Thursday, March 20, 2025 – The Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM) of Hasanuddin University held a Focus Group Discussion to evaluate the implementation of research and community service schemes for the 2025 fiscal year. This activity aims to ensure the effectiveness of managing various grant programs, including internal grants from TRG, PFK, PKM, Dikti grants, LPDP, and palm oil research grants.
The FGD was attended by the Chair of the Unhas Research Council along with representatives from various faculties, including Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Engineering, Medicine, Forestry, Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, and Public Health. The presence of these interdisciplinary experts is expected to provide a comprehensive perspective on the development of research and community service policies.
The Head of LPPM Unhas, Prof. Nasrum, in his report highlighted a significant improvement in the management of research and community service schemes compared to the previous year. One of the main aspects discussed was the implementation of the Thematic Research Group (TRG), a research scheme that focuses on a specific field of science, allowing researchers with similar fields to collaborate. With a 100% fund disbursement mechanism, this scheme requires careful planning and transparent and accountable management.
“The TRG scheme has unique characteristics that require close monitoring, especially in terms of scientific alignment and collaboration mechanisms between researchers. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the membership structure does not overlap with other research schemes,” explained Prof. Yusuf, a member of the Research Council.
In response, Prof. Unde emphasized that the research roadmap must be designed strategically so that the resulting research has a long-term impact. He also assessed that the full funding disbursement scheme at the beginning is more effective in supporting project sustainability and reducing potential administrative obstacles in the future.
The Secretary of LPPM Unhas, Prof. Suharman, emphasized that TRG is one of the rector’s priority programs. He also ensured that no TRG proposals were rejected, but rather that the selection process was conducted strictly to ensure that the proposed research had global potential and high value. “We understand that TRG is a major concern for the rector. Therefore, we continue to coordinate with the central office to ensure transparency in fund management and program implementation. The review mechanism is carried out directly by the Rector, with an emphasis on projects that have great potential in international research networks,” he said.
Through this discussion forum, LPPM Unhas not only evaluates the achievements that have been made, but also formulates strategies to ensure the sustainability and optimization of research scheme management in the future.