Makassar strengthens position as global research hub through PAIR 2026
Makassar (ANTARA) - The city of Makassar is strengthening its position as a global research hub through enhanced scientific collaboration and sustainable development by hosting the PAIR (Partnership for Australia-Indonesia Research) Annual Meeting 2026.
“This annual meeting brings together academics, researchers, policymakers and development partners from Indonesia and Australia to strengthen research synergies with a direct impact on public policy formulation and sustainable development,” said Universitas Hasanuddin Rector Prof Dr Jamaluddin Jompa in Makassar on Sunday.
According to him, the event, which carries the spirit of cross-border collaboration, serves as a strategic platform to address a range of development challenges, from climate change and food security to natural resource management and the strengthening of evidence-based governance.
Through this partnership, he continued, research outputs are expected to go beyond the academic sphere and be translated into effective policies that benefit society.
“This city has a thriving higher education ecosystem and an ever-growing research network, making it a fitting venue to convene stakeholders from both countries,” he said.
At the forum, to be held from 21 to 23 July 2026, participants will discuss the importance of strengthening links between researchers, government and society so that every research outcome can address real needs on the ground.
The Indonesia-Australia research collaboration is also expected to generate innovations that support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Beyond deepening academic ties between the two countries, the annual meeting is a momentum to expand research cooperation networks, build the capacity of early-career researchers, and encourage collaborative projects with tangible impact on regional and national development.
“The trust placed in Makassar, particularly Universitas Hasanuddin, as host of the PAIR Annual Meeting 2026, also reinforces the city’s image as one of Indonesia’s centres of science, innovation and international collaboration,” he said.
In this regard, he hopes the discussions and recommendations produced at the forum can serve as a foundation for more inclusive, adaptive and sustainable development policymaking in the future.