Prof. Didi Suryadi emphasized that Professors bear significant responsibility for research and scholarly development within their expertise areas, as well as in the mentorship of young faculty members affiliated with their research groups or academic specialties.
Before delving into the role of Professors in strengthening research groups to support WCU policies and implementation, it is crucial to understand that a Professor represents the culmination of a lengthy and arduous journey. They undergo an extensive process in the tridharma activities of higher education to build their academic careers, expertise, and more, ultimately emerging as Professors in their respective fields.
This statement was made by the Chairman of the Council of Professors (DGB) at Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI), Prof. Dr. H. Didi Suryadi, M.Ed., during the Council of Professors Seminar at UPI’s LPPM Building, Auditorium Room, 3rd Floor, UPI Campus, Jalan Dr. Setiabudhi No. 229, Bandung, on Monday (27/11/2023).
The seminar featured speakers such as Chairman of the World Class University (WCU) Team at the Ministry of Education and Culture, Prof. Ir. Hermawan K. Dipojono, MSSE., Ph.D., UPI Rector Prof. Dr. H. M. Solehuddin, M.Pd., M.A., WCU Research Team Chairman Prof. Dr. H. Mohammad Fakry Gaffar, M.Ed., and UPI’s DGB Chairman Prof. Dr. H. Didi Suryadi, M.Ed., as well as Prof. Dr. H. Said Hamid Hasan, M.A.
“Their experiences are crucial to be passed on to the younger generation, presenting numerous opportunities as they can serve as promoters to produce new Ph.D. candidates. Through research groups, they can guide young faculty members to become Professors in the future, leveraging their exceptional experiences to mentor both students pursuing a Ph.D. and young faculty members aspiring to become Professors,” stated Prof. Didi Suryadi.
Prof. Didi Suryadi further expressed, “Ultimately, this process will have a broad and significant impact on the institution. The outcomes generated by these research groups can contribute to achieving the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) of the university.”
Furthermore, within these research groups, Professors can simultaneously mentor young faculty members on how to advance their careers compared to the Professors themselves. Guiding those who follow them enables these individuals to enhance their reputation and reach the Professorial status more quickly, signifying the success of educational endeavors undertaken by a Professor.