Jakarta, July 19, 2024, PT Darya-Varia Laboratoria Tbk, one of the leading pharmaceutical companies in Indonesia, announced the  D-STAR scholarship program (Darya-Varia Scholarship for Talented and Aspiring Researchers) which is aimed at female students majoring in pharmacy who have an interest and talent in study. This year, D-STAR is partnering with four leading universities in the country, namely the Bandung Institute of Technology, Airlangga University, Gadjah Mada University, and the University of Indonesia, by inviting students from these four universities to participate in the selection process, and one student from each university will be given research scholarships worth IDR 30 million to support their final projects.

The D-STAR Scholarship Program was initiated because there is a gap between the number of female students who continue their education at tertiary institutions and the number who work in the fields of science, Technology, engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Facts show that only 2 out of 10 women work as professionals, and only 3 out of 10 women choose a career as a researcher. Stimulation programs, such as scholarships, only reach 38%. This requires attention from industry, especially in the pharmaceutical sector, to encourage women to enter the world of work.

Ian Kloer, President Director of PT Darya-Varia Laboratoria Tbk, explained, "As one of the leading pharmaceutical companies in Indonesia, Darya-Varia is very committed to the inclusivity of women in the workplace, as well as increasing innovation through research." We are proud to be able to launch this D-STAR scholarship program as a form of our commitment to supporting the inclusivity of women in the pharmaceutical industry, and the Company believes we can fill the deficit in penetration of women in the industry and can also develop them into leading researchers."

Apart from that, it is also hoped that the D-STAR scholarship program can contribute to a better perspective from the women's side in the development of research on diseases and medicines related to women. D-STAR wants to motivate young student research candidates to be more active in providing innovation and contributions so that barriers to women's participation in the STEM field, such as socio-cultural factors and job opportunities, can gradually be overcome. 

Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy, Airlangga University, Prof. apt. Junaidi Khotib, SSi, M.Kes., Ph.D., explained, "We appreciate the D-STAR scholarship program, which provides an opportunity for outstanding female students from the Pharmacy major to continue their interests, especially in their journey to become researchers. This program will encourage intellectual development and broaden female students' horizons while making a real contribution to national development."

Prof. Dr. apt. Satibi, M.Si., Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) Yogyakarta, said, "The D-STAR scholarship program is a valuable opportunity for our female students to receive support and recognition for their interest and potential in conducting research. We strongly support this initiative as it can promote the development of women in STEM fields, especially in the Pharmacy sector."

Prof. Dr. apt. Arry Yanuar, M.Si., Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy (FF) at Universitas Indonesia (UI), stated, "The D-STAR scholarship program provides a golden opportunity for our female students from the Pharmacy department to learn and focus on research, thereby igniting their interest as researchers in a more global context such as the professional world. We believe this program will be a crucial starting point in shaping a reliable and competent generation in the fields of science and technology."

Prof. Dr. apt. Elfahmi, Vice Dean for Academic Affairs at the School of Pharmacy, ITB, elaborated, "The D-STAR scholarship program is a very valuable opportunity for students to develop their academic potential and professional skills. We strongly support this initiative and believe it will make a positive contribution to the development of human resources in Indonesia."

The D-STAR scholarship program, held for the first time, will be awarded for one semester, from September 2024 to March 2025. Female students who receive the D-STAR scholarship will also have the opportunity to continue their work experience by participating in an internship program, especially in the Research and Development division of Darya-Varia.