FKp UNAIR expands research partnership
The Faculty of Nursing (FKp) Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) has further strengthened its international academic network through a Full-Time Staff Outbound program at the Faculty of Nursing, Prince of Songkla University (PSU) in Thailand, held from May 18–22, 2026. The initiative was part of an ongoing international research initiative titled “Decision-Making Support Model for ICU Nurses in Providing Culturally Based Palliative Care.”
Representing FKp UNAIR were Dr Yulis Setiya Dewi Skep Ns MNg and Dr Ninuk Dian Kurniawati SKep Ns MANP. During the five-day program, the delegation engaged in a series of academic activities with PSU faculty members, including joint research discussions, collaborative data analysis, research model development, and meetings aimed at exploring future strategic partnerships.
According to Dr. Yulis Setiya Dewi, the program was intended to enhance the quality of the ongoing study while creating broader opportunities for international collaboration in critical care and palliative nursing research. “Through intensive exchanges with PSU researchers, we gained valuable academic perspectives that will contribute to refining the Decision-Making Support Model for ICU nurses delivering cultural-based palliative care,” she said.
At a Joint Research Meeting on May 19, 2026, research teams from both universities reviewed findings from quantitative and qualitative studies and conducted collaborative data analysis to strengthen the reliability and rigor of the research. The discussions also produced a framework for developing two manuscripts that are expected to be submitted to internationally recognized academic journals.
Expanding double-degree initiatives
Beyond research collaboration, the UNAIR delegation met with PSU’s Deputy Dean for Postgraduate Studies and Deputy Dean for International Affairs. The discussions focused on opportunities to establish double-degree and joint-degree programs at the graduate level. The meetings also explored potential collaborative projects in cardiovascular critical and emergency care, as well as aesthetic nursing research, an area in which PSU has established significant academic expertise.
On May 21, 2026, the UNAIR delegation participated in a strategic meeting with the leadership of PSU’s Faculty of Nursing. The session resulted in a mutual commitment to expand cooperation in research, international publications, faculty and student exchanges, and the development of long-term global academic partnerships.
A notable outcome of the visit was the addition of two international scholars from PSU to FKp UNAIR’s Academic Peer List (APL): Prof. Dr. Waraporn Kongsuwan, a specialist in Critical Care Nursing, and Dr. Kanthima Meesoonthorn, an expert in Cardiovascular Nursing. Their participation is expected to further support the faculty’s internationalization efforts and strengthen the quality of its scholarly publications.
The program also reinforced existing international agreements, generated plans for future joint research initiatives, and opened discussions on postgraduate co-supervision, student exchange opportunities, scientific writing summer camps, and staff mobility programs.
Through the Full-Time Staff Outbound initiative, the Faculty of Nursing at UNAIR reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the internationalization of higher education and enhancing the university’s standing as a globally engaged institution through impactful academic and research collaborations.
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