Stanford University has released a list of the most influential researchers in 2023. Within this list, five researchers from Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) have secured a position in the Top 2% World Ranking Scientists. Published in October 2023 by Prof. John Ioannidis of Stanford University, along with Jeroen Baas and Kevin Boyack, this compilation comprises over 100,000 scientists whose works are frequently cited by their peers, establishing them as highly influential figures in the global research community.

The number of UGM researchers and faculty members included in the Top 2% World Ranking Scientists list has seen an increase of two individuals compared to the previous year’s count of three in 2021. This increase stands as evidence that the quality of UGM researchers is capable of competing globally.

UGM researchers who have previously been included in the Top 2% World Ranking Scientists list by Stanford University are: 1) Prof. Dr. Abdul Rohman, S.F., M.Si., Apt. from the Faculty of Pharmacy, with an h-index of 34 and 357 published works; 2) Prof. Dr.rer.nat. Muh Aris Marfai, S.Si., M.Sc. from the Faculty of Geography, with an h-index of 18 and 107 published works; and 3) Prof. Dr. Ahmad Maryudi, S.Hut., M.For. from the Faculty of Forestry, with an h-index of 25 and 76 published works.

In the latest prestigious list released by Stanford University, two new names from UGM have successfully entered the Top 2% World Ranking Scientist for the year 2023. These individuals are: 1) Prof. Drs. Sri Juari Santosa, M.Eng., Ph.D. from the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, boasting an h-index of 18 and 133 published works; and 2) Prof. Dra. Wega Trisunaryanti, M.S., Ph.D., Eng. from the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, with an h-index of 16 and 127 published works. The Directorate of Research at UGM extends heartfelt congratulations to these five researchers for their remarkable achievements, further solidifying UGM’s position as a world-class research university. Here are brief profiles of the five researchers.

1. Dr. Abdul Rohman, S.F., M.Si., Apt.

Prof. Dr. Abdul Rohman, S.F., M.Si., Apt., is a Professor at the Faculty of Pharmacy, UGM. He obtained his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the Faculty of Pharmacy, UGM, between 2002 and 2006. His doctoral degree was conferred by the Halal Products Research Institute at Universiti Putra Malaysia in the field of Halal Food Analysis in 2011. His research focus lies in the analysis of the halal status of products and the authentication of food and pharmaceutical products. His expertise has earned him accolades, including the Young Scientist Scopus Award in 2014, the Extraordinary Intellectual Property (IP) Award in the Field of International Publications from the Ministry of Research and Technology in 2014, and the responsibility of leading the Center of Excellence for Science and Technology (PUI-PT IHIS UGM).

2. Dr.rer.nat. Muh Aris Marfai, S.Si., M.Sc.

Prof. Dr.rer.nat. Muh Aris Marfai, S.Si., M.Sc., is a Professor specializing in Disaster Geomorphology at the Faculty of Geography, UGM. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the Faculty of Geography, UGM, in 1998, and his master’s degree after completing studies at the International Institute for Geo Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC) in the Netherlands in 2003. Furthermore, he obtained his doctoral degree from Justus-Liebig-Universitaet, Giessen, Germany, in 2008. His interest and expertise in coastal geomorphology have led him to play a significant role in formulating the Continental Shelf Bill, aiming to extend Indonesia’s continental shelf boundaries up to 350 nautical miles under the UNCLOS agreement. He has been entrusted with the position of Head of the Geospatial Information Agency (BIG) since January 2021.

3. Dr. Ahmad Maryudi, S.Hut., M.For.

Prof. Dr. Ahmad Maryudi, S.Hut., M.For., is a Professor at the Faculty of Forestry, UGM, specializing in forest policy and governance, particularly in relation to actors, interests, and power relations. He earned his bachelor’s degree from UGM, while his master’s degree in forest policy was obtained after completing studies at The Australian National University. Additionally, he holds a doctoral degree in forest development policy from Göttingen University. His various research and publications on forestry policy and governance, including community forest policy and social forestry, have led him to contribute significantly to the Indonesian government, particularly during international negotiations on forests and land. He currently serves as the Deputy Coordinator of the Forest Policy & Economics Division at the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO).

4. Drs. Sri Juari Santosa, M.Eng., Ph.D.

Prof. Drs. Sri Juari Santosa, M.Eng., Ph.D., is a Professor at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (MIPA), UGM. He obtained his bachelor’s degree from the Faculty of MIPA, UGM, while his master’s and doctoral degrees were earned after completing studies at Keio University in 1993 and 1997, respectively. His research focuses on addressing heavy metal pollution in the environment and hazardous dyes using synthetic adsorbents and selective adsorbents based on Indonesian natural materials. His expertise in the field of Green Synthesis and the Application of materials for valuable chemical Recovery and Environmental Remediation has garnered recognition, including the Hitachi Global Foundation Asia Innovation Award 2022 in Tokyo. This accolade was awarded for his research and innovation titled “Providing Safe Water Sources for Drinking and Domestic Uses through the Development and Implementation of an Adaptable and Reusable Hybrid Material-Based Removal Method.”

