Banda Aceh – Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK) officially inaugurated Prof. Dr. rer.nat. Ilham Maulana, S.Si., from the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), as a Professor in the field of Inorganic Chemical Synthesis during a formal academic ceremony held on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at the AAC Dayan Dawood Event Hall, Universitas Syiah Kuala.
The inauguration marked a significant milestone in Prof. Ilham Maulana’s academic career and reflected USK’s continued commitment to strengthening excellence in education, research, and innovation. His appointment further enriches the academic resources of FMIPA USK and reinforces the university’s role in advancing impactful scientific research at both national and international levels.
As part of the ceremony, Prof. Ilham delivered his inaugural professorial lecture titled “Strength in the Nanoscale: Small Copper, Big Impact.” In his oration, he highlighted the remarkable potential of copper-based nanomaterials and the advances in inorganic chemical synthesis that enable the development of functional materials with unique physicochemical properties. He emphasized that materials engineered at the nanoscale often exhibit characteristics that differ significantly from their bulk counterparts, creating opportunities for innovative applications in catalysis, environmental remediation, energy conversion, and advanced materials development.
The inaugural lecture underscored how small-scale innovations can generate substantial impacts across various sectors. Through his research, Prof. Ilham has contributed to expanding the understanding and utilization of copper-based nanomaterials, demonstrating their potential to address contemporary scientific and technological challenges while supporting sustainable development.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by distinguished guests and university leaders, including Chairman of the Board of Trustees Dr. Safrizal ZA, M.Si., USK Rector Prof. Dr. Mirza Tabrani, Chairman of the Academic Senate Prof. Dr. Ir. Abubakar, as well as members of the Regional Leadership Coordination Forum (Forkopimda) of Aceh and Banda Aceh. Professors, community leaders, students, and media representatives were also present to witness the occasion.
The presence of academic leaders, government officials, and members of the wider community reflected strong support for the advancement of higher education and scientific research at Universitas Syiah Kuala. The event also served as a platform to celebrate scholarly achievements and recognize the important contributions of researchers in addressing global challenges through science and innovation.
As a newly inaugurated professor, Prof. Ilham Maulana is expected to continue advancing research and innovation in inorganic chemical synthesis, particularly in the development of nanomaterials with broad scientific and industrial applications. His achievement stands as an inspiration for students and young researchers, demonstrating the value of perseverance, scientific curiosity, and academic excellence in generating knowledge that benefits society.
Through this inauguration, USK reaffirms its commitment to fostering a vibrant academic environment that supports groundbreaking research and the development of future scientific leaders capable of contributing to national progress and global scientific advancement.
