BANDA ACEH, The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) at Universitas Syiah Kuala (USK) has entered a new chapter of leadership following the inauguration of Prof. Dr. rer.nat. Ilham Maulana, S.Si., as Dean of FMIPA USK for the 2026–2031 term.
The oath-taking and inauguration ceremony was held on Monday, July 13, 2026, with the Rector of Universitas Syiah Kuala, Prof. Dr. Mirza Tabrani, S.E., M.B.A., D.B.A., officially inaugurating Prof. Ilham Maulana to lead FMIPA USK for the next five years. His appointment marks a new phase in the faculty’s ongoing efforts to strengthen academic excellence, research, innovation, and institutional development.
Prof. Ilham Maulana is a faculty member of the Chemistry Study Program, FMIPA USK, with academic expertise in Inorganic Chemistry and Inorganic Chemical Synthesis. His appointment as Dean reflects the university’s confidence in his academic experience, scientific expertise, and leadership capacity to guide FMIPA USK in responding to the evolving challenges of higher education.
Prior to assuming his new leadership role, Prof. Ilham Maulana achieved an important milestone in his academic career through his appointment as a professor. His scientific inaugural lecture, entitled “Strength at the Nano Scale: Small Copper, Big Impact,” highlighted his expertise and research interests in the field of inorganic chemistry, particularly the development and potential applications of copper-based materials at the nanoscale.
As Dean, Prof. Ilham Maulana is expected to bring new perspectives and innovative strategies to the continued development of FMIPA USK. His leadership comes at a time when higher education institutions are increasingly challenged to adapt to rapid developments in science and technology, digital transformation, global competition, and the growing demand for graduates with strong scientific and professional competencies.
Under his leadership, FMIPA USK is expected to further strengthen the quality and impact of research while fostering an academic environment that encourages innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration. Strengthening graduate quality and competitiveness will also remain an important aspect of the faculty’s development, particularly in preparing students to contribute effectively to both national and international scientific communities.
Another important direction is the expansion of collaboration with industry, research institutions, government agencies, and international universities. Such partnerships are expected to create broader opportunities for research collaboration, knowledge exchange, innovation, student development, and the practical application of scientific knowledge to address real-world challenges.
The new leadership also provides strategic momentum for FMIPA USK to further strengthen its position as a center of excellence in fundamental and applied sciences. With strong collaboration among lecturers, researchers, staff, students, alumni, and external partners, the faculty is expected to continue building on its achievements while pursuing new opportunities for academic and institutional advancement.
The leadership transition from the previous dean, Prof. Dr. Taufik Fuadi Abidin, S.Si., M.Tech., marks a continuation of FMIPA USK’s institutional journey while opening opportunities for new initiatives and innovations under Prof. Ilham Maulana’s leadership.
With his academic background, scientific expertise, and experience in higher education, Prof. Ilham Maulana is expected to lead FMIPA USK toward greater achievements and broader impact. His five-year tenure is anticipated to strengthen the faculty’s contribution to the advancement of science and technology, enhance the quality of its academic community, and reinforce FMIPA USK’s role in addressing the needs of society.
The entire academic community of FMIPA USK extends its congratulations and best wishes to Prof. Dr. rer.nat. Ilham Maulana, S.Si. on his inauguration as Dean for the 2026–2031 term, with the hope that his leadership will bring continued progress, innovation, and excellence to FMIPA USK and Universitas Syiah Kuala.
