformatics and computer science experts, so that they can produce more precise data analysis to help the government take action to intervene in health problems.
Zoe Dayan (left) and Dr. Ririn Rahmadany (right)
Prof. Dr.rer.physiol. dr. Septelia Inawati Wanandi (left), Prof. dr. Rina Agustina, M.Sc, Ph.D (right)
The discussion then continued with dialogue to explore information about research in the field of genomics and the challenges and solutions to face them, with speaker Zoe Dayan (British Embassy), then Dr. Ririn Rahmadany from Biomedical and Genome Science Initiative (BGSi) Indonesian Ministry of Health, and Prof. Dr. Rina Agustina, M.Sc, Ph.D - (Chair of Human Nutrition Research Center, IMERI Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia).
International support is also needed to carry out health interventions and provide precision medicine and preventive measures, especially for policies at the national level. For example, in collecting data for TB sufferers which previously were difficult to detect so preventive measures could not be taken as early as possible, now with several studies and improvements in analysis technology sequencing which the British Embassy also supports. Analysis of TB sufferers and preventive measures for the people around them can be carried out. Dr. Ririn explains that the results of comparative studies in the case can be used as a recommendation for the Ministry of Health to take appropriate policies.
International collaboration is essential to increase health system capacity, such as through collaboration with the UK Government in the field of health research. High-quality research is needed to collect health data that is then distributed and accessed. This data is analyzed and the research results are used as recommendations for policy making for Indonesia and the UK.
Prof. Rina also said that this Dojo activity is very useful and plays an important role for Indonesian researchers. Generally in an international forum, delegates from Indonesia tend to be inactive, silent, and not confident. Reflecting on Dojo activities where there is training to think critically, have the courage to appear and move forward, be able to convey opinions and arguments based on data, as well as build self-confidence and hone English, making Dojo training participants even more courageous to appear. This kind of Dojo activity can be applied to the learning system at universities, to train students to dare to appear and be active in every discussion session.
(left to right) Professor Kevin Baird, BSc, MSc, PhD, FASTMH, dr. Ariel Pradipta, Ph.D, Yuni Dwi Setiyawati, MHID, and Intan Tanjung
In the second session, we discussed the criteria needed to improve the quality of genomics and health research in Indonesia. According to the speakers, genomics and health research in Indonesia have enormous potential to be developed, implemented, and participated in changing public health policy on a global scale.
Dr. Ariel Pradipta, Ph.D, Lecturer in the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the Faculty of Medicine, University of Indonesia, and also Chief of Science from GSI Lab explains the important attitudes that researchers must have.
"Researchers must have the characteristic of being "perspicacious" - namely the ability to adapt, understand, adjust and even improve the quality when discussing a topic," explained Dr. Ariel. "Not only that, but they are also expected to be able to absorb and communicate their research well to various parties - not just in writing, and defend their scientific arguments."
Professor Kevin Baird, BSc, MSc, PhD, FASTMH said that the key to being able to change global health policy so that it impacts various countries including Indonesia is through publication in international impact journals with research that answers important questions faced by many countries.
Plus, to support research progress in Indonesia, he said: “The culture of science itself is a form of competing ideas and evidence, and that is part of the spirit of The Genomics and Science Dojo itself, as well as an attitude of humility and resilience, apart from being supported by the availability of research and training equipment."
One of the participants in The Genomics and Science Dojo's training and workshop, Ahmad Rusdan Handoyo Utomo, Ph.D., from Yarsi University conveyed that activity The Genomics and Science Dojo This is very useful because it can improve critical thinking, problem-solving, and can also improve and hone skills in debate or argumentation in context science.
Closing Event...
The event was closed by Prof. Dr. H. Fasli Jalal, Ph.D, who conveyed the importance of young people's contributions to research, and the importance of developing research in the field of genomics. According to Prof. Dr. H. Fasli Jalal, Ph.D activities such as The Genomics and Science Dojo can help increase the enthusiasm and contribution of the younger generation in terms of impactful research. The hope is that events like The Genomics and Science Dojo can continue to be scaled to an international level, and of course, Indonesia can be a representative in that regard. At the end of Prof.'s sentence. Dr. H. Fasli Jalal, Ph.D encouraged and provided a lot of inspiration in the world of genomic research for the progress of research in Indonesia.
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