Higher education is one of the research centre institutions to develop various innovations and intellectual property from academics. The Biology Education study programme at Universitas PGRI Madiun (UNIPMA) is one of the study programmes with superior accreditation that is committed to developing research results in the fields of biology and education. Strengthening research is not only done internally, but also externally by involving other universities, associations / consortia and various communities.

UNIPMA's Biology Education Study Programme carried out benchmarking to the ITS Surabaya Biology Department on Wednesday, 21/08/2024, yesterday. The purpose of this activity is to strengthen research and publication networks, laboratory observation studies, research-based learning models and study programme managers. ‘We learned a lot and were inspired by the Department of Biology ITS, so that it became a trigger for our enthusiasm for the development of the Tri Dharma of higher education at UNIPMA’ said Nurul Kusuma Dewi, M.Sc, Secretary of Biology Education UNIPMA.

The benchmarking process was carried out collaboratively and participatively, ITS lecturers welcomed and shared many experiences, especially in laboratory management and research. ‘Many things can be done together between ITS and UNIPMA, thus strengthening collaborative research in the field of biology’ said Dr Endry Nugroho Prasetyo, ITS Surabaya lecturer.

It is hoped that this activity can increase the productivity of UNIPMA lecturers and students. In addition, it is also to maintain and improve the quality as a study programme with superior accreditation in Madiun City. Various quality improvements hopefully can increase public interest in entrusting their sons and daughters to study at the UNIPMA Biology Education study programme.