The 36th National Student Scientific Week (PIMNAS) 2023, held at Padjajaran University, has officially commenced.
Dr. Tatang Muttaqin, an expert staff member to the Minister of Education and Culture for Talent Management and the Rector of Padjajaran University, Professor Rina Indiastuti, officiated the ceremony.
University leaders’ performance of traditional Sundanese musical instruments and angklung marked the opening.
This edition of PIMNAS sees the participation of 525 student research groups from 106 universities. This is obtained from 5,102 research proposals funded for the Student Creativity Program.
“I see the enthusiasm of this year’s PIMNAS. The students here are scientists with talents in many areas,” Dr. Muttaqin said at the Padjajaran University courtyard on Monday (November 27).
One crucial aspect of organizing PIMNAS is talent development through a fair and credible selection system and mechanism. Hence, he expressed gratitude to the 77 judges involved.
“The number is extraordinary. Hopefully, we can get the best talent candidates from this PIMNAS edition. Even if you do not win medals, your names are already in the national talent management information system,” he said.
The Rector of Padjajaran University, Professor Rina Indiastuti, hopes the 2023 PIMNAS will run smoothly and successfully. She thanked all parties who contributed to the event, including the delegations.
“Hopefully, everyone can turn this competition into an event to befriend each other,” said Professor Indiastuti.
She also hopes that this camaraderie doesn’t end with PIMNAS and that their connections will remain in the future. Her university will learn much from all the scientific works exhibited and presented at this year’s competition.
“Hopefully, with a strong connection with fellow participants and excellent scientific work you have, you will become highly talented human resources and future leaders of Indonesia,” said Professor Indiastuti.
Professor Arief Sjamsulaksan Kartasasmita, MD, as the committee chair, added that the 36th PIMNAS, held for five days from November 26 to 30, 2023, began with a friendly gathering and a meeting of the judges.
In addition to the main poster presentation event, PIMNAS was also enlivened by other extra activities. These include a technology exhibition involving 44 participants and a talent summit.
“The participants are around 2,719 with 524 accompanying lecturers and 117 officials,” he explained.
Dr. Sindung Tjahyadi, the UGM Director of Student Affairs, expressed readiness to compete in this year’s PIMNAS.
Besides preparing a post at Padjajaran University to facilitate the mobilization of students during the competition, UGM also prepared vehicles for its students.
“Because in competitions, we have to move between rooms or buildings. The post serves as a transit point before the competition. If we have to go from our inn, it is too far,” Dr. Tjahyadi explained.
He said the UGM team also prepared emergency medicines and arranged for a psychologist and a medical team.
“We have prepared quite a few medicines. We are fortunate because several accompanying lecturers are also doctors. They can help monitor the health of students and the team,” he added.
Author: Agung Nugroho