Online international colloquium with Univeristy Islam Indonesia

The Blockchain lectorate recognises the strategic importance of international scientific co-operation and organised a successful online international colloquium with University Islam Indonesia (UII) in Yogyakarta on 23 February, with over 700 participants from six countries.

A success that underlines the increasing societal role played by digitisation

The colloquium is the first event in a multiyear co-operation between University Islam Indonesia (UII) and the Blockchain lectorate. The digital colloquium, which was opened by Ms. Anka Mulder, Chairman of Executive Board, Saxion and Professor Fatum Wijd, Rector of UII, attracted over 700 participants who are active in the Blockchain field from across six countries, including from universities, the business community, governmental organisations and students. It was a success that underlines the increasing societal role played by digitisation in general and Blockchain in particular and the fact that more students are demonstrating interest in the topic.

Blockchain: a new phenomenon for society

Research co-operation and information exchange between international scientists are becoming increasingly important, particularly during the pandemic. Covid-19 has demonstrated the need to strengthen international co-operation between scientists.

As Blockchain-based systems are a new phenomenon for society it is vital that you announce what you are researching and why, as this ensures progress in applying Blockchain systems as well as advancements in international knowledge sharing.

Developing and sharing knowledge about Blockchain has significant added value, not only for the Blockchain research group, but particularly for all involved students.

''The value mainly lies in the topicality, progressiveness and shared knowledge of Blockchain’s interdisciplinary character. We need this to educate our students to become future global citizens and professionals in the digital world'', stated lecturer Jan Veuger.

For a lecturer who is involved in PhD research, such as Kees Tesselhof, a conference or a colloquium is an important opportunity to share research knowledge: ''This forum is a moment in the research process in which you can make your topic interactive with a broad and interested audience''.

During the event, presentations were given by experts from both universities and Blockchain discussions relating to ethics, definition, systems and funding were held between students and researchers.

As keynote speaker, researcher and lecturer Chhay Lin Lim discussed his PhD research with the international audience, covering how Blockchain’s censorship resistance attribute is used to safeguard rights, including the right to personal property, the right to associate, the right to autonomy and particularly the right to freedom of expression.

''International co-operation to develop joint knowledge is extremely important for us as researchers, as it enables us to work from various viewpoints and in an interdisciplinary way, which offers many new insights that we had not yet considered in the Netherland'', stated Jan Veuger.

Co-operation done remotely

The Covid-19 pandemic has had a huge impact on mobility; it prevents us from enabling students and lecturers to exchange ideas in person. However, new technology is offering other opportunities to get closer together and is opening new means of co-operation. Ngoc Ngo, Manager International Strategic Partnerships is delighted with the colloquium:

''After the success of this colloquium, we will continue to organise a series of online research project presentations in the coming period, in co-operation with more international partners, including Indonesia, India, Russia and Vietnam. The book ‘Blockchain Technology and Applications’ is another result of this co-operation.''