A lecturer at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitas Gadjah Mada (Pharmacy UGM), Dr. Eka Noviana, has been recognized among the World’s Top 2% Scientists 2025, as released by Stanford University in September. As a young academic, she sees this recognition as motivation to continue conducting research and publishing impactful scientific works that benefit society.
Dr. Noviana shared that her inclusion in the world’s Top 2% list stemmed from her doctoral research in analytical chemistry at Colorado State University in the United States, where she developed a paper-based analytical detection method.
“Our research on detection methods using paper-based kits has received many citations. From there, we were able to make it into the Top 2% Scientists list,” she explained on Monday, Oct. 13, 2025.
Her research has inspired her to further explore methods for detecting harmful substances, including drugs and other chemical compounds.
At Pharmacy UGM Laboratory, she has conducted various tests to detect borax, prohibited textile dyes, and drug levels in the blood.
“This innovation allows direct testing without large instruments or electricity, just one drop of the sample, and we can detect and know the result,” she said.
In terms of chemical waste, Dr. Noviana noted that the method is not only efficient but also environmentally friendly.
With minimal sample volume and reduced chemical waste, the device is easy to use in the field due to its biodegradable materials.
This innovation is particularly valuable for Indonesia, an archipelagic country where not all regions have access to laboratories or electricity.
Drawing on her academic experiences in Indonesia and abroad, Dr. Noviana acknowledged that conducting research in Indonesia presents significant challenges, particularly in terms of funding and access to laboratory instruments.
However, she believes that such limitations can spark creative solutions.
“We develop using simple tools, but even with that, this research can still make an impact and benefit the community,” she expressed with optimism.
At the end of the interview, Dr. Noviana encouraged younger generations not to hesitate in pursuing a career in science.
She emphasized that science is fascinating because it helps solve real-world problems using knowledge and technology.
She also highlighted the importance of identifying one’s interests early when choosing a field of study.
“To avoid choosing the wrong major, first understand what you truly enjoy. Ask people you trust to gain a clearer perspective,” she advised.
Author: Hanifah
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Lintang Andwyna