Representation of Women in Underrepresented Subjects: UPH Encourages Future Female Scientists through National Research Proposal Competition

TANGERANG, 2023 – In today’s rapidly advancing society, scientific innovation and technology play an increasingly vital role in addressing global challenges. As demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic, breakthroughs in scientific research are crucial for sustaining and improving human civilization. Recognizing this importance, Indonesia continues to strengthen its commitment to research and technology development by fostering greater interest in scientific inquiry among the younger generation. However, the underrepresentation of women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) remains a pressing issue. According to the LIPI database (2017), women accounted for only 35% of registered scientists in Indonesia, and less than 30% of STEM graduates are female.

To bridge this gap, Universitas Pelita Harapan (UPH) is taking proactive steps to inspire and empower young women to pursue careers in science and technology. Upholding its vision of excellence in education and innovation, UPH organized the first National Scientific Research Proposal Competition entitled “WOMEN EMPOWERMENT IN SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, AND INNOVATION“, held on September 5–6, 2023, as a platform to empower women’s interest and participation in STEM. The event aimed to cultivate research enthusiasm among high school and undergraduate female students, providing them with opportunities to develop and present innovative ideas in the fields of science and technology.

The competition was open to female students majoring in life sciences and senior high school students interested in research. Participants formed teams of up to three members and submitted proposals that showcased creativity and potential impact. Selected teams received up to IDR 6 million in research funding, with access to UPH’s research facilities under the guidance of local and international researchers. A total of IDR 12 million in research grants and IDR 20 million in scholarships were awarded to outstanding participants.

As part of the initiative, UPH hosted a series of inspiring seminars and workshops featuring distinguished female researchers. Among the notable speakers were Prof. Dr. C. Hanny Wijaya (Chairperson of the Indonesian Functional Food and Nutraceutical Activists Association), Dr. Zyta M. Ziora (Senior Research Officer, The University of Queensland), and Dr. Isabella Supardi (Post-doctoral Researcher, McGraw Lab, Weill Cornell Medicine College). These sessions aimed to highlight the critical contributions of women in science and to encourage students to pursue careers in research and innovation.

The event was organized by the Faculty of Science and Technology (FaST), Faculty of Health Sciences (FIKES), and Teachers College, Universitas Pelita Harapan, in collaboration with The University of Queensland and the International Association of Public Health Logisticians (IAPHL). This partnership reflects UPH’s ongoing efforts to foster international cooperation and create academic spaces where women can thrive as scientists, educators, and innovators.

Through this initiative, UPH reaffirms its dedication to promoting gender equality and advancing scientific research in Indonesia. By empowering the next generation of female scientists, UPH hopes to pave the way for a more inclusive and innovative future — one where women play an equal and essential role in shaping the scientific landscape of tomorrow.