BANDA ACEH – The Department of Physics at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK), successfully hosted a “Visiting Top Professor” series from June 22–24, 2026. This initiative is part of the Equity Program (Enhancing Quality Education for International University Impact and Recognition), aiming to strengthen international academic collaboration and accelerate USK’s vision of becoming a World-Class University (WCU).
For this strategic program, USK partnered with Prof. Dr. Ankur Jain, Head of the Centre for Renewable Energy & Storage at Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Jaipur, India. Prof. Jain is a world-renowned researcher specializing in energy materials, hydrogen storage, and battery technology, with an extensive track record of reputable international publications and global research collaborations.
The three-day event drew active participation from faculty members, students, practitioners, and key stakeholders.
Focus on Energy Innovation and Global Publication Excellence
The series kicked off on Monday, June 22, 2026, with a guest lecture titled “The Hydrogen Puzzle: Solving Energy Storage Through Materials Innovation.” During the session, Prof. Jain delved into the latest breakthroughs in hydrogen storage material research, highlighting its potential as a critical solution for future global energy needs.
On the second day, Tuesday, June 23, 2026, the focus shifted to enhancing academic capacity through the “Manuscript Development Clinic: Q1 Manuscript and Scientific Writing Enhancement.” This session provided intensive mentorship for USK lecturers and researchers, offering strategic insights into writing high-impact papers capable of penetrating top-tier Q1 international journals.
The program concluded on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, with a technical workshop themed “Solid Electrolytes and Electrode Materials: Building Blocks of All-Solid-State Batteries.” The workshop offered an in-depth analysis of solid electrolyte materials and electrodes, which serve as the fundamental components for next-generation battery technology.
Strategic Support and Institutional Expectations
The Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Dr. Zulkarnain Jalil, S.Si., M.Si., accompanied by Committee Secretary Dr. Malahayati, S.Si., M.Si., emphasized that Prof. Jain’s presence provided a vital momentum for the USK academic community.
“This event serves as a strategic platform to strengthen international research networks, while simultaneously opening doors for collaborative research and joint publications in the field of renewable energy materials,” Dr. Zulkarnain stated.
Echoing this sentiment, the Dean of FMIPA USK, Prof. Dr. Taufik Fuadi Abidin, expressed his high appreciation for the successful event. He noted his hope that such international partnerships would continue to thrive and elevate the quality of education and research within the faculty.
Meanwhile, the Head of the USK Physics Department, Dr. Saumi Syahreza, expressed optimism regarding the long-term impact of the program.
“We expect this initiative to yield broad benefits for scientific advancement, tangibly improve the quality of our international publications, and further solidify the global reputation and visibility of Universitas Syiah Kuala on the world stage,” he concluded.
