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Bagus Muljadi's Academic Insights and Vision

Oct 4, 2024

Lecture Notes on Bagus Muljadi's Journey and Perspectives

Introduction

  • Importance of narratives from scientists to inform policymakers.
  • Without relevance, academics and policymakers lack incentive for research.

Speaker Introduction

  • Speaker: Bagus Muljadi, Assistant Professor at the University of Nottingham.
  • Discussed his background and academic journey.

Early Life and Education

  • Born in Jakarta (1983), raised in a family of small entrepreneurs.
  • Faced challenges in school, often described as naughty and unfocused.
  • Graduated from Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) with a Mechanical Engineering degree in 2006, GPA: 2.69.
  • Initially aspired to be a painter or musician but pursued Mechanical Engineering due to parental encouragement.

Academic Journey

  • Master's Degree: Applied to various universities but chose National Taiwan University due to cost and opportunity.
  • Worked part-time while studying in Taiwan, selling pneumatic pumps to fund tuition.
  • Completed a Ph.D. in Applied Physics in Taiwan, later pursued post-doctoral research in France and London.
  • Achieved tenure at the University of Nottingham at age 33, noted as one of the few Indonesian faculty members in the UK.

Research Focus

  • Applied numerical modeling to address engineering problems.
  • Research areas include geo-energy, biotechnology, carbon capture, and peatland restoration.
  • Highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary research, especially in peatland conservation.

Collaboration and Impact

  • Collaborates with Indonesian universities (ITB, UGM, UI, IPB) for various projects on geothermal energy and peatland restoration.
  • Advocates for evidence-based policies and interdisciplinary approaches to address environmental issues.
  • Formed the UK-Indonesia Consortium for Interdisciplinary Sciences (UKICIS) to promote collaboration.

Discussion Points

  • Role of Academics: Need for a narrative to connect academic research to broader community issues; highlight importance in policymaking.
  • Indonesia's Potential: Indonesia as a key player in addressing global issues like climate change, with significant resources in geothermal energy and biodiversity.
  • Challenges Facing Academia: Criticism of the academic system's focus on metrics rather than impact. Need for improved science communication and public engagement.
  • Cultural Context: Discussed Indonesia's hierarchical educational culture, the need for critical thinking, and the potential for creativity.
  • Emphasized the importance of leadership, opportunities for academic freedom, and better alignment between education and industry needs.

Education and Future Goals

  • Need for a shift in the education system to promote critical thinking and creativity.
  • STEM Focus: Emphasized importance of STEM education for Indonesia's future competitiveness and productivity.
  • Discussed the importance of inclusivity in STEM, particularly the need to encourage female participation in scientific fields.
  • Suggested the strategy for Indonesia to become a recognized player in global science and technology by improving educational standards and investing in human capital.

Conclusion

  • Discussed the vision for Indonesia's future as a scientific superpower by 2045.
  • Advocated for a cooperative approach between policymakers, academia, and industry to foster a knowledge-based economy.
  • Stressed the importance of improving Indonesia's global narrative and enhancing international collaboration.

Full transcript