Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara (UMSU) has taken a significant step in advancing the field of astrophysics by establishing a collaboration with State Islamic University (UIN) Walisongo Semarang. The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was a momentous occasion, symbolizing the shared commitment to scientific advancement. The MoU was signed by the Head of OIF UMSU, Dr. Arwin Juli Rakhmadi Butar-Butar, MA, and the Vice Rector III for Student Affairs, Cooperation, and Alumni of UIN Walisongo Semarang, Dr. H. A. Hasan Asy’ari Ulama’i, M.A, on Thursday (26/7) at State Islamic University (UIN) Walisongo Semarang.
Both agreed to increase collaboration in astrophysics, considering that UMSU and UIN Walisongo both have relevant majors or study programs and facilities such as observatories and planetariums.
One of the immediate outcomes of this collaboration is a concrete plan for collaborative research in pharmacology in Egypt. In August to September, a joint research team from the two universities will embark on an exploration of the manuscripts of the 8th century Hijri/14 AD. The team will focus their research in three leading manuscript centers in Egypt, namely the Arab Manuscript Institute Library, Al-Azhar Library, and Dar al-Kutub al-Mishriyyah.
This collaboration is expected to enrich the treasures of science, especially in Islamic astronomy, and strengthen academic relations between Indonesia and Egypt. In addition to collaborating on research, both parties will explore other activities related to Falak Science.
