Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering (FTSL), Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), welcomed Dr. Chandra Balijepalli of the University of Leeds, United Kingdom, as part of the Visiting Academic Leader, Equity Program organised by Indonesia's Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP). The visit, held from 7 to 24 April 2026, marks a significant milestone in deepening bilateral academic collaboration between ITB and one of the United Kingdom's leading research universities.

A Collaboration Grounded in Shared Vision
This visit was more than an academic exchange — it was a strategic step toward a long-term partnership. From the outset, Dr. Chandra was received by the FTSL Dean's Office and engaged directly in open discussions with ITB's Transportation Research Group, including deliberations on the STJR Double Degree curriculum currently being developed in partnership with the University of Leeds.

Collaborative research was equally central to the agenda. Intensive discussions with Prof. Harun and fellow research group members explored prospects for joint research, co-publication, and international grant proposal development.

Schedule of Activities
Over the course of more than two weeks, Dr. Chandra carried out a rich and diverse programme of academic engagements:

From the Lecture Hall to the Public Sphere
Among the highlights of the visit was a public webinar on 15 April, themed Outlook of Future Transportation Research in Bandung. The session brought Dr. Chandra together with local researchers in an open dialogue on the future of urban mobility and electric vehicle (EV) adoption — broadening the conversation to include voices from academia, government, and the wider public.
Dr. Chandra also delivered a two-day International Lecture on Signalised Junction Design, a technically rigorous course directly relevant to the STJR curriculum and the practical needs of transportation engineering in Indonesia.

Nurturing the Next Generation of Researchers
Beyond technical expertise, Dr. Chandra offered valuable perspectives on professional career pathways in the UK and practical strategies for publishing in Q1-ranked international journals. An online scholarship information session — open to students from ITB, ITENAS, and UPI — added an inclusive dimension to the visit, reflecting the spirit of LPDP's Visiting Scholar Equity Program in widening access to world-class education.

Looking Ahead
The visit concluded with a wrap-up discussion attended by STJR team, translating the outcomes of two productive weeks into concrete next steps. With this strong foundation in place, FTSL ITB and the University of Leeds now move with greater confidence toward formalising the STJR Double Degree programme and a more comprehensive bilateral research collaboration roadmap.

Dr. Chandra Balijepalli's visit reaffirms that meaningful cross-border collaboration is built not merely through memoranda of understanding, but through direct encounters, open exchange of ideas, and the trust that grows from genuine engagement. FTSL ITB remains committed to strengthening this academic bridge — in service of advancing knowledge and developing human capital in the field of transportation engineering.

Related SDGS:
SDG 4 – Quality Education
Supporting the improvement of the quality of higher education by strengthening the curriculum, professional pathways, and increasing the capacity of lecturers and students through international collaboration.

SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
Encourage innovation and research in the field of transportation engineering that impacts the development of more sustainable and competitive transportation infrastructure.

SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities
Producing research and innovation that contributes to a safe, inclusive, efficient and environmentally friendly urban transportation system.

SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
Strengthening global partnerships through collaboration with the University of Leeds, UK, and opening up wider research and academic networking opportunities.