Semarang, 8–11 September 2025 — The Department of Physics, Faculty of Science and Mathematics, Diponegoro University (FSM UNDIP) held a Summer Course entitled “The Role of Applied Physics to Support Sustainable Development Goals” in collaboration with the Physics Section SDE team from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). The agenda combined field visits, cross-campus public lectures, and laboratory tours to underscore the contribution of physics research and applications to achieving the SDGs. In this event, 4 lecturers and 5 students from USM participated to help make the summer course a success.
The series began on Monday, September 8, with a field visit on the application of ozone technology to maintain the post-harvest freshness of vegetables in Kopeng with Prof. Dr. Muhammad Nur, DEA, as well as an introduction to the use of nanosilica fertilizer to improve corn quality in Boyolali by Prof. Dr. Agus Subagio, S.Si., M.Si. The visit showcased real-world applied-physics practices in Central Java’s agricultural sector.
On Tuesday, 9 September, a courtesy call with the FSM UNDIP leadership took place (08.00–08.30), followed by a public lecture at the AP Building, 4th floor (08.30–13.30). Sessions were delivered by UNDIP lecturers: Dr. Pandji Triadyaksa, S.Si., M.Sc., F.Med. (“How Non-Contrast-Enhancement Multiparametric Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Can Improve Medical Diagnosis in Heart Disease”), Evi Setiawati, S.Si., M.Si., F.Med. (“Community Service as One of the Three Pillars (Tri Dharma) of Higher Education to Advance the SDGs”), Zaenul Muhlisin, S.Si., M.Si., F.Med. (“Plasma for the Future of Textiles”), and Fajar Arianto, S.Si., M.Si. (“The Contribution of Diponegoro Computational Physics, Artificial Intelligence, and Data Science (DC-AID) Research Group to Realizing the SDGs”).
Wednesday, 10 September featured public lectures by USM faculty at the AP Building, 6th floor (08.00–12.00), including: Dr. Nurul Sabihah Binti Zakaria (“Effectiveness of Cerrobend Alloy Metal as Shielding Material for Electron Beam Therapy”), Dr. Nor Zakiah Binti Yahaya (“A Path Towards Green Microwave Technologies”), Dr. Mohd Hazrie Bin Samat (“Exploring Computational Materials Design for Affordable, Efficient, and Sustainable Energy Applications”), and Dr. Wan Mohd Ebtisyam Mustaqim (“Sensitivity Improvement in Surface Plasmon Resonance Sensor for Metal Ion Detection”).
The series concluded on Thursday, 11 September with tours of Physics laboratories showcasing research applications that support the SDGs. Through a combination of field practice, knowledge exchange, and research networking, this Summer Course strengthened academic collaboration between UNDIP and USM and affirmed the strategic role of applied physics in advancing sustainability.
Through this series of activities, FSM UNDIP reaffirms its commitment to expanding collaboration, strengthening an impactful research culture, and providing meaningful learning experiences for students. This initiative aligns with the Tri Dharma of higher education and makes a tangible contribution to achieving the SDGs.
