Noor Fahima Wardaningrum, a Nuclear Engineering student at Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), was selected as the youngest speaker representing Indonesia at the International Conference on Advanced Radiation Oncology (ICARO-4), hosted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on June 2–5 in Vienna, Austria.
ICARO-4 is a prestigious scientific forum that brings together health professionals, scientists, and medical physicists from around the world to discuss the latest advancements in radiotherapy technology and the challenges associated with its implementation.
The conference was attended by representatives from 114 IAEA member countries and aims to support improved access to quality cancer care through innovation in radiotherapy.
In the Special Paper Discussion session held on June 2, Wardaningrum delivered a presentation as the youngest speaker, presenting her research titled “Urgency of Implementing Gamification in Microdosimetry Education for Proton Therapy in the Department of Nuclear Engineering and Engineering Physics, Universitas Gadjah Mada.”
The research was conducted in collaboration with her colleagues, Marchelino Chrisrichy Cosmo Hutama and Hanif Riadi.
“This research was conducted to evaluate the urgency of applying gamification in microdosimetry learning for Nuclear Engineering students at UGM, particularly in the medical physics concentration, to improve the capabilities of future medical physicists in Indonesia in studying proton therapy,” said Wardaningrum.
Wardaningrum’s presentation received widespread praise from delegates. Dr. Hany Ammar, a medical physics consultant from the Children’s Cancer Hospital, Egypt, said, “A very good and interesting presentation. It’s rare to see such a young undergraduate student speak like this. You should be proud.”
Similar praise was given by Professor Manjit Dosanjh, a medical physics expert from the University of Oxford, UK: “Your presentation was excellent and inspiring. It’s great to see the passion for learning from the younger generation.”
Delegates from countries including Qatar, India, Australia, Nigeria, Malaysia, and Canada also expressed appreciation. Support also came from Angela Giselvania, MD, a radiation oncology specialist at RSCM Jakarta, who expressed pride in UGM’s achievement, saying, “Still an undergraduate, yet selected as an oral presenter at an international forum. This is outstanding.”
The opportunity to speak at an international forum marked a valuable experience and a milestone for Noor Fahima to continue growing on a global scale. This achievement demonstrates that UGM Nuclear Engineering students are capable of competing and innovating on an international level.
Author: Rafif Rusmana
Post-editor: Kezia Dwina Nathania
Photographs: Noor Fahima Wardaningrum