Innovation in chemical analytics is increasingly moving toward approaches that are more practical, affordable, and accessible to wider communities. One of the pioneers in this field is Dr. Eka Noviana, S.Si., M.Si., a researcher and lecturer at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), whose name was listed among the Top 2% of World’s Scientists by Stanford University in 2025. In recognition of her dedication and contributions, Dr. Eka also received an award presented by Prof. dr. Ardi Findyartini, Ph.D., Director of Strategy and Transformative Learning Systems at the Directorate General of Science and Technology, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology (Kemendiktisaintek), during the “Blusukan: Mengunjungi Dosen Inspiratif” program on Saturday, 11 October 2025. The recognition was part of the Impactful Lecturer Program initiated by Kemendiktisaintek and took the form of a research grant and learning facilities valued at IDR 25 million, sponsored by ParagonCorp, and presented at the Faculty of Pharmacy, UGM.
Commitment to Research with Direct Societal Impact
A graduate of the University of Arizona, United States, at both the master’s and doctoral levels, Dr. Eka not only pursues complex scientific research but also ensures that her findings can directly benefit society. Her research focuses on Analytical Chemistry, Biosensors, and particularly Paper-Based Analytical Devices (PADs), which are grounded in a core philosophy of accessibility.
Dr. Eka recognizes that Indonesia, as an archipelagic country, faces uneven access to laboratory facilities, electricity, and analytical instruments. These limitations pose significant challenges for sample testing, particularly in remote and resource-limited areas. “Indonesia is an archipelagic country; not all regions have access to laboratory equipment, and electricity is sometimes limited. If we can bring analytical tools directly to the field, they will be extremely useful. This is what we refer to as a resource-limited setting,” Dr. Eka explained when describing the motivation behind her research.
The concept of resource-limited settings reaffirms the design of the tools she develops, which are intended to function independently of electricity and complex laboratory infrastructure. Before embarking on a research project, Dr. Eka carefully considers its potential societal impact, ensuring that the resulting innovations are well suited for development and application in the Indonesian context.
Exploring Paper-Based Analytical Device (PAD) Innovation
In her laboratory at the Faculty of Pharmacy UGM, Dr. Eka demonstrated how specially modified paper sheets can function as accurate analytical testing tools. Two of her recent studies, funded through competitive research grants, show her commitment:
- Optimasi Desain dan Stabilitas Kit Uji untuk Estimasi Cepat Kandungan Fenolik dan Flavonoid Total pada Ekstrak Bahan Alam (Design Optimization and Stability of Test Kits for Rapid Estimation of Total Phenolic and Flavonoid Content in Natural Extracts) (RTA Grant 2023). This kit enables farmers and small-scale herbal business actors to quickly assess the quality of raw materials without the need for costly and time-consuming laboratory testing.
- Pengembangan PAD untuk Deteksi Cepat dan Simultan Bahan Tambahan Berbahaya dalam Makanan (Development of PADs for Rapid and Simultaneous Detection of Hazardous Food Additives) (PFR Grant 2025). This device is designed to detect multiple harmful substances, such as textile dyes or prohibited preservatives, in a single test, making it highly relevant for ensuring food safety in traditional markets.
Advantages and the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Principle
Simplicity, affordability, accuracy, and usefulness form the core principles of Dr. Eka’s research. “We truly develop these tools in a very DIY manner—printing, dispensing, and assembling them using simple equipment. The hope is that even with relatively simple research processes, we can still produce impactful research that can be utilized by the community,” Dr. Eka explained. The key advantages of her PAD innovations include:
- Rapid On-Site Detection: Test results can be obtained quickly, making the devices suitable for emergency situations or routine inspections.
- Cost Efficiency: The use of inexpensive paper-based materials keeps production costs low.
- User-Friendly Design: The devices are designed for ease of use, even by individuals without laboratory training.
- Independence from Electricity: Their passive design allows use in remote areas with limited or no access to electricity
Recognition for an Inspiring Lecturer
The Impactful Lecturer Program, organized by Kemendiktisaintek in collaboration with ParagonCorp and involving Inspiring Lecturer Dr. (Tech.) Imam Santoso, ST., M.Phil., aims to recognize lecturers for their dedication to innovation and the advancement of education in Indonesia. During the award presentation to Dr. Eka, the Vice Dean for Research, Community Service, Cooperation, and Alumni Affairs of the Faculty of Pharmacy, UGM, Prof. Dr. rer. nat. apt. Nanang Fakhrudin, M.Si., was also present.
Through her inventions, Dr. Eka Noviana not only strengthens Indonesia’s position on the global scientific map but also demonstrates that high-quality scientific research can address real-world challenges faced by society. Her work contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly by promoting equitable access to healthcare and ensuring food safety through science-driven innovation.
