Professor Stella Christie, serving as the Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia, emphasizes the crucial and strategic role of research and science in advancing the nation. She made these remarks at the opening of the National Youth Researchers Competition (NYRC) 2024 held at Multimedia Nusantara University (UMN) on Thursday, December 5, 2024. In her address, she highlighted that research is not solely dependent on using laboratory equipment or applying specific scientific methods. Beyond that, research is rooted in the ability to ask questions methodically, deeply, and purposefully. This serves as the foundation for developing knowledge that has a broad impact on society.

There are three main aspects that are essential elements in research activities. Firstly, research questions, which she emphasized as the starting point of every research process. According to her, good research always begins with a directed sense of curiosity, resulting in relevant questions with great potential to be answered through scientific methods. Secondly, networking, which she referred to as key in building relationships among researchers. Collaboration among researchers allows for sharing and understanding of research findings. This is crucial in creating professional connections that support the collective development of knowledge. Thirdly, scholarly work, which serves as a vital medium for scientists to communicate. Through the publication of scholarly work, researchers can share their findings with a wider audience so that their research can be read, appreciated, and even used by others.

In addition to explaining these three elements, establishing a strong research climate is one of the main requirements to realize the grand vision of Indonesia Emas 2045. Competitions like NYRC, she believes, serve as a concrete step in creating a deeper and sustainable research culture in Indonesia.