The collaborative research initiative between the Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Diponegoro (Undip) and Kangwon National University (KNU) represents a significant advancement in transnational scientific cooperation focused on malaria molecular epidemiology. This partnership, centered on molecular research utilizing Protein Microarray technology, exemplifies the internationalization objectives of Faculty of Public Health (FPH) Undip through strategic engagement with established research institutions. The investigation of malaria antibody seroprevalence among asymptomatic individuals in endemic regions addresses a critical gap in the epidemiological understanding of the emerging malaria parasite, which has gained increasing attention in Indonesia.
The research delegation comprised two master’s students from FPH Undip: Raisha Nuranindita and Derico Hitipeuw from the Master of Epidemiology Study Program. Their participation in this international research practice demonstrates the faculty’s commitment to developing advanced research competencies among graduate students through immersive experiences in specialized laboratory environments. Under the expert supervision of Dr. Muh Fauzi (FPH Undip) and Professor Han Jin-Hee (KNU), these students engaged in sophisticated molecular diagnostic techniques at the Kangwon Malaria Research Laboratory (KMRL) within KNU’s Department of Environmental Biology and Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine during their two-week residency from February 5-19, 2025.
The students conducted the research employed Protein Microarray, a high-throughput technology that enables simultaneous detection of multiple antibodies. This approach represents a significant advancement over traditional serological methods, offering enhanced sensitivity and specificity for detecting subclinical infections in populations. The study’s focus on asymptomatic carriers is particularly relevant for public health surveillance and intervention strategies, as these individuals constitute a reservoir for malaria transmission despite the absence of clinical manifestations, thus complicating elimination efforts in endemic regions.
The collaborative framework established between Undip and KNU provides a model for international knowledge exchange in tropical medicine research. By accessing KNU’s advanced laboratory infrastructure and specialized expertise in malaria research, Undip students gained practical experience with cutting-edge molecular techniques that can subsequently be implemented within their home institution. This bilateral exchange of research methodologies and molecular-epidemiological perspectives facilitates a more comprehensive approach to addressing the complex challenges of malaria control and elimination, particularly regarding emerging Plasmodium species that have traditionally received less attention in malaria research programs.
Beyond the immediate scientific outputs, this collaboration contributes substantially to the globalization objectives of Faculty of Public Health by establishing sustainable research networks, enhancing the international visibility of the institution’s research capacity, and developing global competent health researchers. The experience gained by these master’s students represents a valuable investment and commitmet of FPH in human capital development, with anticipated long-term benefits for strengthening Indonesia’s capacity to address endemic tropical diseases through cutting-edge-evidence-based approaches. The successful implementation of this research practice establishes a foundation for continued scientific cooperation between these institutions, potentially extending to other areas of mutual interest in advanced-public health research and education.
Come and join the Master’s Program in Epidemiology to gain experiences like theirs! The Master of Epidemiology: Locally Grounded, Globally Empowered!
Should you inquire more information about the Master of Epidemiology Study Program, please do not hesitate to contact Dr Muh Fauzi (fauzimuh010@lecturer.undip.ac.id).
