Kuliah Filsafat Sains

Sebagai dosen, menyaksikan diri sendiri dalam rekaman kuliah memang bisa jadi pengalaman yang penuh kejutan. Video ketika saya menyampai kuliah Filsafat Sains untuk mahasiswa di Universitas Negeri Malang (UM) kemaren, saya melihat diri saya penuh semangat, ekspresif, dan mungkin sedikit teatrikal? Tapi, setelah dipikir-pikir, ekspresivitas ini bukan hanya produk dari kebiasaan “overthinking” saya, tapi bisa jadi senjata ampuh untuk membuat mahasiswa tetap terjaga. Mungkin menjadi ekspresif adalah kunci untuk membuat teori-teori filsafat sains hidup, lebih dari sekadar kata-kata di slide. Jadi, mari kita anggap ini bukan berlebihan, tapi seni!

Learning progression in advanced materials research: A personal perspective

I was invited as a speaker at the Colloquium of Academic and Research (COAR) 2024, organized by the Faculty of Science and Industrial Technology, Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah (UMPSA), in collaboration with Universitas Negeri Malang (UM), themed “Advancing Materials for a Sustainable Tomorrow”, held on 23 December 2024.

In my presentation “Learning Progression in Advanced Materials Research: A Personal Perspective,” I shared my reflections on the journey of exploring advanced materials, emphasizing both incremental and problem-driven approaches to scientific discovery. This topic resonates deeply with my experiences as a researcher and educator, where balancing practical advancements with bold, innovative ideas has been a recurring theme.

I began by highlighting the importance of incremental research as a foundation for growth. Often, research is judged by its ability to produce groundbreaking results, but I emphasized how small, deliberate modifications such as refining material structures or tuning acidity levels can lead to meaningful, long-term advancements. I believe this step-by-step process is not only realistic but also essential for building frameworks that enable larger breakthroughs in the future.

I also discussed the role of problem-driven research, particularly my work on phase-boundary catalysis. This type of research demands resilience and a willingness to face uncertainties. While it may not always lead to quick publications, it often paves the way for impactful discoveries. I highlighted how problem-driven research profoundly affects researchers, offering a sense of genuine discovery and innovation that is deeply rewarding. This experience reminds us of the excitement that comes from pushing scientific boundaries and uncovering new possibilities.

As I prepared this presentation, I reflected on my role as a professor and researcher. I emphasized that my responsibilities extend beyond conducting research. I believe it is equally important to inspire students with this sense of discovery. Teaching is not just about transferring knowledge; it is about igniting curiosity, encouraging exploration, and empowering students to think critically about solving problems. I see my role as a mentor who helps students appreciate both the incremental steps and bold leaps required in research, preparing them to face challenges with confidence and creativity.

I also emphasized the value of integrating computational models with experiments to validate findings. In my work, this dual approach has proven indispensable for ensuring reliability and scalability. It has enhanced my ability to make accurate predictions and optimize research outcomes, which I encouraged my audience to adopt as part of their own methodologies.

Through this presentation, I hoped to convey my belief that impactful research requires both patience and boldness. Science is not just about achieving immediate results; it is about contributing meaningful insights over time. As someone passionate about blending theory with practical applications, I see this journey in materials research as a source of motivation to continue pushing boundaries while respecting the value of steady progress.

Finally, I encouraged my audience, especially my students and fellow researchers, to embrace the challenges of research and view it as a lifelong adventure of learning and discovery. It is my hope that this presentation not only shared insights from my personal journey but also inspired others to pursue their own paths of exploration with confidence and enthusiasm.

SINTA dan fransformasi yang mendesak: Menakar dampak, bukan sekadar angka

Sebagai narasumber di SINTA Talk 2024 yang diselenggarakan oleh Direktorat Riset, Teknologi, dan Pengabdian kepada Masyarakat (DRTPM) Kementerian Riset, Teknologi, dan Pendidikan Tinggi Indonesia, saya berkesempatan mempresentasikan gagasan ini di Prime Plaza Hotel Sanur – Bali pada 21 November 2024. Acara ini menjadi momen penting untuk merefleksikan peran SINTA dalam ekosistem riset Indonesia dan arah transformasinya ke depan.

