Banda Aceh, April 1, 2026 — The Tsunami and Disaster Mitigation Research Center (TDMRC), Universitas Syiah Kuala, convened a strategic meeting with researchers from France and Indonesia to further explore opportunities for long-term collaboration in disaster science and risk reduction.
The meeting, held on Wednesday morning at the TDMRC office, brought together division heads, researchers, and staff in a focused discussion on future joint initiatives. The visiting delegation included Dr. Jean Philippe Metaxian (IPGP/IRD, France), Devy Kamil Syahbana (Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources – ESDM), Ir. Gayatri Indah Marliyani (Universitas Gadjah Mada), and Gita Suci Wulandari (DESDM Central Sulawesi).
They were received by TDMRC Director Prof. Syamsidik, alongside researchers and division coordinator, including Prof. Muksin, Prof. Ella Meilianda, Dr. Yopi Ilhamsyah, Dr. Satriana, Dr. dr. Ichsan and other members of the TDMRC research and staff. Also present was Prof. Nazli Ismail, whose previous collaboration with French institutions provided a valuable perspective to the discussion.
The meeting focused on how existing connections can be developed into more structured and sustained collaboration. One of the key points discussed was the organization of joint workshops and international conferences, which are expected to serve as platforms not only for academic exchange but also for building concrete research partnerships.
Beyond short-term activities, participants also explored the possibility of establishing a five-year collaborative framework. This includes joint research programs, capacity-building initiatives, workshops and training, and the identification of potential funding opportunities. The discussion reflected a shared interest in aligning scientific work with practical needs in disaster-prone regions.
The conversation was built on the delegation’s visit to TDMRC’s facilities on the previous day. During that visit, the researchers were introduced to several of TDMRC’s core infrastructures, including the real-time earthquake observatory, the tsunami wave flume, and the shaking table.
These facilities illustrate how TDMRC integrates monitoring, simulation, and experimental approaches in disaster research. For the visiting team, the experience provided useful context for understanding the center’s technical capacity and ongoing work.
The discussion underscored a shared commitment to developing collaborative research that is both scientifically rigorous and socially relevant. By connecting international expertise with local knowledge and infrastructure, TDMRC and its partners aim to contribute to more effective disaster risk reduction efforts in Indonesia and beyond.
