Semarang, October 14, 2025 — The Digital Communication Technology and Society Research Group under the Department of Communication Science, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, Diponegoro University (FISIP UNDIP), has successfully organized an Online Visiting Lecture and Academic Workshop featuring an international speaker, Dr. Gerben Albert Moerman from the University of Amsterdam, Netherlands.

The event, held via the Zoom platform, was officially opened by Dr. Drs. Teguh Yuwono, M.Pol.Admin, as the Dean of FISIP UNDIP. In his opening remarks, Dr. Teguh emphasized the importance of international academic collaboration in enriching the quality of research and learning in the digital era.

In the guest lecture session, Dr. Moerman presented material entitled “Collaborative Inquiry in Qualitative Research: Potentials and Pitfalls in the Digital Age,” which was followed by an academic workshop with the theme “Designing Qualitative Research through Collaborative Inquiry: Participation and Platformization.” Both sessions discussed opportunities and challenges in conducting collaborative qualitative research by utilizing digital technology and more inclusive, cross-disciplinary participatory approaches. Prior to this event, several research proposals had been collected and received direct coaching feedback during the workshop day. Several participants expressed great enthusiasm as Dr. Gerben Moerman’s materials and workshop provided new perspectives and an engaging delivery style.

As an academic with extensive international experience, Dr. Moerman has conducted academic activities and research in various countries, including India, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia. His expertise in qualitative methodology, digital research, and collaborative approaches inspires students and researchers to develop more reflective and participatory research frameworks.

This activity is part of FISIP UNDIP’s ongoing efforts to strengthen global academic networks and provide opportunities for students to learn directly from international experts. Organized by the Research Group (KBK), this activity aligns with Diponegoro University’s vision to become a dignified and beneficial world-class university. “This workshop encourages more socially impactful research from the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, both from academic staff and students from undergraduate to doctoral levels,” said S. Rouli Manalu, Ph.D., as the Head of the Digital Communication Technology and Society Research Group.