Seven students of the Physics Study Program, FMIPA, Semarang State University (UNNES) had the opportunity to participate in Material Coating Training for Sensor Applications at the Physics Laboratory of Brawijaya University (UB), Malang, on October 6, 2025. They are Nishfa Mufatihah (Master of Physics), Dendy Randa (Bachelor of Physics), Mila Fitriana (Bachelor of Physics), Tamara Rizky Senda (Bachelor of Physics), Vio Gustian Nur Alamsyah (Bachelor of Physics), Hazlinda Dian Pertiwi (Bachelor of Physics), and Nur Habibah (Bachelor of Physics), who are students supervised by Dr. Ian Yulianti, M.Eng., a lecturer in Physics, FMIPA UNNES. This training is part of the implementation of collaboration between Physics, FMIPA UNNES and the BRIN Photonics Research Center in the research of Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) Optical Sensors for Gelatin Identification, which is chaired by Dr. Ian Yulianti, M.Eng. (Physics, UNNES) and Dr. Wildan Panji Tresna, M.T. (BRIN).
The intensive one-day training featured expert speakers Prof. Dr. Eng. Masruroh, M.Sc. from Brawijaya University, as well as two researchers from the BRIN Photonics Research Center: Dr. Lia Aprilia, M.T. and Prof. Dr. Isnaeni, M.Sc. The material presented covered the theory and practice of thin-film coating techniques using sputtering and sol-gel methods, which are widely used in the development of optical sensors, gas sensors, and environmental sensors. Students had the opportunity to directly practice the material deposition process and characterize the coatings using a UV-Vis Spectrophotometer and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) to study the relationship between the structure, composition, and performance of the resulting materials.
Supervisor Dr. Ian Yulianti, M.Eng., stated that the training provided significant benefits for her students. “This activity is highly relevant to their final project research topic. Students not only understand theoretical concepts but also directly practice coating processes and material analysis using research-standard equipment. This experience builds their confidence and prepares them to pursue further research in sensor materials,” she said. She added that the collaborative activity with Brawijaya University and BRIN is an important tool for broadening students’ horizons in real-world research practices.
The Coordinator of the Physics Study Program at the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, UNNES, Prof. Dr. Masturi, M.Si., also expressed her appreciation for the training. “This activity demonstrates how higher education can bridge theory and practice through experiential research-based learning. Collaboration with universities and national research institutions like BRIN is a strategic step to strengthen student competencies and promote the relevance of research results to the needs of industry and society,” explained Prof. Masturi. He emphasized that such activities align with the development direction of the Independent Learning Independent Campus (MBKM) curriculum, while also supporting efforts to achieve quality education (SDG 4) and partnerships for shared goals (SDG 17).
