Universitas Islam Zainul Hasan Genggong (UNZAH) in Probolinggo recently hosted a prestigious guest lecture as part of a visit from PUI-PT Combinatorics and Graph, University of Jember (30/5). The event featured two esteemed speakers: Prof. Drs. Dafik, M.Sc., Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at Universitas Jember, and Prof. S. Venkatraman from SASTRA Deemed University. The theme of the lecture was "Research and Innovation are Fundamental Pillars for Achieving a World-Class University." Prof. Drs. Dafik, M.Sc., Ph.D., shared his extensive knowledge on the pivotal role of research in higher education. He highlighted that innovation, supported by rigorous research, is essential for universities to gain international recognition and achieve excellence. Prof. Dafik’s expertise in combinatorics and graph theory provided valuable insights into how advanced research methodologies can drive significant progress in both academic and practical applications.

Prof. S. Venkatraman emphasized the integration of research and educational practices, underscoring the necessity of fostering a research-oriented culture among students and faculty. His global perspective shed light on strategies for developing world-class university standards through comprehensive research initiatives. The guest lecture attracted a large audience of students, faculty members, and researchers, all keen to engage with the distinguished speakers. The interactive session allowed attendees to delve deeper into the topics, promoting a robust exchange of ideas and inspiring participants to pursue higher standards of academic and research excellence.

The visit also facilitated discussions on potential collaborative research projects, highlighting a mutual commitment to academic growth and innovation. This collaboration aims to enhance the quality of education and research outputs, aligning with the overarching theme of the guest lecture. The event was a significant milestone in reinforcing the fundamental importance of research and innovation in achieving world-class university status. The collaborative efforts are expected to yield substantial academic and research advancements, contributing to Indonesia's position in the global academic community.