The Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universitas Airlangga (UNAIR) has long been a prominent contributor in the field of research. This reputation is well-deserved as the department overseeing both Bachelor’s and Master’s programs in Chemistry successfully published 62 Scopus-indexed journal papers in 2020 alone.

Several notable products have emerged under the auspices of the Chemistry Department. These include Excelzyme, a product used as fertilizer, catalyst, and animal feed initiated by Prof. Dr. Niyoman Tri Puspaningsih, M.Si; seaweed capsule products developed by Prof. Dr. Pratiwi Pudjiastuti and Siti Wafiroh, M.Si; essential oil processing products led by Dr. Alfinda Novi Kristanti; and metal and organic molecule sensor kits by Dr. rer. nat Ganden Supriyanto.

Mochamad Zakki Fahmi, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D., the Head of the Department, highlighted in an interview with UNAIR NEWS that these products serve as the foundation for research and teaching institutions at UNAIR, such as the Center of Excellence in Molecular Engineering of Biomolecules and the Teaching Industry Factory for Seaweed Capsules.

“The evolving research conducted in the Chemistry Department aims to produce quality results while maintaining excellence in both quantity and impact. The faculty members have played an active role in advancing the research climate within FST,” Zakki emphasized, following his inauguration in early December 2020.

In the academic realm, Zakki mentioned that the Chemistry Department’s curriculum is aligned with the developments in science and technology to nurture academically productive, innovative, and morally grounded individuals. The curriculum system is also evolving gradually from teacher-based learning to student/project-based learning models.