UNAIR NEWS – Students from Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) have once again demonstrated their international competitiveness. A multidisciplinary team from UNAIR won a Gold Medal at the International Science and Invention Fair (ISIF) 2025, an international essay and innovation competition hosted by the Indonesian Young Scientist Association (IYSA) in partnership with Diponegoro University. The event, which took place in Semarang from November 1–3, brought together hundreds of participants from around the world.
The UNAIR team: Hanif Ade Saputri (FST, 2022), Maharani Firdya Ayuni (FST, 2022), Jhose Wahyudi (FIB, 2022), Nabil Faizullah (FIB, 2022), Arifatun Nazilah (FV, 2024), and Khaerul (FEB, 2024), earned the award for their innovative work addressing public health issues.
From concept to international achievement
Saputri shared that the team began by brainstorming topics linked to pressing global health challenges, drafting their paper, and preparing their presentation. “We focused on identifying urgent health problems and offering innovation-driven solutions,” she said.
Their efforts culminated in a presentation before an international panel of judges, where the UNAIR team delivered ideas that were both scientifically grounded and practical. “The key was understanding the problem thoroughly and proposing solutions that were feasible. Strong teamwork also played a critical role in writing the paper and preparing our presentation,” Nazilah added.
Challenges and motivation
Nazilah noted that balancing academic demands with competition preparation posed a significant challenge. “Because this was an international event, the expectations were extremely high. We had to ensure every part of our data, concept, and presentation was fully polished. We tackled this by dividing responsibilities based on each member’s strengths and consistently supporting one another,” she explained.
The team’s motivation came from a desire to push themselves and elevate UNAIR’s presence on the global stage. “We wanted to show that Indonesian students can compete internationally as long as they stay committed and confident,” Khaerul said.
Consistency and teamwork
Their gold-medal finish reflects not only strong ideas but also the team’s dedication and consistency throughout the competition. “We focused on doing our best at every step, from research and writing to delivering the presentation. That process naturally built our confidence,” Ayuni explained.
In closing, Nazilah encouraged fellow UNAIR students to embrace opportunities without hesitation. “Don’t be afraid to try. You won’t achieve perfection before you take the first step. Start small, trust your abilities, and seek mentors who can support you. By trying, we uncover our greatest potential,” she said.
Author: Muhammad Nabil Fawaid
Editor: Ragil Kukuh Imanto
