The World University Association for Community Development (WUACD) convened its board meeting on November 25, 2024, in Melbourne, Australia, with Federation University serving as the host institution. The agenda for the meeting included a review of programs scheduled for 2024 and planning initiatives for the following year, 2025.
Delegation from Universitas Airlangga
Representatives from Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), a founding member of WUACD, attended the meeting. The delegation was led by Prof. Dr. Ni Nyoman Tri Puspaningsih, the chairperson of the association. Accompanying her was Mega M. Puteri, Ph.D., Sp.KGA(K), AIBK, who serves as the mobility coordinator, and Dr. Rahmat Yuliawan, SE, M.M., responsible for coordinating sustainable economic projects. Additional participants included several deans from UNAIR:
- Prof. Dr. Miratul Khasanah, M.Si (Dean of Science and Technology)
- Prof. Dr. Mirni Lamid, Drh, MP (Dean of Veterinary Medicine)
- Prof. Dr. Bagong Suyanto, M.Si (Dean of Social and Political Sciences)
- Prof. Dr. Santi Martini, M.Kes (Dean of Public Health)
- Prof. Dr. Suryanto, M.Si (Dean of Psychology)
- Prof. Dr. Purnawan Basundoro, M.Hum (Dean of Humanities)
Research Day at Federation University
The meeting was held in conjunction with Research Day at the Berwick Campus of Federation University. This event, organized by the Institute for Health and Wellbeing, featured research presentations from faculty and postgraduate students. Research topics primarily revolved around public health issues, addressing both physical and mental well-being.
Highlighted Research Projects
One highlighted project introduced an assistive sensor intended for elderly individuals with vision and hearing impairments. Conducted in Australian nursing homes, this research aims to develop devices that assist the elderly in overcoming sensory challenges. Additionally, other studies examined mental health issues that arise from rapid societal changes.
Technology and Interpersonal Relationships
A significant presentation by Professor Evita March addressed the adverse effects of technology on interpersonal relationships. Her findings indicated that 37% of Australians reported experiences of technology-facilitated abuse within intimate relationships, illustrating the unintended consequences of technological advancements on social interactions.
Conclusion of the Event
The event concluded at 4:00 PM local time, showcasing a variety of research initiatives from the public health and psychology departments, underscoring the critical nature of health-related issues in contemporary society. WUACD, which includes numerous leading universities globally, fosters collaborative research aimed at addressing societal challenges, providing valuable insights for communities across various regions.
The article is authored by Prof. Purnawan Basundoro M.Hum and edited by Yulia Rohmawati.
