FMIPA UI and IYSA Hold 2026 International Science Competition, Bringing Together 1,562 Teams from 25 Countries

Depok, October 20, 2026 – The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Indonesia (FMIPA UI), in collaboration with the Indonesian Young Scientist Association (IYSA), organized the 3^rd National Science and Invention Fair (NSIF), 8^th International Science and Invention Fair (ISIF), 6^th National Research Teacher Competition (NRTC), dan 6^th International Research Teacher Competition (IRTC) 2026. The main events took place on October 13–17, 2026, at Balai Purnomo Prawiro, Universitas Indonesia, Depok, following the online sessions held on October 6–9, 2026.

The competitions attracted 1,562 teams from 25 countries, comprising 721 online teams and 841 onsite teams. International participants represented various countries, while Indonesian participants came from 24 provinces. This level of participation reflects the enthusiasm of young people for science, research, and innovation.

Strengthening International Collaboration through Science and Culture

The opening ceremony of the main event featured cultural performances from several participating countries, celebrating diversity while strengthening international friendship and collaboration.

Dean of FMIPA UI, Prof. Dr. Tito Latif Indra, S.Si., M.Si., stated that hosting these competitions reflected FMIPA UI's commitment to advancing scientific knowledge through education, research, and innovation.

“Hosting this event is not only a responsibility but also an opportunity to create a space where people can come together, share ideas, present their work, and learn from one another. We believe that higher education institutions play an important role in creating opportunities for people to expand their knowledge and contribute to scientific advancement,” Prof. Tito said.

He added that scientific development takes place not only through classroom learning but also by fostering curiosity and encouraging innovation. On this occasion, FMIPA UI also announced the awarding of Golden Tickets to outstanding participants as a form of recognition and support for the younger generation pursuing education in science.

Meanwhile, President of the Indonesian Young Scientist Association, Deni Irawan, M.Pd., emphasized that the large number of participants reflected the extensive efforts involved in preparing research, developing ideas, collaborating, and presenting projects.

“Behind every team is a story of preparation, curiosity, teamwork, and the courage to share ideas. ISIF is not merely a competition but also a meeting place for young innovators to learn, exchange perspectives, and build confidence,” Deni said.

He encouraged participants to present their best work, learn from others, build friendships across countries, and use feedback to improve their research. Deni also expressed his appreciation to FMIPA UI and all parties who supported the event.

Innovation Exhibition, Seminars, and Inspirational Talk Shows

The competitions covered eight fields: Technology, Social Sciences, Mathematics, Environment, Life Sciences, Physics, Energy and Engineering, and Education. The onsite program also featured more than 400 exhibition booth showcasing research and innovations by participants ranging from elementary school students to university students.

FMIPA UI also held a seminar introducing its Regular Undergraduate Programs and International Undergraduate Programs (Kelas Khusus Internasional/KKI), presented by Asri Oktavioni Indraswari, S.T., M.Sc., D.Phil., Assistant Manager for Curriculum and International Classes at FMIPA UI. The seminar introduced participants to educational pathways and opportunities for further study in the sciences.

In addition, an inspirational talk show featured two FMIPA UI students: Sarah Naomi, known for her involvement in Genera-Z Berbakti BCA, and Muh Zaidan Naja, a participant in Clash of Champions Season 2. Both shared their experiences regarding their academic journeys, personal development, and pursuit of excellence.

Two FMIPA UI KKI Golden Tickets Awarded to Outstanding Students

FMIPA UI awarded two Golden Tickets for its International Undergraduate Programs (KKI) to outstanding student teams participating in ISIF and NSIF 2026:

1. SMA Islam Al Azhar 34 Yogyakarta — ISIF 2026, Education category, for the project “JAWIRS (Javanese Writing Interactive for Students): Effectiveness of Gamification in Computer Assisted Javanese Learning.”

2. SMA Negeri 2 Unggulan Talang Ubi — NSIF 2026, Education category, for the project “Development of a Board Game as an Interactive Learning Medium to Improve Geographical Knowledge.”

The Golden Ticket serves as a recommendation or an enhancement to the recipients' achievement portfolios that may be used when applying to FMIPA UI's KKI programs for the 2027/2028 Academic Year. It does not constitute a separate admission pathway or guarantee automatic acceptance. Recipients must still apply through the official KKI Global Talent admission pathway and meet Universitas Indonesia's undergraduate admission requirements.

FMIPA UI Students Win Gold Medals and the IYSA Grand Prize

FMIPA UI students also achieved notable success at ISIF 2026. The team consisting of Fathir Raya Arqam Ramadhan, Fadlasyah Rifqy, Khansa Amani Mumtaz, and Zahra Fitria Amri won a gold medal and the IYSA Grand Prize, which included a cash award of IDR 1,000,000, for their project, “Inducing and Slowing Aging Is Now Possible: An In Cellulo Model of Doxorubicin-Induced Aging and Statin Repurposing for Anti-Aging Agent.”

The research developed an in cellulo model to study doxorubicin-induced aging and explore the potential repurposing of statins as candidate anti-aging agents.

Another achievement came from the team of Venida Ramadhani, Tengku Nayla Adellia Putri, Afnaan Faiz Basyarahil, Ainisya Beby Firstanya, Priscilla Angelica, and Anlie Komala Setiawan, who won a silver medal in the Technology category for their project, “Same Materials, Different Order: A Layered rGO/AuNP Strip for Tetracycline in Fish Pond Water.”

The team investigated the use of layered materials based on reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to detect tetracycline in fish pond water. These two achievements demonstrate FMIPA UI students' active contributions to research and innovation in the life sciences and technology.

Recognizing Outstanding Projects and International Collaboration

The organizing committee awarded gold, silver, and bronze medals in each category across NSIF, ISIF, NRTC, and IRTC. Special awards included Best Booth, Best Poster, Favorite Booth, IYSA Special Award, MIICA Special Award, ICGI Special Award, GISA Special Award, Resolution Special Award, IYSA Semi Grand Award, and Grand Prize.

The event was also attended by representatives of international institutions and organizations, including Corneliu Baneasa Birtok, President of INCENTCOR; Myocho Kan, Chief Judge of NSIF, ISIF, NRTC, and IRTC 2026; Kamal Putra, CEO of ICGI; and Eki Iman Jordansyah, Project Manager of IYORA.

FMIPA UI leadership was also represented, including the Chair of the Faculty Academic Senate, Adi Wibowo, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D., along with faculty managers, department heads, and study program heads.

Through its collaboration with IYSA, FMIPA UI hopes that NSIF, ISIF, NRTC, and IRTC 2026 will strengthen the science and innovation ecosystem, expand international networks, and encourage young people to develop research and creative solutions that benefit society. The event also reaffirms FMIPA UI's commitment to advancing education, research, and innovation in support of scientific progress in Indonesia and around the world.