Four master’s students from the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Indonesia (FMIPA UI), were selected to participate in a research program at Hokkaido University, Japan, through the 2025 Short-term Research Internship Program. The program will run for six weeks, from late October to mid-December 2025, and is part of the academic collaboration established between the two institutions since 2018.

The selected students come from the Materials Science and Physics Study Programs. They are Destia Nurika and Farah Nita Adila from Materials Science, and Solihin and Achmad Jaelani from Physics. During the program, they will join the Department of Condensed Matter Physics at The Graduate School of Science and conduct research according to the topics outlined in their respective academic plans.

Destia Nurika is investigating the effects of combining MoO₃, ZrO₂, and Fe₂O₃ additives on the microstructure as well as the thermal, magnetic, and mechanical properties of mullite materials synthesized using the sol–gel method. Farah Nita Adila is studying the characteristics of intercalated layered transition dichalcogenides, a layered material with potential applications in energy storage technologies.

Meanwhile, from the Physics Study Program, Solihin is exploring the effects of confinement in Ising-type superconductors influenced by repulsive pairing and phase frustration. Achmad Jaelani is studying the dynamics of low-dimensional electron-lattice coupled systems, related to the development of interaction theories in complex materials.

During the program, the students will undergo training in the use of laboratory equipment, sample preparation and testing, as well as an introduction to the research culture in Japan. They will be placed in laboratories relevant to their respective research focuses.

The Dean of FMIPA UI, Prof. Dede Djuhana, Ph.D., welcomed the students’ participation in this program. “International research experience will serve as an important asset for students in developing their academic careers. Programs like this should continue to be encouraged as part of the internationalization of higher education,” he said.

Before being selected, they went through a selection process that included evaluation of their curriculum vitae, research statements, academic transcripts, and English proficiency certificates. Out of 17 applicants from FMIPA UI, only four were chosen.

In this program, the students are guided by Dr. Budhy Kurniawan R., M.Si., and Muhammad Aziz Majidi, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D., in refining their research plans and proposals, as well as providing guidance throughout the program, both technically and conceptually. They also serve as liaisons between the students and the research laboratories at Hokkaido University.

Dr. Budhy Kurniawan R., M.Si., stated that this program not only serves as a learning platform for students but also strengthens the academic relationship between UI and Hokkaido University.

“We hope this collaboration will grow into joint research projects, scientific publications, and advanced study programs through various funding schemes,” said Budhy.

One of the supervisors in this program, Prof. Isao Watanabe, is also a partner of FMIPA UI in the doctoral double-degree program. His involvement is expected to open opportunities for further studies for students who wish to pursue a Ph.D. in Japan.

Destia Nurika, one of the participants, expressed her enthusiasm for joining this program. For her, this opportunity is highly meaningful as it allows her to broaden both her knowledge and international network.

“This program is not only an opportunity to conduct research in Japan but also a valuable moment to learn directly from professors who are experts and experienced in their fields, while at the same time broadening my perspective on international academic culture,” she said.

She added, “I hope to learn directly from the research environment in Japan and deepen my field of study, as this is a truly valuable opportunity for me.”

The participation of FMIPA UI students in this program is part of the university’s ongoing efforts to strengthen international networks and enhance the global competitiveness of its graduates.