News

In a bid to foster quality education and innovation, the Department of Chemistry at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), Gadjah Mada University (UGM), hosted a webinar on February 6, 2024. Titled “Simultaneous DSC-TGA in Nanomaterials Research,” the event aimed to delve into cutting-edge techniques applicable to nanomaterial studies. Spearheaded by Rizki Ardiarto, S.Si, Product Manager Instrument at PT Spektris, the webinar attracted a diverse audience of 131 participants, ranging from students to seasoned researchers.

(Rizki Ardiarto, S.Si, delivering the presentation during the webinar)

During the webinar, Rizki Ardiarto shed light on the Simultaneous DSC-TGA technique, a fusion of Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). This method facilitates a comprehensive analysis of nanomaterials by concurrently examining their thermal properties and composition. With its ability to discern crucial attributes such as melting points, crystallization points, and compositional elements, the technique holds immense promise for advancing nanomaterial research.

Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Karna Wijaya, M.Eng, emphasized the webinar’s alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure). He underscored the pivotal role of educational initiatives and technological advancements in driving sustainable development agendas forward.

Participants engaged in a lively exchange with the speaker, posing insightful questions and sharing perspectives on the implications of Simultaneous DSC-TGA in their respective fields of study. The interactive nature of the session underscored the significance of knowledge-sharing platforms in fostering a vibrant academic community.

Rizki Ardiarto underscored the myriad benefits of the Simultaneous DSC-TGA technique, ranging from analyzing thermal stability to characterizing nanomaterial structures. His elucidation illuminated the multifaceted applications of this technique, positioning it as a valuable tool for researchers seeking to enhance their understanding of nanomaterial properties.

As the webinar drew to a close, Riska Astin, S.Si, a doctoral student (PMDSU) at the Department of Chemistry FMIPA UGM and the moderator, encapsulated the key insights gleaned from the session. Expressing optimism about the webinar’s potential impact, she underscored its role in empowering participants to leverage Simultaneous DSC-TGA for their research endeavors.

In conclusion, the webinar served as a testament to the Department of Chemistry FMIPA UGM’s commitment to knowledge dissemination and innovation. By providing a platform for dialogue and learning, the event contributed to advancing both academic scholarship and industrial development in nanomaterial research.

Keywords: Nanomaterial research, quality education, Innovation

Author: Mokhammad Fajar Pradipta, S.Si., M.Eng

Editor: Robby Noor Cahyono

USAID-HEPI Project FMIPA UGM Collaboration Bridge with Partners in the United States The USAID-HEPI. Project, initiated since 2023, is a collaboration bridge between FMIPA UGM and partners in the United States, both university partners and industry partners. This project was initiated by USAID and Arizona State University to enhance Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields in Indonesia. One form of activity from this project is the USAID-HEPI National Forum, which is a showcase of collaboration activities with partner institutions in the United States that have been carried out by the universities involved in this project.

The first activity in this forum was held at ITB on January 30, 2024, and attended by the rector, vice-rector, deans, and vice-deans of more than 14 universities in Indonesia. The USAID-HEPI National Forum activities began with discussions on international accreditation, followed by presentations of several showcase collaboration activities with several institutions in the United States that have been conducted by ITB. In addition to bilateral partnerships, this activity opens opportunities to expand partnerships in the form of consortia between higher education institutions in Indonesia and partner institutions in the United States. The partnership scheme reflects SDGs number 17 in the area of partnerships through the implementation of collaborative projects, as well as number 4 on quality education, with efforts to fulfill the proportion of university graduates who master information technology and communication skills.

Keywords: USAID-HEPI, STEM fields, collaboration

Author: Fajar Adi Kusumo

Editor: Febriska Noor Fitriana

Photos: Fajar Adi Kusumo

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences UGM conducted a workshop on the Enhancement of Competence and Capacity of Lecturers to Support Graduates’ Employability on Jan, 30^th 2023, in the Auditorium Hall of FMIPA UGM. The keynote speaker for this event was Dr. Hasanudin Abdurakham, an alumnus of Physics from FMIPA UGM. “I aim to provide insights into the professional world so that students have a clear understanding and perspective, coming from me as a recruiter,” Dr. Hassan expressed. The objective of this workshop was to provide a platform for discussion and mentoring for lecturers regarding the development of prospective professional workers at FMIPA UGM. Dr. Hassan emphasized the shortcomings in the university’s role, such as the absence of a map of the job market and insufficient attention to the outcomes of students during their studies.

