JOGJA (KU) – Lecturer of Physics Department, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Dr. Yusril Yusuf, is one of the representatives of young Indonesian researchers in the 60th Lindau Nobel Laurate Meeting held in Germany from June 27 to July 2. The prestigious meeting will be attended by 60 Nobel Prize winners and 670 young researchers from all over the world. The man born in Pekanbaru, Riau, September 20, 1971, is one of the two representatives of Indonesian researchers invited to the meeting. Another researcher is Dr. Toni Agus Setiono Kurniawan, who works at research institute in Finland.
To reporters on Friday (18/6), Yusril said that his participation in the meeting was the selection result of the meeting committee. From 12 researchers recommended by AUN (ASEAN University Network) to the selection committee, only 10 persons have been invited.
The scientific meeting this time invites the researchers in the field of biological sciences, chemistry, and physics. Yusril’s research is more on applied physics. In the past 10 years, he has researched materials to replace artificial muscles. "We succeeded in producing the material to replace artificial muscles in robots. We found the method how the material can contract and relax when electrified," said the laureate of Glenn H. Nobel Grown Prize in Colorado, United States, back in 2006.
According to Yusril, his research result can be used not only for robots, but will also be applied to the human body, especially the disabled people. "This material is more responsive, durable, and inexpensive," Yusril explained, introducing the artificial muscle material called the Gatotkaca Arm. Although the result of his research has been recognized internationally, but he would not waste the opportunity to follow a scientific meeting. Not only exchanging information and knowledge with the Nobel laureates, Yusril also hopes to establish communication with other young researchers worldwide. This meeting is a platform for knowledge transfer from the Nobel Prize winners to young researchers to conduct research more eagerly. Nobel laureates, such as Peter Agre (Chemistry) and Zhores Alferov (Physics) will also attend the meeting. "My attendance in the meeting is not because I am the representative from UGM or Indonesia, but I want to improve the quality of research related to applied physics in Indonesia," said Yusril who has produced 10 international publications related to his research.
Meanwhile, Head of Office of International Affairs, Dr. Ir. Rachmat Sriwijaya, said that Yusril is the first of UGM researchers who is invited to the meeting. Therefore, Rachmat expected that Yusril can encourage other UGM young researchers to obtain equal opportunities in the future. "UGM should be proud to be able to send its best staff. This program will be the main attention of the University. After Mr. Yusril, hopefully, other UGM researchers will follow suit next year," he hoped.