5. Dra. Wega Trisunaryanti, M.S., Ph.D.,Eng.

Prof. Dra. Wega Trisunaryanti, M.S., Ph.D., Eng., is a Professor at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (MIPA), UGM. She obtained her doctoral degree after completing studies at Osaka University, Japan, in 1997. Her research interests lie in materials, particularly catalysts and adsorbents (clay, zeolite, silica, alumina, carbon, and MCM-41) for fuel production processes. She is actively publishing her research findings in both national and international seminars and journals related to catalyst materials for the conversion of Buton asphalt fractions into fuel fractions. Currently, she is conducting research on the production of Jet biofuel (bioaviation fuel) from palm oil using a one-pot atmospheric reactor system.

The second series of UGM Annual Scientific Conference (UASC) 2023 invites experts in the field of agriculture on the 4th International Conference on Smart and Innovative Agriculture (ICoSIA 2023). The conference was held on 10-11 October 2023 in Grand Ballroom Eastparc Hotel, Yogyakarta.

As the representative of UGM’s rector, Prof. drg. Diatri Nari Ratih, secretary of directorate of research UGM, during her welcoming remarks expressed that UGM through ICoSIA 2023 plays essential role for UGM’s commitment to preserve the intellectual culture. ICoSIA 2023 is expected to be the strong inspiration for researchers and motivate the experts to deliver bigger impacts into the life sciences field.

Dr. Ir. Mohammad Zainal Abidin, S.Pt., M.Biotech., IPM., Chairman of the ICoSIA 2023 organizing committee, conveyed in his address that this event serves as a global platform for agricultural excellence, encompassing diverse perspectives and experiences. The various and evolving challenges in the face of multidimensional crises underscore the imperative of food security, not merely as a noble endeavor but also as a vital component for the sustenance of human life. ICoSIA 2023 adopts the theme “Food Security and Resilience in Multidimensional Crises,” emphasizing the critical nature of discussions led by keynote speakers and participants alike.

The presentation of materials and scientific discussions at ICoSIA 2023 unfolded compellingly with the participation of speakers from six countries. These esteemed speakers include Prof. Rosnah Shamsudin (Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia), Dr. Shinichi Takashima Sobue (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, Japan), Dr. Glenn Gregorio (Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture, Philippines), Dr. Anthony Young (The University of Queensland, Australia), Ahasanul Hoque (The World Bank, Bangladesh), and Asst. Prof. Piyapong Tongdeenok (Kasetsart University, Thailand).

ICoSIA 2023 drew participation from a total of 170 attendees representing 11 countries, namely Indonesia, India, Hungary, Australia, South Korea, Thailand, Japan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Ethiopia, and the Philippines. Following a rigorous review process, 76 papers were selected from the initial 96 submissions for presentation across seven distinct symposia:

1. Agricultural Big Data Analysis Symposium
2. Agricultural Geography Symposium
3. Land and Environmental Management Symposium
4. Precision Nutrition Technology Symposium
5. Smart and Precision Farming Symposium
6. Smart Genetics Resource Management and Utilization Symposium
7. Sustainable Food Production Symposium

Subsequently, for scholarly dissemination through proceedings, all presented papers will be published on BIO Web of Conferences. As a token of appreciation for participants presenting their work at ICoSIA 2023, certificates of recognition will also be awarded for the best papers in each symposium category.

Prof. Mirwan Ushada, S.T.P., M.App.Life.Sc., the Director of Research at UGM, concluded the ICoSIA 2023 event by expressing appreciation to the invited speakers, moderators, participants, organizers, and all involved parties who worked diligently and with dedication to ensure the success of ICoSIA 2023. The culmination of ICoSIA 2023 has fostered an engaging scientific discourse, anticipated to collectively contribute to addressing challenges in the field of agriculture.

Writer: Kiki
Photo: Last Pictures
Translator: Zahra

Image source: cnnindonesia.com

Most cited UGM’s scientific articles on 17 SDGs subjects in Scopus for the past 10 years until 14 September 2023 are:

