In addition to actively contributing to various activities at the national level, ten students from Yogyakarta State University (UNY) have succeeded in making brilliant achievements at the international level. They were selected as presenters at two conferences in Antalya, Turkey: the International Conference on Education in Mathematics, Science and Technology (ICEMST) and the International Conference on Research in Education and Science (ICRES).

The ten students—including six from the UNY Physics Education Masters Program—also 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 education and science experts. 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 LPDP Kemenkeu and BPI Kemendikbudristek. Most of them collaborated with UNY lecturers in writing the articles presented. Aris Kurniawan, one of the participants, presented a study entitled "Ethno Science: Exploring Physics Concept on the ‘BESEI KAMBE’ Traditional Sports in Central Kalimantan". "In addition to wanting to get constructive input for the article I wrote and showing that culture can be integrated into physics learning, I also hope to introduce Central Kalimantan culture to the world stage," he said enthusiastically. An academic from Slovakia, Dr. Dagmar Ruskova, expressed her appreciation for Aris' presentation, saying, "Teaching physics concepts that are relevant to students' daily lives makes physics learning more effective and interesting."

During the four days of the international seminar which took place from April 28 to May 1, 2025, participants attended 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. Several research titles presented, including articles written by Cahya entitled "Literature Study: Analysis of The Application of A Guided Inquiry Learning Model to Improve Students' Critical Thinking Abilities in Science Learning", and by Utami entitled "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 treasury.

Fauziah Rasyid, a Master of Physics Education student at UNY admitted that she learned a lot, "Participating in this international seminar gave a strong positive impression because we had the opportunity to communicate with scholars who are so enthusiastic in the world of education," she explained.

In addition to getting 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 that once functioned as a church, mosque, museum, and is now back to being a mosque. No less interesting, the beauty of Cappadocia in Göreme is so pleasing to the eye, and being able to walk through the narrow alleys in the Özkonak underground city, made me amazed at the power and creativity of past civilizations. This trip was very valuable for us, not only broadening academic and cultural insights, but also enriching the human values ​​in me," he said enthusiastically.

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

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

Writer

Aris Kurniawan