UNAIR NEWS – Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) formally inaugurated five new full professors on Thursday, April 9, 2026, at the Garuda Mukti Hall, Management Office, MERR-C Campus. The ceremony marked a significant milestone in their academic careers and reinforced UNAIR’s commitment to advancing knowledge with meaningful societal impact.
The newly appointed full professors represented a range of academic disciplines: Prof. Dr. Bambang Sugeng Ariadi Subagyono, S.H., M.H. and Prof. Dr. Radian Salman, S.H., LL.M. from the Faculty of Law; Prof. Dr. Muhammad Asfar, Drs., M.Si. and Prof. Yuyun Wahyu Izzati Surya, S.Sos., M.A., Ph.D. from the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences; and Prof. Dr. Ahmad Shofy Mubarak, S.Pi., M.Si. from the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences.
Science as response to contemporary challenges
UNAIR Rector, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Madyan, S.E., M.Si., M.Fin., emphasized that the conferment of full professorship carries a responsibility to position knowledge as a solution to contemporary challenges. He noted that diverse fields of study from strengthening food security and promoting multicultural digital literacy to addressing consumer protection and political dynamics, underscore the vital role of science in society.
He further stressed that knowledge must continuously adapt to the rapid pace of change. According to him, leveraging technology is essential to fostering relevant innovations and generating solutions to complex societal issues.
In addition, he highlighted the critical role of higher education institutions in ensuring that knowledge remains aligned with evolving societal needs. “Through sustained research and innovation, academics are able not only to address present challenges but also to anticipate those of the future,” he said.
Synergy of innovation, ethics, and regulation
Prof. Madyan also underscored the importance of maintaining a balance between innovation, regulation, and fundamental societal values. He cautioned that advancements in science and technology must remain grounded in principles of justice, human rights, and the common good.
He affirmed that synergy among innovation, literacy, regulation, and core values is key to ensuring that scientific progress delivers tangible benefits to society. Academic contributions, he added, should not remain purely conceptual but should translate into practical, real-world solutions.
“The synergy between innovation, literacy, regulation, and fundamental values is essential to ensure that science creates a meaningful impact on society,” he concluded.
He expressed hope that the newly inaugurated professors would continue to uphold academic integrity, enhance the quality of the university’s tridharma, and strengthen their roles as intellectual leaders in their respective fields.
Author: Maia Chaerunnisa
Editor: Khefti Al Mawalia
