(Unila): The University of Lampung (Unila) held an extraordinary senate meeting for the inauguration of professors and the delivery of scientific orations on Monday, January 26, 2026, at the Unila Multipurpose Building (GSG).

Unila inaugurated five professors from various scientific fields, marking the strengthening of the university’s role in the development of science and academic contributions to society.

This extraordinary meeting was attended by Unila Rector.Prof. Dr. Ir. Lusmeilia Afriani, DEA, IPM., ASEAN Eng., along with the leadership, as well as the Rector state and private universities or their representatives.

Also present were the Head of the Lampung Province Research and Development Agency, Yurnalis, S.IP., M.Si., Expert Staff for Economics, Finance, and Development of Lampung Province, Ariawan, and a number of national academic figures, including Prof. Dr. Agnes Kurniawan, Ph.D., Sp.Par.K., from the University of Indonesia and Prof. Warsito, S.Si., D.E.A., Ph.D., from the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture.

The inauguration of a professor is not only the pinnacle of achievement in a lecturer’s academic career, but also represents dedication, hard work, and real contributions to the development of science, education, and community service.

Amidst global challenges such as technological developments, social transformation, and scientific complexity, the role of professors has become strategic as guardians of academic values, drivers of innovative research, and agents of change with broad impact.

With the inauguration of five professors, the number of Unila professors has increased from 166 to 171. The five professors inaugurated are two from the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, two from the Faculty of Engineering, and one from the Faculty of Medicine.

The five professors who were inaugurated along with their scientific speeches are as follows:

1. Prof. Dr. Kartini Herlina, M.Sc., professor in the science/expertise branch of Physics Learning Media, delivered a scientific oration entitled “Use of Representation in Solving Physics Problems”.

2. Prof. Dr. Ir. Karyanto, S.Si., MT, professor in the branch of science/expertise of Geothermal Energy Geophysical Engineering, delivered a scientific oration entitled “Geothermal Energy Geophysical Engineering with PiGraf Instrument for National Energy Resilience and Transition”.

3. Prof. Dr. I Wayan Distrik, M.Si., professor in the branch of science/expertise of Physics Learning Planning, delivered a scientific oration entitled “Real Model: A Solution in Strengthening Metacognitive Abilities, Concept Understanding, and Physics Problem Solving”.

4. Prof. Dr. Eng. Suryadiwansa Harun, ST, MT, professor in the branch of science/expertise in Manufacturing Engineering, delivered a scientific oration entitled “The Role of Manufacturing Engineering: Reverse Engineering, 3D Printing, and Rotary Turning in the Development of Orthopedics in Indonesia”.

5. Prof. Dr. dr. Jhons Fatriyadi Suwandi, S.Ked., M.Kes., Sp.Par.K., professor in the field of Epidemiological Parasitology, delivered a scientific oration entitled “The Role of Epidemiological Parasitology in Controlling Parasitic Infectious Diseases in Indonesia”.

In her remarks, Unila Rector Prof. Lusmeilia Afriani expressed her hope that the newly appointed professors would continue to make real contributions to the university and society.

“With this inauguration, we hope the professors can continue to make extraordinary contributions through education, research, and community service,” said the rector.

She also expressed his appreciation and congratulations to the newly inaugurated professors and hoped that this achievement would inspire other academics.

“Hopefully, this inauguration will motivate Unila academics to continue working and achieving success until they reach the position of professor,” She concluded.

The inauguration of these professors underscores Unila’s commitment to strengthening its academic quality and its role as a higher education institution that actively contributes to regional, national, and global development. [Muzamil Kakar]