UNAIR NEWS- Facing the COVID-19 pandemic, Universitas Airlangga stood out as one of the universities with various innovations. After the development of Robot Medical Assistant ITS-Airlangga (RAISA), used to minimize the contact of medical personnel with COVID-19 patients. Researchers of Universitas Airlangga is currently developing a vaccine for COVID-19.
Prof. Dr. Ni Nyoman Tri Puspaningsih, Dra., M.Si as Vice Rector I of UNAIR was present as one of the speakers in TEMPO.CO Live Streaming which discussed “Innovation to fight COVID-19 pandemic”.
“UNAIR has conducted various researches related to COVID-19 pandemic as a first step towards mandate given by Ministry of Research and Technology’s (Ministry of Research and Technology) to universities. It aims to contribute innovation in handling the pandemic, “said Ni Nyoman Tri Puspaningsih.
UNAIR takes an important role in managing pandemics through Universitas Airlangga Hospital (RSUA) as a COVID-19 confirmed patient referral service unit, as well as the Institute of Tropical Disease as a research center for various diseases.
“We are interested in researching COVID-19 virus on molecular level with in silico analysis, designing active compounds and doing synthesis. Currently, we have produced two compounds with a core binding energy of the catalytic side from main protein, “said Chairman of Biomolecular Engineering Research Center.
The discussion was also attended by Bambang Brodjonegoro, Minister of Research and Technology, Hammam Riza, Head of Agency for Research and Technology Implementation and Gabriel Wahyu Titiyoga, Science and Technology Editor of Tempo Magazine as the moderator.
“The rapid development of the Indonesian research was born in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak, this is good news so that Indonesia can reduce its dependence on imports of medical equipment and drug raw materials,” said Bambang Brodjonegoro.
Through a variety of research presented by universities both public and private as well as synergy with government agencies and support from government regulations, Indonesia is expected to be able to produce various health equipment and vaccine for COVID-19 pandemic.
“We hope that the results of this research can be used by the wider community, UNAIR supports the aspects of health science, life science, and social science. For research related to COVID-19 vaccine, we will conduct a pre-clinical test. COVID-19 vaccine research will certainly be a challenge for us in the future, “concluded Nyoman. (*)
Author: Rissa Ayu F
Editor: Khefti Al Mawalia
