BANDUNG, fmipa.itb.ac.id, -In an exclusive interview, the dean of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), Prof. Ir. Wahyu Srigutomo, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D.revealed that FMIPA ITB has the highest number of lecturers with the position of Professor among all faculties at ITB. Photos circulating widely throughout Indonesia regarding the number of professors in various faculties/schools at ITB have attracted the attention of many parties. According to him, currently there are 58 lecturers with professor status at FMIPA ITB. This number is impressive and makes FMIPA the faculty with the largest number of professors at ITB. In the context of education and research at FMIPA ITB, professor lecturers play an important role. They are responsible for monitoring the quality of the higher education Tridharma, ensuring that Tridharma services are achieved, as well as developing and leading junior lecturers to grow together.

Prof. Wahyu also discussed the trend of increasing the number of professors at FMIPA ITB in recent years. From 2020 to mid-2023, FMIPA ITB has succeeded in adding 24 professors, with significant additions especially occurring in 2022. This is due to the new system which provides a deadline of June 30, 2023 for lecturer promotions.

Figure 1. Number of professors and their percentage towards the number of lecturers per faculty/school at ITB.

What makes FMIPA ITB excellent in the number of professors?

According to Prof. Wahyu, a number of factors plays a role in FMIPA ITB’s success in increasing the number of lecturers with the position of Professor. First, this faculty has strength in all three aspects of the Tridharma of higher education, including teaching, research, and community service. This strength is the main basis for achieving excellent performance. Furthermore, FMIPA ITB has made significant improvements in academic services, especially related to the lecturer promotion process. This includes improving the quality and efficiency of support services, so that lecturers can more easily meet promotion requirements. Active support from deans and non-academic staff is also an important factor. They are proactively involved in assisting lecturers in the promotion process, including in collecting the necessary supporting documents and evidence. FMIPA ITB has also implemented an accelerated program to increase the number of professors as a strategic step to increase the number of professors. Apart from that, FMIPA’s characteristics as a large faculty with a diverse number of lecturers in research groups and study programs also contribute to creating an environment that supports the growth of the number of professors in this faculty. All these factors help FMIPA ITB achieve extraordinary achievements in terms of the number of professors among the faculties at ITB.

How to maintain and increase the number of professors in the future?

In order to maintain and increase the number of lecturers with the position of Professor in the future, the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), has planned a number of strategies which are expected to make a positive contribution. One of the main strategies is to build stronger research enthusiasm and skills among FMIPA ITB lecturers. This is expected to increase research productivity and contribute to achieving qualifications for promotion.

Additionally, FMIPA ITB will also continue to expand its academic network. Through closer cooperation and collaboration between lecturers, this faculty hopes to create a more dynamic and productive academic environment. In this context, international networks will also be a focus, enabling lecturers and students to engage in research projects with global impact.

Moreover, FMIPA ITB has also designed special programs aimed at providing further support to lecturers who are pursuing promotion. This program includes training and technical support in gathering evidence of performance required for promotion. This step is expected to help lecturers overcome challenges that may arise during the promotion process.

Of course, the role of the dean in the lecturer career development process is very essential. As an academic leader, the dean has the responsibility to ensure the system runs well and efficiently. This includes coordinating with staff and handling problems that arise throughout the lecturers’ career, including in efforts to achieve the position of Professor. With active support from the dean and various programs that have been designed, FMIPA ITB hopes to maintain and increase the number of professors in the future and create a quality and productive academic environment for the entire community.

Improve the Quality of Education and Research with Professors at FMIPA ITB!

In the world of education, the role of the Professor has a significant impact in improving the quality of the Tridharma of higher education. FMIPA ITB, as the faculty with the highest number of professors among other faculties at ITB plays an ultimate role in encouraging collaboration and scientific development.

One important aspect of a professor's role is the ability to increase international collaboration and networking. Professors at FMIPA ITB are encouraged to collaborate with other lecturers through various research grant schemes and collaboration in developing study programs. This collaboration is an essential means for the exchange of knowledge, experience, and innovative ideas in the academic field. FMIPA ITB is also committed to expanding international networks, opening doors for students and lecturers to be involved in interesting international projects, and enrich their academic experience.

In addition, professors at FMIPA ITB are also used in curriculum development. They are asked to contribute to designing a curriculum relevant to current and future needs. With extensive knowledge and experience, professors play a key role in leading research projects and ensuring that the education provided reaches the highest standards. Professors also help in developing study programs that are competitive and in line with developments in science.

Students also feel the benefits of the presence of professors. The faculty’s good reputation and high teaching quality are an attraction for prospective students. With access to the high competence of professors, students have the opportunity to receive excellent education and engage in relevant research. This not only imparts knowledge, but also fosters a strong academic spirit among students.

Overall, the professor's role in FMIPA ITB helps raise the standards of education and research in higher education. The resulting collaboration helps expand the boundaries of knowledge and gives students access to valuable academic experiences. Professors also play a key role in developing a curriculum that is relevant to the demands of the times. In this way, they do not only become a source of inspiration for students, but also encourage the growth of broader knowledge in the world of education.

Through these efforts, FMIPA ITB is determined to continue to be a center of excellence for education and research, with professors playing a central role in achieving this goal. With a strong commitment to improving the quality of the Tridharma of higher education and collaborating globally, FMIPA ITB is increasingly strengthening its position as an excellent faculty within ITB and throughout Indonesia.

In a statement, the Dean of FMIPA ITB, Prof. Ir. Wahyu Srigutomo, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D., expressed his sincere thanks to all parties who have contributed to increasing the number of Professors in this faculty. He expressed his highest appreciation to the lecturers who have worked hard and are committed to achieving these achievements. Besides that, thanks are also addressed to the dean, civil service staff, and all members of the FMIPA ITB community who have supported the promotion process for these lecturers. The Dean would also like to express his sincere thanks to the Rector of ITB and the institutional leadership for their extraordinary support in efforts to increase the number of Professors in this faculty. He acknowledged that support and direction from the Rector and ITB leaders are key factors in achieving this extraordinary achievement.

The Dean also appreciated the contribution of students and external parties who have participated in creating an academic environment that is conducive to the growth of the number of professors. Support and cooperation from all parties has enabled FMIPA ITB to achieve brilliant achievements in terms of the number of professors in this faculty.

The Dean stated that this achievement was the result of shared collaboration, dedication, and enthusiasm to improve the quality of the Tridharma of higher education. He hopes that this enthusiasm will continue to be maintained and become an inspiration to achieve greater achievements in the future.

Author: Gantina Rachmaputri