Tuesday, July 9, 2024, Universitas Brawijaya (UB) held an Open Session of the Academic Senate which took place at the UB Auditorium Building. This event was a historic moment in the careers of two prominent scientists from the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences.
The highlight of the event was the inauguration of the title of Professor of Dr. Ir. Dewa Gede Raka Wiadnya, M.Sc., as a professor in the field of Fish Resource Exploration Science. Dewa Gede Raka Wiadnya has contributed to the understanding and utilization of fish resources for community welfare and environmental sustainability.
In his presentation, Prof. Dr. Ir. Dewa Gede Raka Wiadnya, MSc., explained that the description of fish species through the morphological approach, osteo-staining, otolith, combined with DNA barcoding, is a comprehensive and convincing method in the process of identifying fish species. “In taking fish samples, we have assumptions about the species. By using the morphological approach, we first make assumptions about the species, then we do DNA analysis. Through this approach, we can complete some identifications, but also find that there are some similar or the same species. For that, we developed a chemical technique to expose the bone structure,” he explained.
In addition, Dr. Ir. Edi Susilo, MS., was also inaugurated as a professor in the field of Sociology of Fisheries. Edi Susilo is known as the initiator of various theories and research in the sociology of fisheries, which broadens the view of the relationship between humans, society, and marine resources. In his explanation, Prof. Dr. Ir. Edi Susilo, MS., outlined the concept of Progressive-Integrative Social Structure (S2PI), which aims to reduce poverty among Indonesian fishermen. According to him, although it is impossible to completely eradicate poverty in Indonesia, efforts need to be made to reduce it. One approach is to implement development that is truly oriented towards the needs of the people, because most current policies are more inclined towards government interests.
The presence of colleagues, students, and families is an important witness to their long intellectual journey and their dedication in maintaining scientific excellence in the field of fisheries. This Open Session is not only an award for their achievements, but also an inspiring momentum for future generations of scientists to continue to innovate and contribute to solving global challenges in the field of fisheries and marine affairs. [ALF]
