The COVID-19 pandemic shows the importance of understanding epidemiology. Back in 2011, modern epidemiology was a rare specialisation, and Imperial College London was one of the few schools that offered the subject at that time. That encouraged Dr Dewi Nur Aisyah to earn her MSc in Modern Epidemiology from Imperial College London in 2012, followed by a PhD in Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Informatics from University College London (UCL) in 2018.

Her UK education provided her with advanced epidemiological and analytical skills that proved crucial during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also gave her the confidence to lead the Data and IT Division of Indonesia’s National COVID-19 Task Force as its youngest division head and only woman in leadership. Today, she continues to advance transparent and integrated health reforms as she leads Indonesia’s primary healthcare digital transformation.

Read on to see how Dr Dewi’s journey reflects a UK education that equips graduates with the tools to address pressing global challenges through innovation, resilience, and impact.

"My UK education gave me strong analytical, policy translation skills. At Imperial College London, for example, I was trained in modern epidemiology, which gave me the skills to design robust studies, analyse data critically, and understand disease dynamics through modeling.”

I find it especially helpful during COVID-19 pandemic. Studying modern epidemiology helps me analyse the data to provide predictions, such as how many beds should be available in the hospitals during the pandemic.

Being able to translate research into evidence-based policy, managing large projects and communicating findings clearly to both scientific communities and the general public is also something that I learned from the UK. During the pandemic, I was requested to provide information about the situation of COVID-19 in Indonesia, and provide the information in very simple communications languages so the Indonesian citizens can understand.

"As a PhD student, I developed the ability to work as an independent researcher, which has greatly supported my current role in leading the digital transformation of primary healthcare in Indonesia. The analytical and policy-oriented skills I gained—combined with my international exposure—have been instrumental in guiding and managing this national initiative effectively."

Studying in the UK transformed me both personally and professionally. It gave me confidence to work in global networks. We are used to working with people from around the globe during our study, including preparing myself to lead a national level health reforms, and shape my identity as a scientist. Not many people understand how to bridge the data, technology, and then translate it into policy at a national level.

During my studies, I also had to balance my academic work with raising a family alongside my husband, Rhevy Adriade Putra, who at the time was also completing his PhD. I know it’s challenging, but at the same time, it is deeply rewarding. Especially as a woman, many would find it difficult to start a family while at the same time completing a PhD. The experience of doing both has encouraged me to write a book, Awe-Inspiring Us, which not only shares my experience but also encourages many Indonesians (especially women) to pursue higher education.

I remain actively engaged with UK academia and fellow alumni. I continue to mentor students as an Honorary Lecturer at University College London and serve as an Adjunct Associate Professor at Monash University Indonesia. My goal is to help prepare the next generation of health professionals to meaningfully engage in academic and research pursuits.

"If you choose to study in the UK, you will have the opportunity to learn directly from true experts in their fields. My advice for prospective students is to make the most of this experience by absorbing  as much knowledge as you can and build meaningful connections within the diverse international community. Most importantly, I hope that Indonesians who pursue their studies in the UK will eventually channel what they have into creating solutions that contribute back to Indonesia."

Which is exactly what I’m striving to do now. As one of the technical advisors at the Minister of Health, I support the Minister in accelerating primary healthcare digital transformations across Indonesia. My work focuses on transforming digital reporting systems to strengthen health data management and improve services  for millions of healthcare workers and citizens nationwide. I believe that the scale of impact we  are creating is substantial . This year, we launched a free health screening programme, Cek Kesehatan Gratis, one of the president’s top priority programmes, designed to expand access to preventive health services for all Indonesian.

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