UNAIR NEWS – Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) held another professors’ inauguration ceremony on Tuesday, December 17, 2024. The event, conducted in the Graha Mukti Auditorium at the MERR-C Campus, marked the induction of five new professors: Prof. Helmy Yusuf, S.Si., Apt., M.Sc., Ph.D.; Prof. Dr. Nur Chamidah, S.Si., M.Si.; Prof. Dr. Sarkawi, S.S., M.Hum.; Prof. Dr. Arifa Mustika, Dr., M.Si.; and Prof. Dr. Tuti Budirahayu, Dra., M.Si.
The ceremony was presided over by UNAIR Rector Prof. Dr. Mohammad Nasih, S.E., M.T., Ak., who expressed optimism that the addition of these professors would further strengthen the university’s impact. “With the inauguration of five new professors today, we hope this will bolster Universitas Airlangga’s capacity,” he remarked.
Vital responsibilities of professors
In his address, Prof. Nasih congratulated the newly inaugurated professors and reminded them of their dual responsibilities. “A professor’s role is noble, as it involves not only advancing scientific knowledge but also disseminating that knowledge for the benefit of humanity. These two functions are critically important,” he emphasized.
He also emphasized the importance of maintaining academic responsibilities under the tridharma of higher education: teaching, research, and community service. “Even as professors, it is vital to uphold these academic functions indefinitely, continuing to educate, innovate, and serve the community—even after retirement or the conclusion of civil service roles,” he explained.
As a Professor of Economics and Business, Prof. Nasih further stressed the value of interdisciplinary collaboration. He argued that solutions to societal challenges often emerge when various academic disciplines work together.
“We urge all academic disciplines, especially those represented by today’s newly inaugurated professors, to collaborate in advancing knowledge and creating meaningful innovations. These efforts will enable UNAIR to contribute more significantly to Indonesia and the world,” he added.
UNAIR plans to inaugurate 16 professors over the course of three days, from December 17 to December 19, 2024. With these additions, UNAIR now boasts a total of 372 professors, comprising 17 percent of its teaching staff.
Author: Edwin Fatahuddin
