Webinar Organized by: Women in Engineering (WIE) IEEE Indonesia Section, in collaboration with the British Council.
On Tuesday, November 4, 2025, the Women in Engineering (WIE) IEEE Indonesia Section successfully hosted a webinar titled “Global Research Fellowships: Empowering Scholars, Advancing Innovation.” This event, a key part of the WIE Impact Series 2025, aimed to facilitate Indonesian researchers, academics, and professionals in accessing prestigious international research opportunities.
The webinar, conducted via Zoom, featured a distinguished lineup of experts and seasoned researchers who shared profound insights into national research policies and practical strategies for winning fellowships at world-renowned universities.
The session commenced with a presentation by Prof. Dr. rer.pol. Heri Kuswanto, MSi, Director of Research Talent Development. He discussed the government’s strategic direction in nurturing Indonesian research talent. Prof. Heri emphasized the critical importance of aligning national policies with global opportunities to ensure that Indonesian researchers remain competitive on the international stage.
Following this, Prof. Tuck Seng Wong from the University of Sheffield provided an institutional perspective from abroad. He elaborated on the standards of research excellence expected by global universities and how cross-border collaborations can accelerate innovation in engineering and biological manufacturing.
The highlight of the event was the experience-sharing session featuring three inspiring female researchers who have successfully secured international fellowships:
  1. Dr. Nur Afny C. A. shared her journey as a 2024 VLIR UOS Visiting Research Awardee at KU Leuven, Belgium, focusing on adapting to a dynamic European academic environment.
  2. Dr. Karlisa Priandana detailed her research path through the 2021 Indonesia Research Fellowship at Tampere University, Finland, offering valuable tips on crafting impactful research proposals.
  3. Fatiha Khairunnisa concluded the sharing session by recounting her experience with the International Science Partnerships Fund (ISPF) at the University of Sheffield, UK, highlighting the necessity of building professional international networks.
The interactive discussion facilitated high engagement from participants, who were eager to learn about the technicalities of the application process and interview strategies for scholarship success.
In closing, the IEEE WIE Indonesia Section reaffirmed its commitment to serving as a bridge for female researchers to achieve the highest levels of academic and professional success. Through this initiative, it is hoped that more Indonesian innovators will contribute to global solutions and narrow the gap in the fields of science and technology.