During the discussion session, Dra. Ani Setyopratiwi, M.Sc., a lecturer in the Chemistry program, raised concerns about the competitiveness of graduates compared to those from other institutions. “FMIPA UGM graduates are theoretically strong and excellent. However, in the industrial world, we lag behind graduates from other universities,” Dra. Ani stated in the forum. In her teaching approach, Dra. Ani not only reinforces theoretical aspects among students but also their application in the workplace. She also encourages students to venture into entrepreneurship by marketing research-based products. “I am also an entrepreneur. The products generated are outcomes of research such as VCO oil and lotions for fatigue relief,” Dra. Ani added.

This workshop, primarily intended for lecturers, is eagerly anticipated to also be extended to students. This anticipation stems from the fact that the materials provided can map out and offer solutions to the issue of graduate employability at FMIPA UGM. Furthermore, the existence of this workshop reflects the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) outlined in Goal 4, quality education; Goal 9, industry, innovation, and infrastructure; and Goal 17, partnerships to achieve goals. Lecturers are directed to optimize teaching and student development and guide students toward existing partnerships. “We in the industrial sector are ready to partner and provide input or advice,” Dr. Hassan affirmed.

Keyword: workshop, kompetensi, employability, SDGs

Author: Febriska Noor Fitriana

Photo: Hero Prakosa Wibowo Priyanto and Fabima Fadhlin Minallah Zidta

The Center for Cryptography and Cybersecurity Research (C3R) at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), conducted its second reading group activity on Friday, January 26, 2024, at 09:00 AM WIB via Zoom Meeting. This activity was initiated to provide a platform for students and academic communities interested in cryptography to enhance their understanding of current issues in the field of cryptography and cybersecurity.

During this session, Annisa Dini Handayani, a Ph.D. student in Mathematics at UGM who also serves as a Lecturer at the Polytechnic of Cyber and National Intelligence, acted as the main speaker. The paper presented was titled “New Receipt-Free Voting Scheme Using Double-Trapdoor Commitment”. It was authored by prominent researchers Xiaofeng Chen, Qianhong Wu, Fangguo Zhang, Haibo Tian, Baodian Wei, Byoungcheon Lee, Hyunrok Lee, and Kwangjo Kim.

The paper discusses a solution deemed most suitable for large-scale electronic voting (e-voting). Chen et al. propose an e-voting scheme utilizing blind signatures, a double-trapdoor commitment scheme, and anonymous channels. This scheme is an advancement from the previous e-voting scheme proposed by Okamoto. Okamoto’s e-voting scheme claims to satisfy the aspect of receipt-free security using a single trapdoor commitment scheme and blind signatures. Receipt-freeness ensures that voters cannot prove their choices to others, thereby preventing vote buying or coercion. Okamoto proposed two e-voting schemes, one requiring security parameters from a registration committee and the other assuming very high physical security levels. Therefore, to enhance Okamoto’s scheme, Chen et al. designed an e-voting scheme that does not require security parameters from a registration committee and does not rely on assumptions of high physical security but still meets the receipt-freeness aspect.

As indicated by the title of the paper, the concept of the double-trapdoor commitment scheme is discussed, along with its differences from the single-trapdoor commitment scheme. One advantage of the double-trapdoor commitment scheme is its perceived higher security compared to the single-trapdoor commitment scheme. This is because the double-trapdoor commitment scheme requires obtaining two secret values to break the scheme entirely. Apart from e-voting, this commitment scheme can also be utilized to construct zero-knowledge proof schemes and electronic auctions.

In conclusion, Chen et al. claim that their e-voting scheme is more efficient than the Okamoto scheme. Furthermore, they demonstrate that their proposed e-voting scheme meets the security requirements of e-voting, such as completeness, privacy, soundness, unreusability, eligibility, fairness, verifiability, and receipt-freeness.

We invite all students, researchers, and practitioners interested in joining this activity and contributing to in-depth discussions on current cryptographic issues. This activity supports SDGs poin 9 related to Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, and poin 11 related to Sustainable Cities and Communities.

About C3R FMIPA UGM:

The Center for Cryptography and Cybersecurity Research (C3R) FMIPA UGM is a research institution under the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM). C3R is committed to enhancing understanding and security in the fields of cryptography and cybersecurity through research activities, training, and innovation development.

 C3R FMIPA UGM Media Contact:

Name: Saifullah Ali

Coordinator of C3R FMIPA UGM Reading Group

Email: saifullah.ali@mail.ugm.ac.id

Author: Uha Isnaini

Editor: Febriska Noor Fitriana

Picture: www.encryptionconsulting.com