Tuesday (1/11/2016) the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences and the Directorate of Research and Community Service (DRPM) of the University of Indonesia held International Symposium on Current Progress in Mathematics and Sciences (ISCPMS) 2016held at The Margo Hotel, Depok. The symposium, which was held for the second time, took the theme “Expanding the possibilities for innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration among researchers in sciences and mathematics”.
Present to open this symposium was the Director General of Strengthening Research and Development of the Ministry of Research, Technology and Higher Education, Dr. Muhammad Dimyati. Given the universal nature of mathematics and natural sciences, this symposium invited researchers not only from developing countries, but also from developed countries. This symposium presented several leading scientists from Europe, Asia and Australia as keynote speaker.
The speakers are Prof. Dr. Geert de Snoo from Leiden University, the Netherlands. He is very concerned about biodiversity and sustainability in rural areas, especially related to the influence of chemistry on biodiversity. Other speakers are Prof. Dr. Hubertus Irth also from Leiden University, In addition there are Prof. Katja Loos and Prof. Thomas Palstra from the University of Groningen, the Netherlands. Palstra is the owner of a major research group in the field of electrical conduction, magnetism, superconductivity and ferroelectricity. He is a member of the Dutch Royal Academy of Sciences. UI also invited Prof. Phil Pollett from the University of Queensland Australia and Prof. Mohd Hasmadi Ismail from Universiti Putra Malaysia. The symposium will expose the latest advances in mathematics and natural sciences.
Simposium juga membahas isu-isu di bidang matematika dan aplikasinya, fisika murni dan terapan, ilmu kimia, ilmu biologi, geosains. Semua makalah yang masuk, setelah proses review, akan dipublikasikan di jurnal internasional.
Vice Dean I of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, UI, Prof. Ridla Bakri, said that successful research provides positive contributions to the country. “We see an increase in several research groups that have successfully contributed to this country,” he said.
According to him, the passion for research in mathematics and natural sciences has begun to show an increase in Indonesia. However, there are still several obstacles that hinder development in this field.
He added, “Proper support and appreciation have not been given to research and development in mathematics and natural sciences. This is common in developing countries like Indonesia.”
“This shows that we are aware that we are responsible for developing knowledge related to mathematics and natural sciences. This research group experienced several obstacles. These obstacles include research funds and also the lack of research tools,” he said.
In fact, it is clearly proven that mathematics and natural sciences substantially contribute to everyday life, as well as supporting the development of the latest technology. On the other hand, there are still limitations in experience, expertise and also communication among researchers. According to Bakri, the latter is actually very important. “Because as is well known, the development of mathematics and natural sciences benefits from the exchange of ideas that occurs during symposiums, conferences and other formal forums,” said the toxicologist.
Dr. Djoko Triyono as the Chief Executive said that this activity aims to improve research collaboration and increase research results that can be published, he added that more than 200 participants registered for this symposium. “We hope that there will be more publications from the University of Indonesia, especially the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences UI for international publications,” he added.
