Semarang, July 25, 2025 – The Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Diponegoro (FKM UNDIP), hosted a dynamic student seminar entitled “Young Voices in Global Infectious Diseases: Yonsei University, Kangwon National University, and Universitas Diponegoro Knowledge Exchanges.” The seminar brought together students and academic mentors from South Korea and Indonesia to foster mutual understanding, share scientific insights, and build international networks in the field of infectious disease control and prevention.
This event was part of the broader Indonesia – Korea scientific collaboration supported by FKM UNDIP, Yonsei University, and Kangwon National University. Held in an offline format, the seminar featured student presentations, group discussions, and interactive Q&A sessions.
The seminar was attended by prominent international academics, including: Prof. Jeon Bo-Young (Yonsei University), Dr. Sezim Monodorova (Yonsei University), Prof. Han Jin-Hee (Kangwon National University) and Dr. Jun Hojong (Kangwon National University).
In addition, four Korean students from both universities and postgraduate students from UNDIP’s Master of Epidemiology study program and public health students participated actively in the session.
The seminar opened with remarks from Dr. Budiyono, Dean of Faculty of Public Health, who emphasized the importance of empowering young scholars in global health challenges:
“This seminar gives our students the opportunity to engage in real-time dialogue on infectious diseases, learn from each other’s research contexts, and develop cross-cultural perspectives that are crucial in global health.”
Presentations covered a wide range of topics, including: population genetics study, P knowlesi risk factors, antigenicity study and vector-borne diseases.
Prof. Jeon Bo-Young appreciated the students’ critical thinking and their enthusiasm for research.
“It is truly inspiring to see how these young researchers are already contributing to global health discussions. This is the next generation of scientists and policy-makers.”
Meanwhile, Prof. Han Jin-Hee emphasized the value of early academic exchange:
“Scientific dialogue should begin as early as possible in one’s academic journey. This kind of international exposure can shape how young scientists approach complex problems in the future.”
The seminar concluded with networking sessions and plans for a follow-up online student research forum later next year. The initiative highlights Faculty of Public Health’s commitment to expanding global academic partnerships and cultivating future leaders in public health.