Udayana University 

Professor of Science Communication, Lesley Henderson, Department of Humanities, University of Strathclyde, recently delivered a guest lecture and workshops on the social dimensions of global microplastics research at the University of Udayana (UNUD), Bali Province, Indonesia.  

In her lecture “Communicating Research in a digital world” she addressed the importance of Humanities and Social Sciences in shaping public policy and engagement with emerging scientific issues. She illustrated her lecture with insights from international research on plastic pollution in East Java and West Bali as well innovation and recycling in the UK and Northern Europe. Plastic pollution in Bali threatens vulnerable conservation areas such as West Bali National Park (TNBB) and Nusa Penida Marine Protected Area (NPMPA), which play a crucial role in supporting marine biodiversity and the economy through tourism and fisheries activities. Professor Henderson highlighted comparative cross-cultural differences in perceptions and social practices as well as challenges for public trust in science. 

The lecture emphasised that there is no technical fix for plastic pollution. Sustainable solutions will only come from better understandings of local community contexts and trusted sources of communication. She also explored the pressing challenge for scientists to address misinformation and disinformation - hoaks or digital disinformation represent a specific problem in Indonesia with most social media users aged between 16 and 24 years. She highlighted the need to develop compelling stories, rooted in the latest available scientific evidence and which engage audiences in distinct ways. 

Udayana University has a rich legacy as the first University founded in Bali (1962). The main campus Bukit Jimbaran Campus (Badung Regency) houses the Rectorate and Faculties of Engineering, Law, Economics, Mathematics and Natural Sciences. Sudirman Campus (Denpasar City) hosts the Faculty of Medical Sciences and highly regarded Faculty of Tourism as well as Graduate Studies. Nias Campus (Denpasar City) is dedicated to the Faculty of Cultural Studies and postgraduate education.  UNUD is a national hub for research, innovation, and postgraduate studies in Indonesia and attracts international students with exchange programmes and English-language medium courses focused on sustainability, ecotourism and intercultural communication.