UNDIP, Semarang (August 21, 2025) – The Institute for Research and Community Service (LPPM) at Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) has launched a new platform titled UNDIP Talk Series as a forum for academic dialogue among the university’s academic community. The inaugural episode, UNDIP Talk Series #1, carried the theme “Becoming a Productive Researcher” and was held at the UNDIP ICT Building on Thursday, August 21, 2025, from 08:00 to 11:00 WIB. The talk show gathered lecturers from various faculties and schools within UNDIP and featured three researchers as speakers: Prof. Dr. Ir. Jamari, S.T., M.T., IPU., ASEAN.Eng. (Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, UNDIP); Prof. Dr. W. J. (Ward) Berenschot (Researcher, University of Amsterdam); and Prof. Dian Ratna Sawitri, S.Psi., M.Si, Ph.D. (Dean of the Faculty of Psychology, UNDIP).
UNDIP Rector Prof. Dr. Suharnomo, S.E., M.Si. welcomed the initiative, stating that this kind of forum aligns well with the university’s tagline: “Noble and Valuable UNDIP,” aimed at benefiting both the academic community and the broader public. The initiative has also received strong support from the Jawa Tengah Provincial Government.
“UNDIP is targeting 3,000 publications in 2025. Let’s change the culture and make citing fellow lecturers a habit. We will reward those who are active in citation,” said Prof. Suharnomo. He emphasized that research and intellectual property (IP) patents can bridge the gap between academia and industry by responding to current societal and industrial needs.
He continued, “Let’s begin writing—especially young researchers. Motivation comes from within. The university provides the space and facilities; the drive to pursue research must come from within the academic community. Our goal is for each lecturer to contribute at least two publications.”
Wijayanto, S.I.P., M.Si., Ph.D., UNDIP’s Vice-Rector for Research, Innovation, Collaboration, and Public Communication, introduced the UNDIP Talk Series as a new platform to motivate lecturers to publish. “Publications also support UNDIP’s aspiration to become a World-Class University (WCU). So, let’s embrace writing with enthusiasm—let’s write to think and to change the world,” he said.
Quoting Ernest Hemingway’s “A Moveable Feast,” the Vice-Rector highlighted the importance of routine and joy in writing: “When I am working on a book or a story, I write every morning as soon after first light as possible. There is no one to disturb you, and it is cool or cold, and you come to your work and warm as you write.” Writing, he noted, should become a habit that brings intrinsic satisfaction.
Prof. Dr. Ir. Hadiyanto, S.T., M.Sc., IPU., UNDIP’s Director of Reputation, Partnerships, and Global Connectivity, explained that UNDIP is currently in Phase VI of its World-Class University (WCU) strengthening program (2025–2029). “Publications and citations play a critical role in global rankings: THE WUR (60%), QS WUR (25%), QS AUR (25%). UNDIP lecturers’ citation numbers still need improvement. Scholars can use the UNDIP Scholar platform to manage citations,” he added.
The Directorate has also launched THE IMPACT Programs, encompassing four areas: Research, Community Engagement, International Mobilization, and Incentives—all aimed at increasing faculty publications.
In a report titled “Strategies to Increase Faculty Publication Productivity,” Chairman of LPPM UNDIP, Prof. Dr.-Ing. Ir. Suherman, S.T., M.T. outlined several key initiatives. “We are launching Regular and Thematic Writing Clinics, an UNDIP Writing Camp in Jepara Regency for young lecturers, and socialization of AI tools such as Paperpal Preflight and Scispace—all while upholding the core values of publication. Through these initiatives, we hope to boost UNDIP’s total publication output this year,” he said.
During the talk show segment, moderated by UNDIP lecturer Dr. Chely Novia Bramiana, the three speakers engaged in an open and insightful discussion. All agreed that a productive writing habit starts with morning motivation. Prof. Ward Berenschot shared, “Just sit down and start writing while you’re still focused. There will be times when you’re highly concentrated—and other times when you’re not—and that’s part of the process.”
Prof. Dian Ratna Sawitri offered a perspective as a woman researcher. “Academia gives us the chance to learn, connect with broader communities, and sharpen problem-solving skills. I encourage young researchers to conduct meaningful research and consider what they can contribute within their faculties,” she said.
Prof. Jamari, recognized among the top 2% of global researchers with 500 citations, emphasized, “Start by believing you can conduct research well despite your other duties. As lecturers, we teach based on the research we have conducted. That’s how we lead a meaningful academic life.”
He also noted that once you start writing, it becomes difficult to stop midway. Agreeing, Prof. Sawitri stressed the importance of a supportive environment for research. Prof. Ward added, “Find professors who share your vision and support your work. Avoid the cultural hesitation to reach out.”
As the event concluded, young lecturers were also encouraged to utilize social media to stay current with emerging trends. The hope is that this event provides new insights to help boost UNDIP’s publication efforts and strengthen its journey toward becoming a World-Class University. (Public Communication/ UNDIP/ Titis)
