Universitas Terbuka (UT) successfully held the first international seminar by the School of Postgraduate Studies (SPs) on December 5^th, 2024, with the title “Forum for University Scholars in Interdisciplinary Opportunities and Networking” (FUSION). FUSION is held hybrid, involving offline participants at Universitas Terbuka Convention Center (UTCC) and online participants through Zoom and UTTV YouTube channel. FUSION is hoped to be an annual event elevating the Tri Dharma of Higher Education. This year, the theme is “Research Methodology in VUCA: Navigating Complexity and Diversity” which highlights the role of research methodology in facing the challenges of a world full of dynamics and uncertainty, and discusses solutions reaching SDGs, especially SDG 4 about equal quality education and SDG 17 about partnerships in reaching global goals. 

Head of FUSION Committee, Astri Dwi Jayanti Suhandoko, M.Ed., Ph.D., in her speech said that this is the first international seminar by SPs, as similar seminars have been held by other faculties and units of UT. She adds that the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and giving space for academics to face challenges and research opportunities with situations that are Vulnerable, Uncertain, Complex, dan Ambiguous (VUCA). This seminar aims to push interdisciplinary knowledge dialogue, inspire innovative approaches towards research methodology, and strengthening collaborations to produce impactful contributions for academics and society. 

In the remarks by the director of SPs, Prof. Dr. Maman Rumanta, M.Si., the theme of this year’s FUSION resonates with the challenges and opportunities on unlimited time. In the VUCA era, the role of academics, lecturers, and researchers are more important than before. He states that the rapid change in technology, society, global demands, and research methodology does not only answer today’s questions, but also anticipates future challenges. 

The morning discussion panel is moderated by Dr. A. Hadian Pratama Hamzah, S.IP., M.IL and hosted two notable speakers, Prof. Dr. Harjum Muharam, S.E., M.E. from the Faculty of Economics and Business of Universitas Diponegoro, Indonesia, and Prof. Amanda Reichelt-Brushett dari Faculty of Science and Engineering Southern Cross University, Australia. The afternoon discussion session is moderated by Dr. Bachtiar, S.S., M.Pd. and hosted three speakers, Prof. Dr. Mohd. Na’eim Bin Ajis from College of Law, Government & International Student Universiti Utara Malaysia, Prof. Oscar Odena from School of Education University of Glasgow, United Kingdom, and Prof. Dr. Maman Rumanta, M.Si. From Universitas Terbuka School of Postgraduate Studies. 

Not just a seminar, FUSION 2024 is also a moment for UT to strengthen academic collaborations. This event saw the signing of the MoU between UT and Universitas Darul Ulum Islamic Centre GUPPI, which covers the implementation of the Tri Dharma of Higher Education, MBKM, and development of human resources. In addition, 3 partners signed an MoA with UT, which were Universitas Batanghari Jambi, Universitas Bale Bandung, and Universitas Putra Bangsa. 

As an appreciation for the best academic contributions, FUSION 2024 gave awards to 6 best papers and 8 best presenters as follows: 

Best Paper: 

1. Agung Hari Wibowo and Khoirudin Fakhri (Darul Ulum Islamic Centre Sudirman University) 

2. Della Conceta, Suci Ayu Khoirunnisa,  Nova Dwi Putri, Muhammad Faiq Rifai, Eka Kusmayati Sukardi (Universitas Muhammadiyah Prof. DR. HAMKA) 

3. Audi Yundayani, Fiki Alghadari (STKIP Kusuma Negara)  

4. Yurika Oktaviane, Sardjijo (Universitas Terbuka)  

5. Rakha Pradestya, Sudirman, Ardi Dwi Susandi (Universitas Terbuka) 

6. Jumi Restuningsih and Dede Hertina (Widyatama University)  

Best Presenter:  

1. Noraini Abdullah  

2. Arsy Najwa Hadaina  

3. Dyah Ekaari Sekar Jatiningsih 

4. Nadlirotun Luthfi 

5. Eri Prabowo 

6. Shanti Pramelia 

7. Robiah Al Adawiyah 

8. Anggi Aulia 

This event is supported by a few main sponsors, Bank Mandiri, Bank Syariah Indonesia, and BTN. Through FUSION 2024, UT shows its commitment in supporting SDGs through quality and innovative ODL. FUSION 2024 is hoped to be a catalyst in strengthening academic partnerships, pushing interdisciplinary research, and giving concrete contributions for sustainable development. As an annual event, FUSION is hoped to inspire collaborations and innovations to face increasingly complex global challenges.