Two RI scientists win fellowships in Germany<\/p>\n
Zora Rahman
\nContributor
\nJakarta<\/p>\n
When industry can get advantage of a scientific research, there
\nis usually a sponsor to find. With this intention the German
\nAcademic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft,
\nEuropes biggest applied research institutes, awarded the First
\nDAAD-Fraunhofer Technopreneur Award in Life Sciences 2003.<\/p>\n
The award was presented by the German Ambassador to Indonesia
\nGerhard Fulda with the attendance of the Secretary of the
\nMinister of Research and Technology Dr. Ashwin Sasongko S.MSC,
\nlast Tuesday.<\/p>\n
The winners were Dr. Haryanti of the Research Institute for
\nMariculture on Bali for her proposal on Vaccine Recombinant for
\nGrouper Fish Viral Disease and Dr. Siswanto of the Biotechnology
\nResearch Institute for Estate Crops in Bogor for his research of
\nthe topic Development of Diagnostic Kits and Large Scale
\nProduction of RVNRL or DPNR Latex to Produce Rubber Products with
\nLow Allergenic Proteins.<\/p>\n
Both scientists received generous prize money and a six-month
\nfellowship at Fraunhofer institute in Germany, where they can
\ncontinue their research with the assistance of the German
\nscientific community.<\/p>\n
\"I expect this cooperation will improve my knowledge of my
\nresearch topic,\" Dr. Haryanti said. \"To continue with this kind
\nof research on a commercial level is costly and sophisticated
\nequipment is needed. Fraunhofer Institute has the resources to
\nallow me to do this.\"<\/p>\n
Complicated theoretical statements and long explanations were
\nnot criteria for the award. It was the relevance and the market
\npotential of the research proposals that counted.<\/p>\n
\"This award shall contribute to unfold the innovation-oriented
\npotential of Indonesian researchers,\" director of DAAD, Ilona
\nKrueger-Rechmann, said in her speech at the presentation
\nceremony. \"Both winners have outstanding research experience in
\ntheir fields and their proposals were very well prepared.\"<\/p>\n
Dr. Siswanto's research involves something that is used
\ncommonly -- it is the basic for latex gloves, gauges for blood
\npressure, condoms and many other essentials -- rubber.<\/p>\n
Indonesia is number two in the world's rubber production,
\nafter Thailand.<\/p>\n
Many rubber products are used in direct contact with the human
\nskin and as natural rubber or latex can cause different kinds of
\nallergies, artificial latex has risen in popularity.<\/p>\n
Products used in the medical industry have created a huge
\nproblem for Indonesia and other producers of rubber. The means of
\nfinding out how to detect the allergenic proteins in natural
\nrubber has become even more important and not only in Indonesia.<\/p>\n
Dr. Siswanto, a specialist in plant biochemistry and molecular
\nbiology, has been researching rubber over a long period of time
\nand has already succeeded in inventing a formula to cure diseases
\nin rubber plantations.<\/p>\n
\"This award is very important for my me and my institute not
\nonly because of the prestige and the financial support, but
\nbecause I can complete the research project and put my findings
\ninto practice,\" the scientist said. \"So I am optimistic that I
\nwill arrive back with the detection kit for allergenic proteins
\nthat we need so badly.\"<\/p>\n
Another important resource for the Indonesian economy is the
\nfishing industry, the field of Dr. Haryanti. The specialist in
\naquatic biotechnology invented a probiotic bacterium two years
\nago. Her new research aims to find a method of fighting the viral
\ndiseases that cause the mass mortality of Grouper fish and larva.<\/p>\n
\"Vaccine recombinant technology is expected to improve fish
\nimmunity and fish health without disturbing biological
\nactivities.\"<\/p>\n
Out of the 15 applicants, the award winners were said to be
\noutstanding in their research fields and in the clear formulation
\nof their proposals. Dr. Haryanti and Dr. Siswanto did not
\nhesitate to agree to six-months away, even if they have never
\nbeen to Germany before and have to leave their families behind.<\/p>\n
Both German and Indonesian officials hope the cooperation
\nbetween the countries will lead to the mutual benefit of academic
\nknowledge and contribute toward their economies.<\/p>\n
\"With this pilot project we want to awaken the interest of
\nscientists in applied research,\" Ilona Krueger-Rechmann said. \"If
\nthis is successful, there is a good chance we will continue the
\naward in Indonesia and perhaps start similar award-schemes in
\nother countries.\"<\/p>",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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