On December 8–10, 2025, Rich Mikhael (Physics 2021) successfully achieved 2nd Place in the ALMI Thesis Awards 2025, held in Makassar. The Indonesian Young Academy of Sciences (ALMI) is an organization for young Indonesian scientists established in 2015 under the Indonesian Academy of Sciences (AIPI). ALMI was officially founded by a decree of the President of the Republic of Indonesia. The organization’s main mission is to promote science as a driving force for national progress, public policy formulation, and solutions to global challenges.
In 2025, ALMI once again organized the Thesis Award as part of its contribution toward the vision of Indonesia Emas 2045. This competition serves as a form of appreciation for scientific work produced by undergraduate students or recent graduates from universities across Indonesia. Participants in the competition are grouped into five main fields: Natural Sciences, Social Sciences and Humanities, Health, Education, and Engineering.
The total number of applicants this year reached 209. Based on the document screening process, the number was narrowed down to 26 finalists. These finalists were then required to deliver presentations and undergo interviews or Q&A sessions via Zoom. From this stage, the selection was further narrowed to 15 grand finalists (three from each field), who were invited by ALMI to compete once more through a two-minute research pitch during the 2025 Indonesian Young Scientists Congress (KIMI) to determine the final winners in each category. This year, the grand final was held in Makassar, with Hasanuddin University (UNHAS) serving as the host.
In this competition, the 2021 Physics alumnus, Rich Mikhael, gained a valuable opportunity not only marking his first time setting foot in Makassar and experiencing a new cultural environment in Indonesia, but also engaging with young scientists who excel in their respective fields. The congress also encouraged discussions on various challenges related to research in Indonesia, including ethics and inclusive research practices. In addition, Rich met participants from universities across Indonesia, each presenting innovative and inspiring research topics.
This competition made me truly grateful, as I had the opportunity to be awarded Second Best Winner in the field of Natural Sciences. Beyond improving my ability to communicate my research findings, the competition also gave me the chance to introduce the Physics Department and UNPAR on a national stage.
Once again, congratulations to Rich Mikhael for his outstanding achievement. May this accomplishment serve as a strong first step toward even greater contributions to the advancement of phys