MEDAN – The Graduate School of Universitas Sumatera Utara (USU) has reaffirmed its commitment to accelerating USU’s transformation into a center of excellence for science and technology development across Sumatra. This initiative aligns with directions delivered by the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Mendiktisaintek), Prof. Brian Yuliarto, S.T., M.Eng., Ph.D., during a joint discussion session with USU leaders and deans on Friday evening (Sep 25, 2026).

Attending the strategic meeting in person was the Director of the USU Postgraduate School, Prof. Dr. Ir. Evawany Yunita Aritonang, M.Si., alongside university leaders and faculty deans across USU.

In his remarks, Minister Brian Yuliarto emphasized that USU occupies a highly strategic academic and geopolitical position as a spearhead for research and innovation. He noted that higher education institutions must expand beyond teaching and scientific publishing to actively transition into research and innovative universities.

“USU holds immense potential, powered by a rich concentration of professors and doctoral degree holders as its intellectual core. This strength must be channeled into generating high-impact research, patents, evidence-based policy, and deep-tech startup ventures,” the Minister noted.

He further highlighted how consistent fundamental research can evolve over time to anchor massive future industries. As an Autonomous State University (PTN-BH), USU is expected to maintain the agility needed to capitalize on research commercialization and technology downstreaming for the benefit of North Sumatra and the broader nation.

Welcoming these goals, USU Rector Prof. Dr. Muryanto Amin, S.Sos., M.Si. reaffirmed that the university is steadily advancing its transition from a teaching-focused institution to an innovative university.

As an advanced degree hub centered on multidisciplinary research, the USU Postgraduate School plays a crucial role in delivering on this national vision. Under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Ir. Evawany Yunita Aritonang, M.Si., the Postgraduate School continues to support postgraduate researchers and students in producing actionable, high-impact innovations tailored for real-world industry adoption.