IRIF is a collection of BRIN's function schemes as a funding agency
Cibinong, W Java (ANTARA) - The National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has launched the Indonesian Research and Innovation Fund (IRIF) to optimize human, funding, and research infrastructure resources within the nation.

The IRIF was launched during a research and innovation exhibition entitled "Research and Innovation Expo" or InaRI Expo at the Soekarno Science and Technology Park (KST) in Cibinong, West Java, on Wednesday.

"IRIF is a collection of BRIN's function schemes as a funding agency, so it not only provides research grants in the form of money, but also (supports the development of) infrastructure and mobility of researchers," BRIN head Laksana Tri Handoko informed at the expo.

The IRIF scheme is expected to enhance BRIN's role in carrying out funding duties and functions integrated with the research and innovation sectors.

So far, several research facility schemes have been created and utilized by researchers from various circles within the country, whether from BRIN, universities, the private sector, industry, or the general public.

According to the deputy for research and innovation facilitation at BRIN, Agus Haryono, IRIF is expected to serve as a bridge or hub that connects domestic and foreign researchers from various research institutions abroad.

It is the only funding scheme for research and innovations in Indonesia to be integrated within BRIN.

The IRIF mechanism will involve international cooperation in research and innovation, meaning it will allow foreign parties to conduct research in Indonesia and vice versa under cooperation schemes.

The research would be funded by both parties and would usually involve a joint funding mechanism.

Thus, if a Japanese researcher wants to collaborate in food research with an Indonesian researcher, then, IRIF will pursue bilateral cooperation with a Japanese funding agency and fund the Indonesian researcher, while the Japanese researcher will be funded by the Japanese funding agency through a joint funding mechanism, Haryono explained.

He expressed the hope that the launch of the IRIF would develop international-scale research collaboration and establish more networking so that research resources at BRIN can be used not only by domestic, but also by foreign researchers.

Related news: BRIN urges diaspora to return home, join in development efforts
Related news: BRIN seeks to bolster research ecosystem to support economic growth
Related news: Indonesia pushes for establishment of ASEAN research hub

Translator: Yoanita Hastryka Djohan
Editor: Sri Haryati
Copyright © ANTARA 2023