SINTA, sistem evaluasi riset kebanggaan Indonesia, kini berada di persimpangan jalan. Sistem yang selama ini menjadi tolok ukur produktivitas akademik harus menghadapi kenyataan bahwa angka-angka tidak selalu mencerminkan dampak nyata. Saat dunia riset global semakin menuntut relevansi, inovasi, dan kontribusi sosial, fokus pada metrik kuantitatif justru menciptakan ilusi kesuksesan yang menjauhkan kita dari esensi riset sejati.

Mengubah paradigma ini memang bukan perkara mudah. Budaya “kejar publikasi” telah mengakar kuat dalam ekosistem akademik kita. Namun, apakah kuantitas publikasi yang terus meningkat tanpa relevansi nyata benar-benar membawa kita lebih dekat ke Indonesia Emas 2045? Atau justru membuat kita terjebak dalam gua ilusi, seperti alegori Plato, yang hanya menatap bayangan realitas tanpa menyentuh substansinya?

Langkah konkret seperti pengembangan metrik kualitatif, apresiasi terhadap penelitian niche, dan pemanfaatan modul strategis seperti Benchmarking Tool adalah upaya yang patut didukung. Riset harus dinilai berdasarkan dampaknya terhadap masyarakat, kolaborasi lintas disiplin, serta kontribusi pada inovasi dan teknologi yang relevan secara lokal dan global. Dengan keberanian untuk meninggalkan paradigma lama, SINTA dapat menjadi bukan hanya alat evaluasi, tetapi juga pendorong utama transformasi riset yang berdampak nyata. Transformasi ini adalah langkah mendesak untuk memastikan bahwa riset Indonesia benar-benar menjadi solusi, bukan sekadar data statistik yang tak bermakna.

Learning progression in advanced materials research: A personal perspective

Saya diundang sebagai pembicara utama pada International Conference on Physics and Technology of Advanced Materials (ICPTAM) 2024 yang diselenggarakan oleh Departemen Fisika, Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), pada tanggal 8 Oktober 2024 di Prime Plaza Hotel & Suites, Sanur, Bali, Indonesia. Berikut ini adalah abstrak presentasi saya. Beberapa foto acara konferensi dapat dilihat dengan mengklik tautan ini.

“Learning progression in advanced materials research: A personal perspective”

Hadi Nur

Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, Universitas Negeri Malang, Malang 65145, Indonesia

Abstract. My two-decade journey in advanced materials research has been marked by a profound evolution in understanding how to select research topics. This journey can be framed within the concept of learning progression, a framework that outlines the gradual and continuous development of understanding and skills in the field of advanced materials. It identifies key stages of learning, from basic foundational knowledge to a more complex and in-depth understanding of materials, their properties, synthesis, characterization, and applications. Initially, my focus was on zeolites and related materials, driven by the modification of existing concepts. This approach gradually shifted toward exploring new concepts in catalytic materials used in heterogeneous catalysis, motivated by the desire to address substantial scientific questions. My research evolved from tool-oriented studies to more innovative topics, such as phase boundary catalysis and the effects of electric and magnetic fields on material synthesis and heterogeneous catalysis. Despite the challenges of balancing passion-driven research with the pressures of achieving publishable outcomes, this progression has led to significant personal and professional growth. The results highlight the importance of choosing research ideas that push boundaries, even when they are more challenging to publish. The conclusion emphasizes that the research ecosystem plays a crucial role in shaping the outcomes and impact of scientific inquiry, underscoring the need to navigate these complexities thoughtfully to make meaningful contributions to the field. Integrating a philosophy of science perspective provides a strong foundation for evaluating research with wisdom, ensuring that scientific endeavors in advanced materials are both innovative and ethically grounded.

Keywords: advanced materials research; learning progression; topic selection; heterogeneous catalysis; scientific impact.

Ceramah saya mengenai kecerdasan buatan (AI)

Ini adalah rekaman ceramah saya yang berlangsung selama lebih dari dua jam tentang kecerdasan buatan (AI) di Universitas Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM) pada tanggal 29 Februari 2023. Sekitar 90-100 peserta hadir dalam ceramah tersebut, yang diadakan pukul 7 malam.

Blog itu apa, mengapa dan bagaimana?

Ceramah saya mengenai blog dan website untuk dosen di Universitas Negeri Malang pada tanggal 18 April 2022. Dalam ceramah ini saya berbagi tentang pengalaman saya menulis blog sejak tahun 1999. Mungkin karena semangat, saya berbicara lebih dari 2 jam 😃