Makassar, Indonesia 04/06/2026/BioVax TB/ – As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen international scientific collaboration and accelerate innovation in infectious disease research, Prof. Dr. Nasrum Massi, Ph.D., Sp.MK(K) participated in an academic visit and scientific forum held at the University of Leicester, United Kingdom, on 28–29 April 2025. The activity brought together multidisciplinary researchers from the United Kingdom and Asia to discuss emerging opportunities for collaborative research in tropical health, infectious diseases, and molecular biomedical sciences.
During the forum, Prof. Dr. Nasrum Massi, Ph.D., Sp.MK(K) served as a keynote speaker, presenting Indonesia’s vast potential in infectious disease research, particularly in the areas of tuberculosis (TB), HIV, and emerging infectious diseases. In his presentation, he highlighted Indonesia’s strategic position as a key partner in global health research due to its rich epidemiological diversity, extensive clinical networks, and growing research capacity. Special emphasis was placed on tuberculosis, which remains one of the most significant public health challenges in many low- and middle-income countries, including Indonesia.
The scientific forum was attended by multidisciplinary researchers from the United Kingdom and Asia, creating a valuable platform for exchanging knowledge, exploring complementary expertise, and identifying opportunities for future collaboration. Discussions focused on advancing translational research approaches that integrate clinical, molecular, and epidemiological perspectives to improve disease prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and surveillance.
A key objective of the visit was to develop joint research proposals and conduct a strategic mapping of scientific resources in the fields of tropical health, infectious diseases, and molecular biomedical sciences. Through a series of academic discussions and networking sessions, both institutions explored potential collaborative projects that could contribute to addressing global health challenges, particularly those affecting tropical regions.
The visit also resulted in a preliminary commitment to establish a bilateral research consortium between Universitas Hasanuddin (UNHAS) and the University of Leicester, with a specific focus on the emerging field of “Precision Tropical Medicine.” This initiative aims to combine advanced molecular technologies, clinical expertise, and population-based research to develop more targeted and effective approaches for managing infectious diseases in diverse tropical settings.
The activity was conducted in collaboration with Professor Galina Mukamolova, whose expertise and support played an important role in facilitating scientific exchange and fostering future partnership opportunities between the two institutions.
This initiative directly contributes to several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1: No Poverty, by supporting research that addresses diseases disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations; SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being, through efforts to improve infectious disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment; SDG 4: Quality Education, by strengthening academic exchange, research capacity building, and scientific learning opportunities; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, through the establishment of international research collaboration and knowledge-sharing networks. Through this partnership, UNHAS and the University of Leicester reaffirm their commitment to advancing global health research and generating impactful scientific solutions for communities worldwide.
