Introducing the Center for Global and Transformative Education: A New Era in Educational Research at UIII

Contributor & Photo by: Virda Lalitya Umam

The Faculty of Education at Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII) proudly announced the launch of the Center for Global and Transformative Education (CGTE). The launch was officiated by Prof. Nina Nurmila, PhD, as the Dean of the Faculty of Education on August 20, 2025, coinciding with the Rethinking Accreditation Policy in Higher Education FGD event. This research center consists of seven research units, encompassing the faculty lecturers’ different areas of expertise:

  1. Inclusive Education Research Unit, led by Afifah Muharikah, PhD.
  2. Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) Research Unit, led by Dr. Destina Wahyu Winarti.
  3. Education Policy Research Unit, led by R. Alpha Amirrachman, PhD, and Dr. Lukman Nul Hakim.
  4. Literacy & Digital Storytelling Research Unit, led by Assoc. Prof. Tati Lathipatud Durriyah, PhD.
  5. Educational Assessment Research Unit, led by Bambang Sumintono, PhD.
  6. EmpathetiX Research Unit, led by Assoc. Prof. Charyna Ayu Rizkyanti, PhD.
  7. Islamic Education Unit, led by Prof. Muhammad Zuhdi, PhD, and Andar Nubowo, PhD.

The research center name, containing the words “Global” and “Transformative”, was not chosen on a whim either, but with careful consideration of the members’ shared ambitions. The word “global” not only refers to international perspectives and collaborations the center strives to cultivate, but also signifies that education in itself is a universal, pervasive issue, and not one that exists solely within a nation’s borders. On the other hand, the word “transformative” resonates a message that education is a force that can drive impactful, lasting changes, and that CGTE is committed to bringing those changes into fruition.

The unveiling of its logo also accompanies the launch of CGTE. The logo silhouette resembles a gear or cog, a nod to transformation, and has seven teeth, which can also be seen as seven figures, representing the seven research units. The figures appear to be overlapping or holding hands atop a globe, symbolizing that education is a collective, multifaceted endeavor. Additionally, the logo colors adhere to those of the UIII logo, being four shades of blue and green.

Considering the faculty’s size, even if it is still a small initiative in terms of quantity, CGTE aspires to create a significant impact through its diverse research endeavors and contribute meaningfully to educational discourse both locally and globally. Within the near future, the Faculty of Education hopes for this center to become a hub for collaborative, interdisciplinary research, while also serving as a platform to foster strategic partnerships for faculty and university events.