USU Discusses Laboratory Equipment Procurement with Pemprovsu Support
Published At
06 January 2025
Published By
Sulisintia Harahap
Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) held a coordination meeting involving heads of science and technology laboratories to discuss the procurement of laboratory equipment funded by the Provincial Government of North Sumatra (Pemprovsu). The meeting, led by USU Rector Prof. Dr. Muryanto Amin, S.Sos., M.Si., took place on Friday (January 3, 2025) in the Senate Meeting Room, 3rd Floor of the Rectorate Building.
In his address, Prof. Muryanto Amin highlighted the importance of laboratory equipment procurement as part of efforts to enhance research and innovation at USU. He also announced plans to build an Integrated Laboratory Building, aimed at unifying all science and technology laboratories on campus.
“This integrated laboratory must become a hallmark with clear differentiation compared to other universities. It should have a tangible impact on society and contribute to increasing the university's income generation,” emphasized the Rector.
He further emphasized that proposals for laboratory equipment procurement should not only list equipment but also include Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), unique advantages, and community impact. The proposed laboratories must support research collaborations with other regions and provide direct societal benefits.
Prof. Dr. Apt. Poppy Anjelisa Zaitun Hasibuan, M.Si., Vice Rector III, added that the procurement process requires a clear roadmap and strategic plan.
“Strengthening laboratory facilities is not just about infrastructure but also about having a directed utilization plan to support teaching, research, and regional development,” she explained.
Faculties such as Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Pharmacy, Agriculture, Engineering, Cultural Sciences, and Computer Science have played key roles in advancing USU’s scientific publications and research commercialization. Strengthening laboratory equipment at these faculties is expected to foster greater research collaboration and publications, positively impacting USU’s national and international standing.
Diki Sofian, a lecturer from Universitas Negeri Jakarta, offered insights into the challenges of limited laboratory equipment. He suggested collaborations with private sectors to access advanced laboratory tools.
"Compared to the private sector, they often have more advanced equipment. Collaborating with them can allow us to borrow their facilities and expand our research scope," said Diki.
Meanwhile, Pak Wayan, a consultant supporting the discussion, recommended focusing proposals on high-value, multidisciplinary equipment.
"Prioritize equipment with broad utility and significant investment value, while smaller equipment needs can be covered by USU’s internal budget," he advised.
The strategic discussion marked an important step for USU in ensuring that the laboratory equipment procurement process aligns with the university's needs and potential. With support from Pemprovsu and thorough planning, USU is optimistic about strengthening research infrastructure, enhancing research collaborations, and expanding its impact on the wider community.