UNDIP, Semarang (April 24) – The Faculty of Science and Mathematics at Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP) held a Studium Generale titled “Liposomes and Their Role in the Cosmetics Industry” at the Acintya Prasada Building, 6th Floor. The event discussed opportunities for collaboration in the production of modern cosmetics made from natural, safe ingredients for the public.
The event featured two keynote speakers they are Drs. Maruap Siahaan, M.B.A. (President Director of PT St. Morita Farma) and Prof. Dr. Dwi Hudiyanti, M.Sc. (Lecturer of the Department of Chemistry UNDIP). The session was moderated by Prof. Dr. Parsaoraan Siahaan, M.S., and attended by Vice Dean I of the Faculty of Science and Mathematics UNDIP, lecturers, and undergraduate and graduate chemistry students.
In his opening remarks, the Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs at the Faculty of Science and Mathematics UNDIP, Dr. Ngadiwiyana, S.Si., M.Si., emphasized the importance of collaboration with industry to address increasingly complex technological challenges, which demand broader perspectives and knowledge. Therefore, the Faculty of Science and Mathematics UNDIP is open to wide-ranging partnerships with both domestic and international industries to foster a competitive research environment at Universitas Diponegoro.
During the Studium Generale, Prof. Dr. Dwi Hudiyanti explained the concept of liposomes from a chemical perspective. Liposomes are phospholipid-based delivery systems for active ingredients. They offer advantages such as being non-toxic, biodegradable, and biocompatible, making them highly suitable for applications in modern cosmetics.
Several active compounds that can be developed using liposome technology include curcumin, vitamin C, and other natural substances. Prof. Dwi also encouraged the continued development of university research in collaboration with industry partners.
Meanwhile, Drs. Maruap Siahaan highlighted the importance of a solid research foundation to enhance product competitiveness in the cosmetics industry. He also stressed the value of honesty in business and the vast potential of nature-based cosmetic products in the future.
He was joined by Desi Puspaningrum, R&D Manager of PT St. Morita Farma, who explained that modern cosmetics are not only about aesthetics but also serve therapeutic functions. Natural liposome-based products currently under development at PT St. Morita Farma—such as Skinoasis and Euterria—are the results of various collaborations. The role of the Faculty of Science and Mathematics UNDIP in developing these products is expected to strengthen the synergy between academia and industry.
The session featured an engaging discussion, with enthusiastic participation from students, including questions about how liposomes interact with the stratum corneum of the skin and the long-term safety of encapsulation technologies. The event served as a collaborative platform to enhance academic-industry synergy and foster further innovation in applied chemistry, particularly in cosmetics.
As a concrete follow-up to this collaboration, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Universitas Diponegoro and PT St. Morita Farma was signed on the same day at the UNDIP Rectorate Building.
UNDIP Rector, Prof. Dr. Suharnomo, S.E., M.Si., expressed full support for the partnership and emphasized the importance of mastering strategic technologies. “Hopefully, this collaboration will continue and bring broad benefits—not only in cosmetics but in other fields as well. This support is a real example of research downstream and a source of national pride when a university can directly contribute to society and industry,” he stated.
Maruap Siahaan also reiterated the importance of a strong research foundation in creating competitive products. He shared that PT St. Morita Farma continues to innovate by utilizing natural resources from across the archipelago and formulating them into premium products—one of which is Euterria. In this product, Prof. Dwi’s liposome formulation will be applied and tested for consistency as an active ingredient to enhance its effectiveness in collaboration with the Faculty of Science and Mathematics UNDIP.
This event stands as concrete proof that collaboration between academia and industry can generate innovation and practical solutions, particularly in applied chemistry and cosmetics, contributing to the advancement of science and national development.