UPT Integrated Research Laboratory of Universitas Brawijaya (LRT UB) once again held a research strengthening activity entitled LRT Building Knowledge Series #2, Tuesday-Wednesday (6-7/5/2025). The activity, which carried the theme “The Role of Scanning Electron Microscope in Life Science Research”, took place in the Auditorium on the 4th Floor of the Techno Entrepreneurship Lab Building, and the LRT UB Building for the second day. This workshop was attended by dozens of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral students, as well as lecturers from various fields, especially those working in the field of life science.
Head of UPT LRT, Dr. Yuni Kilawati, S.Pi., M.Si., said that the main objective of this activity was to introduce and train basic skills in biological sample preparation for SEM, which is now an important instrument in materials, biology, and engineering research.
“Mastery in microscopy technology such as SEM is crucial in supporting research in the fields of life science, material science and nanotechnology. This workshop is the first step to open access and practical understanding for researchers, especially at UB,” said Yuni.
The workshop included a session on material presentation and hands-on practice using the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), a sophisticated tool for producing high-resolution images or pictures in observing microorganisms. Participants were directly assisted in the entire process, from sample preparation to observation using SEM.
Present as a speaker, Oktiyas Muzaky Luthfi, S.T., M.Sc., Ph.D., a lecturer at the Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences. He emphasized the importance of mastering SEM for students and researchers, especially in supporting the quality of research and reputable scientific publications.
“To be able to compete internationally, we need to use cutting-edge technology such as SEM. UB already has the equipment, and this must be utilized optimally,” he said.
Oktiyas also shared his experience using SEM during his doctoral studies in Poland.
“My research does use SEM a lot, especially for observing diatoms, microalgae that are widely found in Indonesia. I see this as a form of scientific contribution. As a lecturer, I feel responsible for sharing my research experience,” he said.
SEM activity coordinator and Laboratory Assistant, Anggi Suci Febriani, S.Si said that this workshop was part of LRT’s efforts to expand the use of SEM by UB academics.
“SEM training is part of our program to introduce this tool more widely to students and lecturers. SEM requires special preparation techniques, especially for biological samples. Therefore, we provide a hands-on session so that participants can directly practice using it,” said Anggi.
Anggi explained that SEM has long been available at UB and has been published more actively under LRT management.
“Usually the tool is only operated by analysts. This is a very valuable experience, especially for those who want to use SEM directly for publication or final project research,” she added.
The participants showed high enthusiasm in the practical activities by discussing their research cases and samples with speaker and analysts.
Anggi hopes that this activity can be carried out routinely and reach more fields.
“LRT UB opens laboratory services for UB academics with a structured mentoring system. This workshop is part of the education program and internal research capacity building. We will continue this program with other training series, in the form of ongoing workshops. The goal is that the high-tech tools that we have can be used optimally to support research at UB,” concluded Anggi.
Through this activity, LRT UB not only strengthens UB’s position as a research-based campus, but also provides a space for interdisciplinary collaboration in exploring the potential for advanced technology-based research.
Further information regarding LRT UB can be accessed on the lrt.ub.ac.id page or Instagram social media @lrt_ub. [MEL/MIT/UB PR/ Trans. Iir]
