ITS Campus, ITS News — The currents of global transformation demand that every discipline develop and drive progress. The Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (ITS) demonstrated its commitment to supporting every advancement in educational innovation by inaugurating six new professors in the Auditorium of the ITS Research Center Building on Thursday (July 9).

Opening the academic ceremony, ITS Rector Prof. Dr. (HC) Ir. Bambang Pramujati, ST, MSc, Eng, PhD, stated that the birth of a professor is a vital asset for an institution. Their role as a driving force for scientific advancement supports the realization of ITS’s vision as a resilient, impactful, and global campus. “Through the diligence and integration of the professors’ knowledge, ITS is committed to not only producing academic achievements but also delivering real innovation,” Bambang asserted optimistically.

Next, the reading of the scientific oration was started by the 247th ITS Professor Prof. Dr. Ir. Syamsul Arifin MT with the title The Role of Artificial Intelligence System Modeling in Encouraging Innovation and Transformation of Higher Education in Indonesia. He initiated the concept of system integration called System Modeling Based on Artificial Intelligence (SYMBA-AI) with the Conceive, Design, Implement, and Operate (CDIO) framework. “The combination produces an adaptive, predictive, and data-driven decision-making system that functions for the higher education curriculum,” explained the professor from the ITS Department of Engineering Physics .

The procession continued with a scientific oration presentation by Prof. Hosta Ardhyananta ST MSc as Professor of the Department of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering ITS entitled The Role of Polymer Composite Material Engineering for National Technological Independence. This innovation of Hybrid Syntactic Foam material based on epoxy matrix utilizes microfibers from empty oil palm fruit bunches waste. “So both can produce low-density composites with high mechanical strength that have potential for the transportation and defense sectors,” explained the 248th Professor of ITS.

The academic ceremony continued with a scientific oration by Professor of the ITS Department of Environmental Engineering , Prof. Ipung Fitri Purwanti, ST, MT, PhD. Being the only female professor to be inaugurated, her scientific presentation was entitled Bioremediation: Exploring the Potential of Microorganisms as a Natural and Sustainable Solution in the Recovery of Polluted Environments. “Using the isolation of natural bacteria from kerosene-contaminated soil, this innovation has proven effective in reducing hydrocarbon and heavy metal levels sustainably on a field scale,” explained the 249th ITS Professor.

After that, the procession continued with a scientific oration from the 250th ITS Professor, Prof. Dr. Eng Kusdianto ST MSc Eng, as a Professor from the ITS Chemical Engineering Department . He presented his innovation entitled Composite Material Synthesis: A Solution for Waste Processing in Indonesia. “Through the synthesis of zinc oxide composites, this photocatalyst technology is able to completely decompose liquid pollutants and toxic gas emissions,” explained the Mojokerto-born man.

Furthermore, Professor Data Iranata, ST, MT, PhD, a Professor in the ITS Civil Engineering Department, delivered a scientific speech entitled “Structural Modeling and Analysis as a Critical Stage in Building Construction Planning.” “Through composite connection model engineering, the level of building damage caused by earthquakes can be predicted and optimally controlled,” said the 251st ITS Professor.

Finally, the scientific oration session was delivered by Prof. Dr. Eng. Ardyono Priyadi, ST., MEng., the 252nd Professor of ITS. His presentation was titled “Building Future Electric Power Systems by Considering Electric Power System Dynamics for Reliability and Resilience of Modern Networks.” “The integration of supercapacitor technology in this research has proven successful in extending system tolerance and preventing the risk of mass power outages,” concluded the Professor of the ITS Department of Electrical Engineering .

The inauguration of these new professors from various disciplines is a tremendous asset to the nation. It not only generates brilliant ideas but also fosters high-quality human resources. The inauguration of these six new ITS professors supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG point 4, which aims to achieve quality education. (ITS Public Relations)

Reporter: Syifa Ramadhina
Translator: Devinka Mutianeira