UNAIR NEWS The Directorate of Research and Innovation (DRI) 51动漫 (UNAIR) held a series of DRI Week activities from Tuesday to Friday, April 14 to 17, 2026. The program aimed to strengthen research governance and improve the quality of research across the university.
DRI Director Prof Dr Purwo Sri Rejeki dr MKes stated that the program was designed to develop research reviewers who can serve as role models in research. It also supports efforts to enhance the overall quality and competitiveness of UNAIR檚 research output.
淭herefore, all participants are required to sign an integrity pact. Only those who have signed the pact will be eligible to participate in the proposal review process, both internal and external, in 2026, she said.
She added that the initiative goes beyond a seminar, serving instead as an effort to activate a more dynamic research ecosystem. In her remarks, she also outlined an organizational restructuring carried out in early 2026 to optimize performance, including the establishment of a new sub-directorate focused on monitoring and evaluating research programs.
Role of a reviewer
Prof Dr Ir Hotniar Siringoringo MSc IPU, as the speaker, highlighted the strategic importance of reviewers in determining research quality. She emphasized that reviewers hold a critical position, as they are responsible for assessing proposals and providing recommendations on their feasibility.
淎s reviewers, we hold a strong position. Our role is to evaluate the substance of proposals, budget feasibility, and alignment with technology readiness levels, she explained.
In her presentation, she also stressed the importance of understanding the limits of a reviewer檚 authority. This includes refraining from intervening in decisions beyond their scope, such as final funding determinations. Proposal selection, she noted, is not based solely on reviewer assessments but also considers multiple factors in the final decision-making process.
淎s reviewers, we must be confident in making decisions based on our expertise. If there is constant doubt, then one檚 suitability as a reviewer should be questioned, she asserted.
Ethics of a reviewer
Beyond technical aspects, reviewer ethics remain a critical component that must not be overlooked. As a contributor to the 2026 Research and Development Guidelines, she explained that reviewers are expected to adhere to established guidelines, maintain objectivity, and understand the impact of their decisions to ensure fairness in the selection process.
淚t is mandatory for reviewers to adhere to guidelines and shared agreements to maintain consistent standards, she said.
The DRI Week 2026 series also featured additional agendas, including the socialization of the Airlangga Research Fund, an introduction to the TKT Meter, and discussions on strengthening the contribution of social sciences and humanities in research. Through these initiatives, UNAIR aims to build a research system that is not only academically strong but also impactful for society and responsive to global challenges.
Author: Amelia Farah Putri Iswara
Editor: Yulia Rohmawati
