R

esearch and Technology and Higher Education Minister Mohamad Nasir has called on the Indonesian Science Institute (LIPI) to continue improving itself so that it could be what he called “the country’s center for scientific reference.”

Speaking at LIPI’s 50th anniversary event in Cibinong, West Java, Nasir said the institution’s golden jubilee provided a momentum for it to increase productivity in publishing scientific journals and conducting research.

“Germany has its science and technology assessment center in Berlin, which serves as a center for reference for its scientists. I hope LIPI can be like that,” said Nasir as quoted by Antara.

The government, Nasir said, has planned to create a regulation on output-based science and technology research activities, hoping that LIPI could play a pivotal role in promoting such an initiative.

The regulation is expected to complement the currently deliberated National Research Master Plan (RIRN) that would detail the development of sectors such as agriculture, pharmacy and nanotechnology.

Responding to Nasir’s call, acting LIPI chairman Bambang Subiyanto said LIPI would focus on conducting research related to food, energy and water — important areas to improve people’s livelihoods.