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UNAIR NEWS – (UNAIR) is preparing to host the 2025 Research Invention & Community Development Exhibition (HITEX), a national-level event that will spotlight university research and innovation. The exhibition will feature contributions from 24 state universities with legal entity status (PTN-BH), along with partners from various industries. The event will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday, May 20–21, 2025, at the Airlangga Convention Center (ACC) on UNAIR’s MERR-C Campus.

Broad industry engagement

The Head of UNAIR’s Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM), Prof. Dr. Gadis Meinar Sari, dr., M.Kes, explained that HITEX will highlight a diverse range of research and community service initiatives, primarily from UNAIR’s academic community. The exhibition will also include active participation from industrial partners.

UNAIR’s various research groups and centers will showcase their products at designated booths. Participating PTN-BH institutions will also be provided with the opportunity to display their research and development achievements.

“Our aim is to introduce research and community programs with potential for downstream application,” Prof. Gadis said. “We are also inviting business and industry partners to explore possible collaborations, which could lead to the commercialization of these innovations.”

Through HITEX, UNAIR hopes to build stronger industry partnerships and streamline the process of bringing university-based innovations into public use.

Symbolic vaccine presentation

A major highlight of HITEX will be the symbolic handover of seed vaccines developed by UNAIR for Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD) and Swine Influenza. UNAIR Rector Prof. Dr. Mohammad Nasih, MT, Ak, CA described the moment as a reflection of UNAIR’s commitment to serving public needs in line with national priorities. “The government has called on higher education institutions to deliver real-world impact, and one of UNAIR’s areas of expertise is public health,” Prof. Nasih said. “At this time, we are responding to challenges posed by FMD and Swine Flu outbreaks.”

UNAIR has actively conducted research to develop vaccines for both diseases, recognizing their serious economic and social implications. “We hope these vaccines can help reduce losses and make a positive difference in the community,” he added.

Prof. Nasih, a senior professor at UNAIR’s Faculty of Economics and Business, noted that the university is working to establish partnerships for vaccine distribution. These collaborations are intended to ensure that the benefits of the vaccines can reach communities more efficiently.

In conclusion, Prof. Nasih emphasized that the development of these vaccines is further evidence of UNAIR’s research strength and technological capability. “We are fully capable of producing impactful innovations—whether vaccines or other products—so long as we have the technological and human resources,” he stated. “Our mission remains clear: to create meaningful contributions for society.”

Author: Yulia Rohmawati