International Conference of Asian Union of Magnetics Societies (IcAUMS) is a routine conference every 2 years held by Asian Union of Magnetics Societies (AUMS) together with Indonesian Magnetics Society (IMS). The year 2023 was the 6th IcAUMS which was held in Bali on August 14-16, 2023. IcAUMS2023 was held with several activities, namely oral presentations, and posters, invited discussions and symposia, tutorial sessions, and exhibitions featuring the latest advances in the field of magnetism, magnetic materials, and their applications. This event successfully gathered 7 countries from various countries in Asia with more than 100 abstracts in the field of magnetism and magnetic materials.

On this occasion, one of the UGM Physics Doctoral Program students, Deska Lismawenning Puspitarum, participated through an oral presentation to present her research results entitled “Construction and Mechanisms of a Recyclable Green-Synthesized CoFe₂O₄/TiO₂ Nanocomposites Photocatalyst for Degradation of Organic Pollutant“. Recycling efficiency, rapid separation, and excellent catalytic ability of photocatalyst materials after photocatalytic process are considered as the main requirements. Green synthesis of CoFe₂O₄/TiO₂ nanocomposites using Moringa oleifera leaf extract showed excellent photocatalytic and reuse performance under UV irradiation. Synthesis of nanocomposites based on green synthesis approach is considered as an eco-friendly and cost-effective method to fabricate nanocomposites compared to other conventional methods. Various techniques were used to characterize the properties of CoFe₂O₄/TiO₂ nanocomposites before and after the photocatalytic process, such as UV-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, X-Ray Fluorescence, scanning electron microscope – energy dispersive X-ray, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and vibration sample magnetometer. The hysteresis curve shows that the CoFe₂O₄/TiO₂ nanocomposite has soft ferromagnetic properties. From the results of this study, it is concluded that the CoFe₂O₄/TiO₂ nanocomposite synthesized using the green synthesis approach shows excellent catalytic performance and is expected to provide a new platform for efficient photocatalytic applications.

In order to welcome new master and doctoral students for the even 2023/2024 academic year, the Department of Physics in collaboration with the HMPF UGM held a welcome event and Introduction to the Groups of Expertise in UGM Physics. This event not only aims to welcome the presence of new students, but also to provide an introduction to the Groups of Expertise in UGM Physics to serve as a first step in understanding the flow of the academic journey that will be taken.

This activity was held online through the Zoom meeting application on Thursday, February 1, 2024. Although it was held online, it did not reduce the enthusiasm and spirit of the participants, organizers, and lecturers in participating a series of events.

The event began with remarks from the Head of the UGM Physics Department Prof. Dr.Eng. Edi Suharyadi, S.Si., M.Eng. who said “Congratulations and welcome to the UGM Department of Physics”. Then continued with the presentation of the Study Program by the head of the master and doctoral study program. In this session, students were given a comprehensive overview of the study program related to academic information, such as curriculum, study plan, research opportunities, and facilities available to support their academic development.

Welcome speech from Prof. Dr.Eng. Edi Suharyadi, S.Si., M.Sc. as the Head of Department of Physics UGM

Presentation of the Master Program in Physics  by Mr. Mirza Satriawan, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D. as the head of the study program.

Presentation of the Doctoral Program in Physics by Mr. Sholihun, S.Si., M.Sc., Ph.D.Sc. as the head of the study program.

After the welcoming session and presentation of the study program, it was continued with the introduction of the Group of Expertise (KBK) in Physics UGM by each coordinator. Each KBK coordinator explained related to the areas of research that have been carried out and are being carried out, collaborative projects, career opportunities, and courses related to KBK.

Introduction of KBK by each KBK coordinator.

With this activity, new students are expected to know more about the study program and research fields that will be pursued during the lecture period at Physics UGM.

Photo with New Students, Organizers and Lecturers at the end of the event

Author: Dina Wardiningsih
Editor: Rafida Salma Rahmawati, Dina Wardiningsih

Kombo Othman Kombo, currently enrolled as a doctoral student in the Physics program at Universitas Gadjah Mada, is energetically engaged in both research activities and the production of academic publications. One example of research conducted at the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing is an experiment to collect data from stool samples of newborn babies using an electronic nose device. The aim is to apply a metal oxide semiconductor-based device in sepsis detection in newborns.

Kombo Othman Kombo is also diligent in writing publications based on his research. While awaiting the outcome of the manuscript submitted titled “Enhancing Classification Rate of Electronic Nose System and Piecewise Feature Extraction Method to Classify Black Tea with Superior Quality” to the Scientific African Journal, he is also preparing and submitting another manuscript titled “Electronic Nose-Based Monitoring of Chicken Freshness in Room and Refrigerated Storage.” This manuscript has already been submitted to the Journal of Biosensors and Bioelectronics: X.