Guest lecture with Assoc. Prof. Colin Stanley is the realization of UNESA's collaboration program with the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST).
Unesa.ac.id. SURABAYA—Universities as centers of science and innovation have a strategic role in exploring solutions to challenges faced by society. By establishing close relationships with the community, the research produced can be more relevant, applicable, and able to answer the real needs of the community.
This collaboration also opens up space for technological development, improving the quality of life, and empowering communities based on data and knowledge knowledge.
This was discussed in a guest lecture at Surabaya State University (UNESA) with Assoc. Prof. Colin Stanley, Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation, and Partnerships, Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST).
The lecture which took place online on Monday, December 9 2024 carried the theme "Strengthening University and Community Partnership through Research and Innovation.”
In his presentation, Colin Stanley stated that the level of community participation in research includes four stages. First, as informants, namely the community answering questions from researchers.
Second, informed participants, the community is given information about the wider context and can ask questions and provide suggestions.
Third, validators , which describes the community's role in providing suggestions, recommendations, and validation. Fourth, co-researchers, where the community takes partial ownership of the research agenda and activities.
It also introduces the audience to two main paradigms in research, namely pragmatism and afrocentrism, which offer different perspectives on how to understand and solving problems.
The pragmatism paradigm, according to him, views reality as something that is flexible and changes according to its benefits.
“In pragmatism, the best method is one that is effective in solving problems, such as through a research approach through Design (RtD) which combines various qualitative methods," he said.
In contrast, Afrocentrism is rooted in the lived experience of the community and places the community as the center of truth and validation. Afrocentrism prioritizes principles such as harmony, sharing, and love, which are realized through research methods such as Community-Based Co-Design and Action Research.
"We engage communities directly through stories, prototypes, and in-depth discussions to ensure the solutions we offer are truly relevant and useful," he added.
Asrori, Head of UNESA's International Affairs Sub-Directorate, mentioned the importance of collaboration between universities and communities to create research-based solutions that are relevant to community needs.< /p>
Research meaningful results not only from the laboratory, but also from in-depth dialogue with the community. "Through this partnership, we hope to realize innovation that is not only academic but also has a real impact on the community," he hoped.
In addition, This activity is also supported by the active role of a number of co-hosts, namely Hasyim Asyari University, Kadiri Islamic University, Dinamika University, and PGRI Adi Buana University.
This collaboration strengthens the event's goal of broadening insight and networking, as well as building synergy between universities within creating research and innovation that has a real impact on society.[*]
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Reporter: Muhammad Dian Purnama (FMIPA)
Editor: @zam*
Photo: UNESA PR Team
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