In addition to actively contributing to various activities at the national level, ten students of Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY) managed to make brilliant achievements in the international arena. They were selected as presenters in two conferences in Antalya, Turkey: International Conference on Education in Mathematics, Science and Technology (ICEMST) and International Conference on Research in Education and Science (ICRES).

The ten students - including six from UNY's Master of Physics Education Program - enlivened the event organized by The International Society for Technology, Education and Science (ISTES) at the end of April 2025. In front of academics from 42 countries, they presented their research results and discussed with world experts in education and science. The ten students involved in this activity were Aris Kurniawan, Fauziah Rasyid, Utami Putri, Sul Daeng Naba, Proki Karandja Hawur, Cahya Widya Gunawan, Wike Nur Febriani, Daniel Jesayanto Jaya, Nandang Kurniadi, and Akhmad Irfan.

Their participation in this seminar was supported by funding from the Ministry of Finance's LPDP and the Ministry of Research and Technology's BPI. Most of them collaborated with UNY lecturers in writing the articles presented. Aris Kurniawan, one of the participants, presented a research entitled "Ethno Science: Exploring Physics Concept on the ‘BESEI KAMBE’ Traditional Sports in Central Kalimantan". “Besides wanting to get constructive feedback for my article and show that culture can be integrated in physics learning, I also hope to introduce Central Kalimantan's culture to the world,” he said enthusiastically. One of the academics from Slovakia, Dr. Dagmar Ruskova, appreciated Aris' presentation, saying, “Teaching physics concepts that are relevant to students' daily lives makes physics learning more effective and interesting.”

During the four-day international seminar that took place from April 28 to May 1, 2025, participants followed a series of events that began with the opening and presentation of research results by the main speaker on the first day. On the second, third and fourth days, the students presented their research results. Some of the research titles presented included an article written by Cahya with the title "Literature Study: Analysis of The Application of A Guided Inquiry Learning Model to Improve Students' Critical Thinking Abilities in Science Learning“, and by Utami with the title ”The Effectiveness of Interactive Conceptual Instruction, Diagnostic Tests, and Conceptual Change Models in Addressing Misconceptions in Physics: Literature Review". These works are the results of research that will be published in the proceeding paper, which will certainly enrich the global scientific treasure.

Fauziah Rasyid, a Master's student of Physics Education at UNY admitted that she learned a lot, “Participating in this international seminar gives a strong positive impression because we have the opportunity to communicate with scholars who are so enthusiastic about education,” she explained.

Apart from the benefits of networking and exchanging ideas with academics from various countries, the beauty of Turkey is also an extraordinary attraction. Proki admitted that he was very enthusiastic about the charm of Turkey, "The experience of visiting Hagia Sophia was very impressive, especially with its historical story. The building once functioned as a church, mosque, museum, and now back to being a mosque. Also, the beauty of Cappadocia in Göreme was a feast for the eyes, and being able to walk down the narrow alleys of Özkonak underground city, made me amazed at the power and inventiveness of past civilizations. This trip was very valuable for us, not only broadening our academic and cultural horizons, but also enriching the human values in me," he said enthusiastically.

ICEMST and ICRES are annual events that serve as a platform for innovation in education, science, and technology. The participation of UNY students proves that this campus continues to produce superior generations who are competitive at the world level.

Congratulations to the students of UNY! Hopefully this achievement will inspire many other young academics.

Author

Aris Kurniawan