UNAND and BPOM RI Strengthen SDG 3 and SDG 17 through Science-Based Innovation and Strategic Collaboration

Padang, February 6, 2026 — Universitas Andalas (UNAND) held an inspirational lecture with the Head of the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority, known as BPOM RI, Prof. dr. Taruna Ikrar, at the Convention Hall, Limau Manis Campus, on Friday, February 6. The activity carried the theme From Campus to Society: Innovation and Creativity for a World Class University and was attended by the UNAND academic community.

The lecture highlighted the strategic role of BPOM RI in ensuring the safety, quality, and benefits of medicines and food products circulating in society. In facing increasingly complex global challenges, BPOM RI is expected not only to serve as a regulator, but also to act as a bridge between science and public policy. Through a research-based approach, BPOM RI is expected to produce policies that create broader impact for public health and welfare.

UNAND Rector, Efa Yonnedi, Ph.D., emphasized the importance of synergy between universities and government institutions in responding to national development challenges. He stated that collaboration between higher education institutions and BPOM RI is an important foundation for producing public policies based on scientific knowledge and the real needs of society.

According to the Rector, UNAND views collaboration as a key element in creating broad and meaningful impact. He expressed hope that the inspirational lecture would become the starting point for sustainable cooperation between UNAND and BPOM RI, including through joint research and student internship programs.

As a comprehensive public university, UNAND also opens opportunities for BPOM RI’s best talents to continue their studies in master’s programs at the Green Campus of Limau Manis. Beyond knowledge transfer, the Rector underlined the importance of shaping students who are not only intellectually excellent, but also guided by ethics and social empathy.

In the era of rapidly developing artificial intelligence, the Rector encouraged the UNAND academic community to strengthen innovation, service, and cross-sector collaboration. He invited students, lecturers, and staff to take inspiration from the spirit of innovation and public service shown by the Head of BPOM RI in contributing to national progress.

Prof. dr. Taruna Ikrar encouraged UNAND to continue advancing toward the status of a world-class university. He explained that a world-class university is not only measured by international rankings, but also by its sustainable contribution to science, industry, and global development.

He further emphasized that the world-class university concept should be understood as a framework for building higher education institutions that are excellent, relevant, and competitive. This framework requires strong governance, science-based research, cross-sector collaboration, and the ability to generate real impact for national and global development through innovation and creativity.

Through this process, universities are expected to support the development of Indonesian local products that can compete and attract attention globally, provided they are managed with quality, innovation, and appropriate standards. The lecture is expected to become an initial momentum for strengthening strategic cooperation between UNAND and BPOM RI in producing excellent research, science-based policies, and high-quality human resources for Indonesia’s advancement.

This initiative supports SDG 3 Good Health and Well-being by strengthening collaboration in medicine and food safety, research-based policy, and public health protection. Through cooperation with BPOM RI, UNAND contributes to efforts that ensure safer medicines and food products while encouraging science to serve community welfare.

The activity also reflects SDG 17 Partnerships for the Goals, as it emphasizes strategic collaboration between a university and a national government institution. By promoting joint research, student internships, human resource development, and cross-sector synergy, UNAND and BPOM RI demonstrate how partnerships can accelerate innovation and create broader benefits for society.

Through this inspirational lecture, UNAND reaffirmed its commitment to becoming a university whose innovation, research, and academic excellence produce real impact for the community. The collaboration with BPOM RI also strengthens UNAND’s role in connecting campus knowledge with public policy, health protection, and national development.