Medan, July 27, 2026 — The Faculty of Nursing at Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) welcomed a working visit from the USU Directorate of Innovation, Sustainable Development, and Science & Technology Park (IPBKST) as part of its 2026 program socialization. Held at the Faculty of Nursing Auditorium, the event featured two main agendas: the socialization of the Ministry-funded research commercialization grant proposal scheme and the integration of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to support the Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings.
The event was attended by representatives from the USU Directorate of IPBKST, including Prof. Dr. Apri Heri Iswanto, S.Hut., M.Si., Secretary of the Directorate; Imam Bagus Sumantri, S.Farm., M.Si., Apt., Manager of Innovation and Incubation; and Dr. Ir. Rahmi Meilina Sari, S.T., M.T., Manager of Sustainable Development and Science & Technology Park. Representing the Faculty of Nursing were the Dean, members of the faculty leadership, and academic staff. The participation of these two strategic university units reflects a shared commitment to strengthening the research, innovation, and sustainable development ecosystem at USU.
Through this program, the Directorate of IPBKST encouraged faculty members to ensure that research outcomes extend beyond academic publications and evolve into innovations with practical value and societal impact. This process includes prototype development, technology validation, strategic partnerships, and the implementation of research outcomes within communities. The initiative aligns with the Faculty of Nursing's ongoing transformation from basic research toward applied research and technological innovation in areas such as digital health, telenursing, artificial intelligence (AI), nursing service innovation, maternal and child health, mental health, and chronic disease management.
Strengthening research commercialization also supports several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) through evidence-based healthcare innovation; SDG 4 (Quality Education) through enhanced academic capacity and research-based learning; SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) through the development of innovative technologies and products; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through collaboration among universities, government, industry, and communities. The research commercialization initiatives introduced by the Directorate of IPBKST are designed to accelerate the transition from research ideas and development into innovations that are ready for implementation and capable of generating meaningful social impact.
This initiative is expected to further strengthen the Faculty of Nursing's contribution to sustainable healthcare development through high-impact research, technological innovation, and strategic partnerships. By integrating the principles of the SDGs into the implementation of the university's three pillars of higher education—education, research, and community engagement—the Faculty of Nursing remains committed to producing graduates, research, and innovations that not only demonstrate academic excellence but also deliver practical solutions to improve community well-being while enhancing the university's competitiveness at both the national and international levels.