Merck Establishes Collaboration Laboratory with Universitas Indonesia to Advance Life Science Research

• Provides IDR 3 billion worth of advanced laboratory tools, equipment, and expertise
• Offers broad access to academics and company scientists to accelerate innovation in Indonesia
• Includes mentoring and a workshop series to transfer knowledge and expertise to Universitas Indonesia scientists and scholars

Darmstadt, Germany, March 31, 2021 — Merck, a leading science and technology company, today announced a strategic partnership with the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Indonesia (FMIPA-UI) to establish the first Collaboration Laboratory between the company and the university to advance life science research and innovation development in Indonesia.

“Universitas Indonesia is one of our country’s most prominent research centers,” said Christopher Thomas, president director of PT Merck Chemicals and Life Sciences. “We look forward to our support empowering young researchers to produce world-quality life science research and breakthroughs.”

The collaboration is expected to provide IDR 3 billion worth of advanced laboratory tools, equipment, and expertise and is aimed at strengthening research in the areas of environmental monitoring, chemical analysis, microbiology and molecular biology, as well as innovations in food, agriculture, and waste management. Merck will implement a continuous mentoring process and a series of workshops and seminars to transfer knowledge and expertise to Universitas Indonesia scientists and academics.

“Universitas Indonesia and Merck’s partnership is a demonstration of triple helix collaboration between industry, academia, and government,” said Professor Bambang Permadi Soemantri Brodjonegoro, Ph.D., minister of Research and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia / National Research and Innovation Agency. “We always support cooperation that fosters the world of research and innovation in Indonesia. We hope what Merck and Universitas Indonesia are doing will trigger more collaborations in this country, especially in life science.”

Rector Universitas Indonesia Professor Ari Kuncoro, S.E., M.A., Ph.D., welcomes collaboration and Merck’s initiative to build a Collaboration Lab at FMIPA-UI.

“Being able to collaborate with Merck as one of the world’s leading science and technology companies is an honor for the entire academic community of Universitas Indonesia,” Kuncoro said. “Merck’s support will further encourage FMIPA-UI in its vision of becoming a leading mathematics and science faculty that has the global capability to foster sustainable science and development.”