RESPIRE partners welcomed to Indonesia for the 2023 ASM Between the 26th to 28th September, over 100 RESPIRE partners convened in Indonesia for the research unit’s biggest meeting to date, the 2023 Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM). Representatives from 35 partner organisations based in all eight RESPIRE countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the UK) gathered to share project updates, discuss research priorities and strengthen collaboration. It was an academic feast. The sessions were well planned and informative. The entire planning was perfect. Site visits and cultural program were a treat. It was an unforgettable experience. The entire show spoke about the hours put in by you and your team for this. Professor Shally AwasthiKing George's Medical University, India Research, Impact and Collaboration During the ASM, partners were able to network, conduct face-to-face meetings, and learn about areas of RESPIRE that they had not yet interacted with. Over the three-day meeting, colleagues delivered insightful presentations, reflecting on work completed and plans for upcoming studies. Programme leads shared their plans for RESPIRE, while supporting platforms shared video presentations, facilitated panels, delivered workshops and even launched a Stakeholder Engagement Guidebook with a view to generating maximum impact from each programme’s research portfolio. Representatives from RESPIRE’s 20 studies presented their research plans, ideas and questions in the form of a poster presentation session. Teams developed and presented their academic posters alongside the Digital Health Showcase, where examples of digital health innovations within RESPIRE projects were put on display. VIP Speakers We were delighted to hear from a variety of external presenters, who volunteered to speak at our ASM. A special thanks to our VIP speakers who delivered presentations as part of the External Showcase on the 27th September: Dr Raden Vini Adiani Dewi - Head of West Java Health Office Introduction to the West Java health system and respiratory health Edit Oktavia Manuama - NPO Maternal Newborn and Child Health (WHO Indonesia) Key priorities in respiratory health in Indonesia Dr Ruswana Anwar - Vice Dean, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran How Universitas Padjadjaran is involved in health research –including respiratory health An inspiring keynote presentation took place on the 28th September, and sparked interesting conversations: Professor Christopher Bullen - University of Auckland Innovation in tobacco control to reduce respiratory disease: opportunities for low- and middle-income countries A spotlight on Indonesia RESPIRE ASMs are hosted in a partner country on a rotating basis, and enable each host to showcase the work being undertaken to improve respiratory health within their respective localities. Universitas Padjadjaran joined as a RESPIRE partner in 2022, and were followed by affiliate partner, Universitas Gadjah Mada earlier this year. Both longstanding and newer partners were thrilled to meet the teams in person and learn about the RESPIRE studies in Indonesia. On the 27th September, delegates visited the local schools and health centres participating in the RESPIRE studies to improve asthma care and treatment in Indonesia. These site visits gave our delegates the unique opportunity to understand the challenges and opportunities around delivering and receiving health care and treatment in Bandung. A cultural showcase added a sprinkle of creativity, with a theatrical dance performance (see drop-down below for the dance's narrative), a musical set performed by staff members of the Universitas Padjadjaran Department of Paediatrics and a music class where delegates were taught how to play a Sundanese musical instrument, the Angklung. Background to the Gandrung Kapahung theatrical dance performance The indigenous population of Bandung, West Java are Sundanese. The ancient Sundanese believed in Sang Hyang Kersa, a supreme deity who created the Seven Gods (Batara). They believed that one of the Batara ruled the land of Sunda. There is a popular legend about the creation of Mount Tangkuban Parahu, which is located in the northern area of Bandung. The Gandrung Kapahung performed at the RESPIRE ASM 2023 Cultural Show and Dinner was based on this legend of two condemned deities. Dayang Sumbi was a demigod, born to a king and a goddess condemned to take the shape of a boar. She bore a child with Si Tuman, a deity condemned to take the shape of a dog. Their child, Sangkuriang did not know that their beloved family dog was in reality his father. During a tragic hunting trip, Sangkuriang accidentally killed his father, who stopped him shooting a boar (who was secretly his grandmother). Learning of this tragedy, Dayang Sumbi hit Sangkuriang with a wooden spoon on the head, which made him run away from home. When Sangkuriang grew up, he met Dayang Sumbi. The two fell in love without knowing that they were mother and son. When Dayang Sumbi saw a scar on Sangkuriang’s head, she realised that he was her son. Blinded by his love, Sangkuriang asked Dayang Sumbi to marry him, but she refused by challenging him to make a dam in the Citarum River and build a boat in just one night. With the help of a genie, Sangkuriang nearly completed the task, however Dayang Sumbi prayed hard all night to make the sun rise faster than it was supposed to. When the sun rose, the genie ran away, leaving Sangkuriang with an unfinished boat. With a heart full of rage and sadness, Sangkuriang kicked the boat, transforming it into an eternal monument: Mount Tangkuban Parahu. A selection of photos taken during the ASM If you are a RESPIRE partner We hope you enjoyed this year's ASM. All resources shared during the meeting (including slides, posters and photos) have been uploaded to the Teams site under the 'General' channel. Click the button below for more information. ASM 2023 page If you would like to be involved with the organisation or delivery of next year's ASM, you may wish to join the ASM Planning Committee. An invitation to join the committee will be shared via email in the coming months. All in all the academics were excellent during the conference, and the bonding between our partner nations will be the happy outcome that will prevail beyond the life span of RESPIRE.... Many thanks and warm congratulations on a very well conducted conference Professor Savithri WimalasekeraUniversity of Sri Jayewardenepura Publication date 20 Oct, 2023
