MECOH Lab Revisits Universitas Padjadjaran

​The establishment of the International collaborative research lab (ICRL) between Ehime University and Faculty of Medicine Universitas Padjadjaran (UNPAD) in Bandung, Indonesia inches ever closer to reality. Over a four day period from 7 June to 9 June, Prof. Dr. Kozo Watanabe, accompanied by Ph.D. candidate KyleYoung Low, revisited UNPAD at Bandung with the main goal of interviewing the ICRL representatives and setting expectations for their future roles in this collaboration. The meetings highlighted the importance of strong commitment and desire in research work, and the need for collaboration and synergy among projects between institutions.

From left: KyleYoung Low explaining the vital work necessary for a virome project to potential ICRL candidates Aqi Qaromah and Muhammad Akbar Thufail.

Interestingly, with collaborations like these, opportunities could appear in unexpected places. Dr. Savira and Mr. Nurrachman Hidayath took their chance to introduce and demonstrate a prototype they were working on, a portable PCR machine named 'CILPAD', capable of rapid field deployment with just a smartphone device paired with the mobile app. 

CILPAD, a portable PCR machine no larger than a glass of water.

​Dr. Ruswana Anwar, Vice Dean for Academic, Student Affair, and Research in the Universitas Padjadjaran gave a warm welcome at a sundanese restaurant. Also, it is always a pleasure to meet Dr. Lia Faridah, Dr. Savira Ekawardhani, and Dr. Nisa Fauziah again for their continued support and assistance in consolidating this ICRL. 

Mr. Nurrachman Hidayath seen on the left placing cutleries

From left: Dr. Nisa Fauziah, Dr. Lia Faridah, and Dr. Savira Ekawardhani hosting dinner

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​With projects moving forward, there is much to look-forward in the future. In the mean time, Cheers! Here's to more opportunities to come!