The Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Mathematics (FSM), Diponegoro University (Undip) held two consecutive Guest Lecture sessions as part of the International Postdoctoral Program, featuring a speaker from Chemical Science Program, School of Distance Education, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Dr. Enis Nadia binti Md Yusof, Ph.D. The series was designed to be interactive so that the concepts presented flowed into practical application through quizzes and Focus Group Discussions (FGD).
On the first Guest Lecture (Tuesday, 30 September 2025 in Room B205), the session themed “From Atom to Life: The Chemistry Behind Everyday Living” guided students to explore the links between atoms, bonds, and chemical reactions with everyday products and phenomena—from cleaning agents and food to cosmetics. After the main presentation by Dr. Enis Nadia binti Md Yusof, participants joined a thematic quiz to test newly learned concepts, followed by an FGD based on case studies on applying chemical principles to everyday products. Prof. Yayuk Astuti, S.Si., Ph.D., as the Person in Charge, expressed appreciation for students’ active participation: “This activity not only provides insights into chemistry in daily life, but also trains students to think critically and communicate within an international scientific context. We hope this spirit of learning science on an international scale will continue to grow among Undip students,” she said. One participant also shared positive feedback: “The event was very enjoyable and broadened my understanding of chemistry in everyday life. I now better appreciate that everything around us is inseparable from the roles of atoms and chemical reactions,” they said.
Continuing on the second Guest Lecture (Thursday, 2 October 2025 in Room A103, Building A), the session titled “Catalyst: Science for a Sustainable Future” examined the working principles of catalysts and the latest research landscape aimed at creating processes that are more efficient, energy-saving, and environmentally friendly. Dr. Enis Nadia binti Md Yusof connected concepts to application examples, particularly in waste treatment and clean energy development. The interactive format—lecture, group quiz, and FGD case studies—was again used to ensure conceptual understanding translated into practical solutions. Erik Ferdian, one of the participants, shared: “The event was very engaging and helped me better understand the major role of catalysts in waste treatment and the development of clean energy,” he said.
This two-day series underscores the commitment of the Undip FSM Department of Chemistry to deliver contextual, collaborative learning while strengthening international research networks. It is hoped that this momentum will spark sustained research interest among students and generate work that is relevant to environmental solutions.
Undip FSM is committed to the Tri Dharma of higher education—education, research, and community service—and to fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration to produce scientific and technological innovations that are impactful and sustainable. Through an inclusive academic ecosystem and partnerships at home and abroad, its academic community continues to strive for tangible benefits for Indonesia and the world.