Epidemiology of Maternal and Child Health, Reproductive Health and Nutrition Research Group (Epi Macaron Research Group)

This research group focuses on developing epidemiological science to enhance maternal, infant, and child health, reproductive health, and improve the nutritional status of the community. Research covers the entire life cycle from pregnancy, childbirth, and the neonatal period, through childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, using an evidence-based approach to support public health policies and interventions. Research topics include: Surveillance and prevention of maternal and infant mortality, reproductive health and prevention of malnutrition; Social, behavioural, and clinical determinants of maternal and perinatal health; Evaluation of the effectiveness of immunization and nutrition interventions; Studies of stunting, wasting, anaemia, and child growth disorders; Impact of environment, diet, and behaviour on child health and nutrition; Prevention of non-communicable diseases through a nutrition approach, including metabolic syndrome (obesity, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, insulin resistance); Implementation and evaluation of maternal-child health and nutrition policies at the national and regional levels. The research group actively engages in cross-sector collaborations and international partnerships, and is committed to improving the capacity of researchers through training and involvement in research projects. The research group’s contributions support the achievement of the SDGs targets, particularly in the areas of maternal and child health, reproductive health and community nutrition, including the prevention of metabolic syndrome.

Over the next five years, one of the main targets to be achieved by this Research Group is the development of a birth cohort in Depok City as a tool for monitoring child health, in addition to being an instrument for long-term research and multiple outcomes. Another focus of research over the next five years is research aimed at examining the influence of environmental exposures on mothers and the outcomes on birth and child health. Target outputs over the next five years include a prototype model and birth cohort registry, integration of the birth cohort registry into the health system, a policy brief, and publications.

The Research Group plans to collaborate with various parties, both domestically and internationally. Domestically, we will collaborate with the Regional Government, especially through the Local Health Office and its staff, universities, and other parties involved in efforts to improve public health (e.g., primary health facilities and community organizations). Through this collaboration, it is hoped that research results can be applied in health programs or interventions, thereby directly impacting the community and the region. Collaborations with external parties that have been established will be strengthened, including those with reputable and highly ranked universities, such as the University of Cambridge, the University of Oxford, the University of Tokyo, and Loughborough University. This collaboration is expected to provide various strategic benefits for the development and global competitiveness of FKM UI. Through this collaboration, the Research Group will be able to access more advanced academic resources, strengthen research capacity, and improve the quality of the curriculum through the exchange of knowledge and technology. In addition, this collaboration can accelerate international accreditation and attract the interest of global industry partners.