Agromedicine – The Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Jember (FK UNEJ), organized the Agromedicine Research and Academic Forum (ARAF) as a platform to strengthen research culture and academic development within the faculty. The forum was held on Friday, January 23, 2026, at the International Room of the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Jember.
The ARAF was attended by lecturers and researchers of FK UNEJ who are actively involved and interested in the development of agromedicine research. This forum was designed as a scholarly discussion space to reinforce research directions and strategies that align with the academic vision of the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Jember.
The keynote speaker for this forum was Dr. dr. Diana Chusna Mufida, M.Kes., who delivered a presentation on various tips and strategies to increase the likelihood of research proposals being accepted under competitive research grant schemes. The material was presented in a systematic and practical manner, making it accessible and easy to understand for the participants.
In her presentation, the speaker emphasized the importance of aligning research topics with the institution’s research roadmap, ensuring the clarity of research novelty, and strengthening methodological rigor as key determinants in grant proposal evaluations. She also highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary research collaboration to enhance research quality and competitiveness.
Following the presentation session, the activity continued with a discussion on the direction of agromedicine research development at FK UNEJ. The discussion was dynamic, with active participation from all attendees who shared their perspectives, ideas, and research experiences.
The discussion focused on how the Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Jember, can strengthen its research direction toward the structured and sustainable development of agromedicine. Participants agreed that agromedicine represents a distinctive academic strength that must be developed consistently and strategically.
Building on the speaker’s presentation regarding the importance of research as one of the pillars of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, participants emphasized the need for strategies to ensure that faculty research does not remain fragmented. Instead, research activities should be integrated within a comprehensive framework of the faculty’s flagship research agenda.
The discussion also generated various strategic ideas and proposals to enhance research at FK UNEJ, including the establishment of regular research meetings and discussion forums as platforms for idea exchange, evaluation, and strengthened collaboration among researchers.
In addition, participants proposed enhanced coordination among KERIS to support the development of FK UNEJ’s flagship research, as well as the development of cross-disciplinary research themes that are relevant to societal needs and scientific advancement.
The ARAF is expected to serve as a sustainable initial step in building a strong agromedicine research ecosystem at FK UNEJ, while also encouraging greater access to and acquisition of research grants to support academic development and meaningful contributions to society.
Author: AKR
