UNAIR NEWS – The World University Association for Community Development (WUACD) convened its board meeting in Melbourne, Australia, on Monday, November 25, 2024, hosted by Federation University. The session focused on reviewing 2024 programs and planning initiatives for 2025.
Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR), as the founding member of WUACD, sent delegates led by Prof. Dr. Ni Nyoman Tri Puspaningsih, M.Si, the association’s chairperson. Joining her were Mega M. Puteri, Ph.D., Sp.KGA(K), AIBK, as the mobility coordinator, and Dr. Rahmat Yuliawan, SE, M.M., the coordinator for sustainable economic projects.
Several deans from UNAIR also participated, including 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), and Prof. Dr. Purnawan Basundoro, M.Hum (Dean of Humanities).
Activities and presentations
The first day of activities, held at Federal University’s Berwick Campus, featured Research Day. Organized by the Institute for Health and Wellbeing under the direction of Prof. Muhammad Aziz Rahman, the event showcased research presentations from faculty members and postgraduate students.
This research, conducted in Australian nursing homes, aims to create devices that support the elderly in overcoming sensory limitations. Other studies explored mental health challenges arising from rapid societal changes.
One notable presentation by Professor Evita March examined the adverse effects of technology on interpersonal relationships. Her study revealed that 37% of Australians reported experiencing technology-facilitated abuse in intimate relationships. These findings highlight how technological advancements can have unintended negative consequences on human interactions.
Among the presentations, Professor Evita March delivered compelling findings on how technology impacts social relationships. Her research revealed that 37% of Australians have experienced technology-facilitated abuse in intimate relationships. The study underscores the darker side of technological advancements and their unintended consequences on human interaction.
The event, which concluded at 4:00 PM local time, featured dozens of research projects from public health and psychology fields, emphasizing the increasing importance of health-related issues in modern society.
As institutions dedicated to addressing societal issues through scientific approaches, universities are expected to find effective solutions to pressing challenges. WUACD, comprising dozens of leading universities worldwide, holds significant potential for collaborative research. The outcomes of these studies can contribute to solving global issues, providing actionable insights for communities across different regions.
Author: Prof Purnawan Basundoro MHum
Editor: Yulia Rohmawati
