[Unpad Media Channel] Universitas Padjadjaran has signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) with the University of Catania, Italy, regarding collaboration in the establishment and launch of the Center of Excellence for the Acceleration of Harm Reduction (CoEHAR) in Indonesia.
The signing took place between the Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation at Unpad Prof. Hendarmawan, and the Director of CoEHAR Prof. Giovanni Li Volti, during the peak event of Unpad’s 67th Anniversary at Graha Sanusi Hardjadinata, Iwa Koesoemasoemantri Campus, Bandung, on Wednesday, September 11th, 2024.
Prof. Riccardo Polosa, founder of CoEHAR, expressed his gratitude to Unpad for collaborating on the establishment of the CoEHAR Padjadjaran Indonesia branch. This branch will serve as a regional center for research, outreach, and education on smoking harm reduction in the Asia-Pacific region.
“Thank you for this fantastic university (Unpad) for the kind invitation, but most of all, for believing in a project, the project that nobody would believe in it, particularly because of COVID-19,” said Prof. Polosa.
Prof. Polosa explained that the signing of the LoI marks the continuation of the collaboration between Unpad and the University of Catania, which has been ongoing for six years.
“After six years, we (University of Catania) are still here, still working together (with Unpad). This agreement is one of the most alive in our university; this doesn’t happen very often,” explained Prof. Polosa.
Prof. Polosa explained that the Italian government currently supports the collaboration between the University of Catania and Unpad through funding for exchange programs and training for Unpad’s faculty and students.
Present at the event were CoEHAR Director Prof. Giovanni Li Volti, the Italian Ambassador to Jakarta, Benedetto Latteri, and the Education and Cultural Attaché of the Italian Embassy in Indonesia, Roberto Carniel.
CoEHAR Padjadjaran Indonesia will serve as a regional center for research, outreach, and education on smoking harm reduction in the Asia-Pacific region. Activities in Asia will be led by two faculty members from Universitas Padjadjaran, Dr. Ronny Lesmana, dr., M.Kes., AIFO, Ph.D., and Prof. Dr. Amaliya, drg., M.Sc., Ph.D.
“Through our joint efforts in academia and research, we can significantly contribute to addressing numerous issues in Indonesia, particularly in West Java, East Asia, the Asia-Pacific region, and globally, focusing on smoking harm reduction and improving the lifestyle and health of millions of people,” said Dr. Ronny Lesmana.
Moreover, Prof. Amaliya stated, “The work carried out in recent years in collaboration with our Sicilian colleagues has already allowed us to achieve important results in both research and the promotion of new lifestyles in Indonesia. We will continue on this path with further commitment and constant dedication.” (SA)*