1. No poverty, Factors Determining Social and Environmental Reporting by Indian Textile and Apparel Firms: A Test of Legitimacy Theory gained 39 citations;
2. Zero hunger, Regional Impact Assessment of Land use Scenarios in Developing Countries using the FoPIA Approach: Findings from Five Case Studies gained 54 citations;
3. Good health and well-being, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2): An overview of viral structure and host response gained 637 citations;
4. Quality education, Educational environment and approaches to learning of undergraduate nursing students in an Indonesian School of Nursing gained20 citations;
5. Gender equality, ‘Elastic band strategy’: women’s lived experience of coping with domestic violence in rural Indonesia gained 23 citations;
6. Clean water and sanitation, Underreporting of high-risk water and sanitation practices undermines progress on global targets gained 28 citations;
7. Affordable and clean energy, Liquid hydrogen, methylcyclohexane, and ammonia as potential hydrogen storage: Comparison review gained 236 citations;
8. Decent work and economic growth, Role of research and development in green economic growth through renewable energy development: Empirical evidence from South Asia gained 103 citations;
9. Industry, innovation and infrastucture, Framing the sharing economy: A media analysis of ridesharing platforms in Indonesia and the Philippines gained 38 citations;
10. Reduced inequalities, Addressing the unequal geographic distribution of specialist doctors in Indonesia: The role of the private sector and effectiveness of current regulations gained 58 citations;
11. Sustainable cities and communities, Fuel Oil Production from Municipal Plastic Wastes in Sequential Pyrolysis and Catalytic Reforming Reactors gained 249 citations;
12. Responsible consumpsition and production, Improvement of Biogas Production from Orange Peel Waste by Leaching of Limonene gained 116 citations;
13. Climate action, The human cost of global warming: Deadly landslides and their triggers (1995–2014) gained 197 citations;
14. Life below water, Mangrove biomass carbon stock mapping of the Karimunjawa Islands using multispectral remote sensing gained 67 citations;
15. Life on land, Object-Based Approach for Multi-Scale Mangrove Composition Mapping Using Multi-Resolution Image Datasets gained 135 citations;
16. Peace, justice and strong institutions, A Multilab Preregistered Replication of the Ego-Depletion Effect gained 611 citations;
17. Partnership for the goals, Use of and barriers to access to opioid analgesics: a worldwide, regional, and national study gained 383 citations;

During the ‘SDGs-focused Publication Press Release Workshop’ held on Tuesday, September 13, 2023, at the Sidomukti Conference Room, MM UGM, Prof. Dr. Wening Udasmoro, Vice Rector for Research and Education, emphasized the importance of citations in her remarks. In line with Prof. Wening, Prof. Indra Wijaya Kusuma, MBA, Ph.D., who serves as the Head of University Quality Assurance and Reputation Unit, also emphasized that “Citations are a crucial indicator in university rankings and are a natural outcome that cannot be manipulated,” said Indra Wijaya Kusuma.

In another context, the Director of Research, Prof. Mirwan Ushada, expressed high appreciation for the authors whose article received the highest number of citations. The article, titled “Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2): An Overview of Viral Structure and Host Response,” achieved an impressive 637 citations. This article, published in the journal “Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research and Reviews,” was authored by Dr. Med, Dr. Indwiani Astuti from the Faculty of Medicine and Public Health. “Congratulations to Dr. Med, Dr. Indwiani Astuti,” said Prof. Mirwan.

Writers: Kiki & Syahrul
Translator: Zahra

Universitas Gadjah Mada’s Directorate of Research organized its first-ever “Author Workshop for Graduate Student Series” on September 1, 2023. This event was held at Multimedia Room II and focused on graduate students from the Science and Technology cluster. The workshop had three main goals a) To guide graduate students in the process of transforming their theses and dissertations into well-structured scientific publications; b) To inspire and motivate graduate students to enhance their writing proficiency for scientific publications; and c) To cultivate a culture of scientific writing among graduate students. The opening remarks of the workshop was delivered by Dr. Ratih Fitria Putri, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D., who serves as the Head of the Publication and Intellectual Property Division at the Directorate of Research UGM. Dr. Ratih emphasized that this workshop represents a significant step towards promoting collaborative scientific endeavors between graduate students and faculty members, particularly through the conversion of final papers, ultimately contributing to the advancement of UGM’s academic publication profile.

Dr. Eng. Ir. Titis Wijayanto, ST., M.Des., IPM., ASEAN Eng, presents as the keynote speaker, focusing on the fields of science and health. During his insightful presentation, he highlighted the most significant challenge in converting final projects into scientific articles ready for publication in journals: the need to reformat and condense research findings while maintaining their informativeness. The audience was exponsed to various strategies for successful publication in scientific journals, which fueled their enthusiasm and motivation. The high level of participant engagement was evident as attendees actively posed questions and engaged in discussions, guided by moderator Dr. M. Zainal Abidin, S.Pt., M.Biotech. A total of 37 individuals joined the event in person, while an additional 140 participants followed the proceedings online through a Zoom Meeting. At the end of the session, the Head of the Publication and Intellectual Property Division shared information about the array of support programs and services available to assist UGM’s academic community in their pursuit of scholarly publishing. The upcoming installment of this event series, featuring participants from the Agriculture and Social Humanities clusters, is scheduled for September 14, 2023.

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Writer: Kiki
Translator: Zahra
Photo: Ma’ruf & Rovi