FEB UNDIP Strengthens Global Sustainability Research Through Strategic Partnership with the University of Waterloo

Semarang, June 22, 2026 – The Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Diponegoro (FEB UNDIP), is expanding its global academic network through a strategic partnership with the University of Waterloo, Canada, marked by discussions to establish a Sustainability Lab. The initiative is expected to become a collaborative platform that integrates education, research, and stakeholder engagement to address pressing sustainability challenges, particularly in natural resource economics, coastal development, climate resilience, and community well-being. The initiative emerged during the Visiting Professor Program featuring Prof. Prateep Kumar Nayak, Professor at the University of Waterloo and Project Director of the Vulnerability to Viability (V2V) Global Partnership. As part of Universitas Diponegoro’s World Class University (WCU) Program, the visit served as a catalyst for expanding international collaboration in research, academic exchange, and capacity building while supporting the university’s contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). A strategic meeting involving Prof. Nayak, Prof. Indah Susilowati, and the Dean of FEB UNDIP, Prof. Faisal, explored opportunities for long-term collaboration through the proposed Sustainability Lab. Beyond serving as a research center, the laboratory is envisioned as an interdisciplinary ecosystem connecting academics, students, policymakers, industry, and international partners to generate evidence-based solutions for sustainability issues. The initiative reflects the spirit of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by fostering cross-sector and international collaboration in research and innovation. Academic activities throughout the program reinforced FEB UNDIP’s commitment to strengthening research quality and doctoral education. Prof. Nayak served as the External Examiner for the doctoral dissertation seminar of Mr. Pande Sutawan, providing international academic perspectives that enriched the dissertation’s scientific rigor and policy relevance. His involvement also reflects FEB UNDIP’s efforts to strengthen the internationalization of doctoral education through engagement with globally recognized scholars. The program continued with an interactive research discussion involving graduate students, focusing on the development of impactful and internationally relevant research. Introducing the Vulnerability to Viability (V2V) framework, Prof. Nayak encouraged participants to examine sustainability as an interconnected system encompassing economic, social, environmental, institutional, and health dimensions. Students were challenged to design research that not only identifies vulnerabilities but also proposes practical pathways toward resilience and sustainable community development. To strengthen institutional research capacity, Prof. Nayak also conducted a dedicated session for early-career lecturers on strategies for publishing in internationally reputable journals, building collaborative research networks, and developing globally competitive academic profiles. The session supports SDG 4 (Quality Education) by enhancing research competencies and promoting a culture of innovation and international scholarly engagement. The discussions throughout the program highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary research in addressing complex sustainability challenges, particularly those affecting coastal communities and natural resource management. By connecting local issues with global scientific perspectives, the collaboration contributes to broader efforts supporting SDGs 13 (Climate Action) and 14 (Life Below Water) through evidence-based research and policy development. Through this strategic partnership, FEB UNDIP continues to strengthen its position as a globally connected faculty committed to producing impactful research and expanding international collaboration. The partnership with the University of Waterloo and the V2V Global Partnership is expected to open new opportunities for joint research, academic mobility, international publications, and the development of the proposed Sustainability Lab, reinforcing FEB UNDIP’s contribution to sustainable development at both national and global levels.

Educational Visit from SMA Islam Hidayatullah Semarang to FEB Undip

The Faculty of Economics and Business, Universitas Diponegoro (FEB Undip), welcomed its first school visit of 2026 from students of SMA Islam Hidayatullah Banyumanik, Semarang, on Thursday, January 8, 2026. This visit was part of an early introduction to higher education, aimed at providing students with an initial overview of the academic environment at the university level. On this occasion, the Vice Dean for Resources of FEB Undip, Dr. Wahyu Meiranto, S.E., Akt., M.Si., delivered a presentation on higher education and shared comprehensive information about Universitas Diponegoro, with particular emphasis on the Faculty of Economics and Business. Through this session, the students were expected to gain valuable insights to support their planning for further education. The Principal of SMA Islam Hidayatullah Semarang, Etik Ningsih, S.Pd., who expressed her appreciation and gratitude to FEB Undip for providing the opportunity for students to visit and gain a closer understanding of higher education. She highlighted the visit as a valuable experience, allowing students to directly observe the academic atmosphere at one of Indonesia’s leading universities. This visit reflects FEB Undip’s commitment to supporting educational literacy and expanding access to information for prospective students, while also strengthening the faculty’s role as an inclusive higher education institution dedicated to the development of future generations.