Sustainable Higher Education Research Alliances (SHERA) Program Performance Report Quarter 3 FY 2018 (April - June 2018)

SHERA, in collaboration with the Indonesian Ministry of Research, Technology, and Higher Education (Kemristekdikti), brings together Indonesian and U.S. scholars to conduct world-class research within priority research areas. During the reporting period, April 1 – June 30, 2018, the Institute of International Education (IIE) focused on developing SHERA's private sector engagement strategy. This effort aimed to support the Centers for Collaborative Research (CCRs) in forming mutually beneficial relationships with the private sector and ensuring their sustainability beyond the life of the program. Two key activities conducted during this quarter included drafting the framework for the private sector engagement strategy and recruiting a local consultant to implement the strategy on the ground. The CCRs, established within top Indonesian universities, played a crucial role in SHERA's objectives. These centers brought together Indonesian and U.S. scholars to conduct research in priority areas. The CCRs' activities during the reporting period included the SHERA Talk Show – Women in Science, which aimed to promote women's participation in science and technology. Additionally, the CCRs conducted various activities, such as the CCR-ARI, SMART CITY, CDSR, NCSTT, and ANBIOCORE, which focused on different research areas and initiatives. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) was a critical component of SHERA's program. During the reporting period, IIE conducted quality benchmarking and reviewed performance indicators to assess the program's progress. The MEL activities aimed to ensure that SHERA was meeting its objectives and making a positive impact on the research capacity of Indonesian HEIs. The program also engaged with various stakeholders, including the Government of Indonesia, private sector entities, and higher education institutions. IIE's efforts to establish partnerships with these stakeholders aimed to promote SHERA's objectives and ensure the program's sustainability beyond its life. Despite the progress made during the reporting period, SHERA faced several challenges, including visa requirements for CCR scholars' travel to the U.S., delays in executing second-tier subawards, and IIE's payment advance and financial reporting review process. These challenges required IIE to adapt and adjust its strategies to ensure the program's continued success. Looking ahead, SHERA anticipated several activities for the next quarter, including the SHERA Annual Conference, CCR Quarterly Meeting, CCR Direct Mentoring, and CCR Year 1 Assessments and Year 2 Work Planning. These activities aimed to build on the progress made during the reporting period and ensure the program's continued success in enhancing the research capacity of Indonesian HEIs.