To strengthen international collaboration, the Department of Urban and Regional Planning (DURP), Faculty of Engineering, Diponegoro University, is committed to supporting the university’s vision of becoming a world-class research university. One of the strategies undertaken is through the Visiting Professor program, which brings in international scholars from overseas universities to collaborate with Undip researchers in enhancing research quality and supporting international rankings. DPWK continues to demonstrate significant progress with an increasingly strong international network. Advancing education in urban and regional planning is also placed as a priority in supporting sustainable development and adapting to emerging global issues.
This year, the Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Diponegoro University, established a collaboration with York St. John University, UK, in the fields of research and education. Through the Visiting Professor program, DPWK welcomed Professor Alex Lo, Professor of Business and Sustainability at York St. John University.
The Visiting Professor activities took place on August 15, 2025, in the Seminar Room, Building B, DPWK FT Undip, where Prof. Alex Lo delivered a sharing session titled “International Grant Application: Tips and Tricks.” The session provided DPWK lecturers, as well as other faculty members within the Faculty of Engineering, with insights and strategies to develop alternative research funding opportunities through international grants. The ability of the university to attract international research funding is one of the key indicators of Undip’s reputation as a research university. In addition to the sharing session, Prof. Alex Lo also participated in discussions and mentoring through a Manuscript Clinic. This activity was designed for faculty members, research-based master’s students, and doctoral candidates, aimed at improving the quality of scientific publications and supporting the achievement of publication targets at both national and international levels.
The Visiting Professor program not only facilitated knowledge exchange but also fostered academic collaboration that benefits the institution. Through this partnership, it is expected that the quality of research and education will continue to improve, while further strengthening the international network of DPWK FT Undip. Moreover, this initiative reaffirms DPWK FT Undip’s commitment to supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 4 (Quality Education) through the improvement of teaching and research quality via international programs, and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by expanding networks and international collaboration.
