ITB Officially Joins iUNRC, Expands International Network in Global Research Forum
By M. Naufal Hafizh, S.S.
Editor M. Naufal Hafizh, S.S.
CHINA, itb.ac.id – Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) has officially become a member of the University Network for Research Collaboration: A Belt and Road Science and Technology Initiative (iUNRC), an international network aimed at fostering cross-border research collaboration. The membership was formalized during the 2nd Belt and Road Conference on Science and Technology Exchange held in Chengdu, China, on Thursday (June 12, 2025).
.ITB's membership was officially announced at the 3rd Council Meeting of iUNRC. During this session, ITB Rector Prof. Dr. Ir. Tatacipta Dirgantara, M.T., presented ITB’s vision and mission as a 4th Generation University and symbolically received the membership plaque from the iUNRC leadership.
Founded in 2023, iUNRC is an international research collaboration network built on the principles of co-consultation, co-construction, and sharing. Currently, it comprises more than 15 universities from 11 countries across 3 continents. Its goal is to strengthen connections and the exchange of research resources among universities around the world.
Prior to the council meeting, Prof. Tata was one of the speakers at the Presidents Roundtable Forum of iUNRC, themed “Cross-Border AI Collaboration: Co-Building a New Ecosystem of Education, Science & Technology, and Talent for Belt and Road Universities.”
In this forum, Prof. Tata delivered a presentation titled “Cross-regional AI Cooperation: Building a New Ecosystem for Education, Science and Technology, and Talent Development among Belt and Road Universities.” He outlined ITB’s approach to supporting cross-border collaboration in artificial intelligence and global talent development.
“ITB’s participation in iUNRC is part of our tangible steps toward becoming a 4th Generation University—one that not only excels in education and research, but also actively serves as a catalyst for innovation and global solutions through a strong international network,” he said.
The iUNRC forum brought together university leaders from across countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The event aimed to strengthen collaboration in research, education, and technological development, particularly in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), to build an inclusive and collaborative global education ecosystem.
Alongside the Rector, the ITB delegation included Vice Rector for Academic and Student Affairs, Prof. Dr. Irwan Meilano, S.T., M.Sc., who also participated in strategic discussion sessions and bilateral meetings.
Earlier, on Wednesday (June 11, 2025), the ITB delegation paid an official visit to Southwest Jiaotong University (SWJTU), China, as part of efforts to enhance international cooperation in education, research, and transportation technology. The Rector and his team visited SWJTU’s Jiuli Campus and the State Key Laboratory of Rail Transit Vehicle System. The visit included a lunch with the Vice President of SWJTU, followed by a formal meeting with the President of SWJTU at Qingbaijiang Hall, InterContinental Chengdu Century City. In the evening, the delegation attended a dinner hosted by the President of SWJTU along with representatives from international partner universities, further strengthening academic ties across borders.
ITB representatives also participated in a Roundtable Forum themed “Connectivity Empowered by Transportation Science and Technology” held at the Tianfu International Conference Center. This forum brought together academics and institutional leaders from various countries to discuss innovation and connectivity in transportation science and technology.
ITB’s participation in iUNRC underscores its commitment to global collaboration and marks a significant milestone in its transformation into a 4th Generation University—one with a broad and lasting impact on society and the world.
