Make a Brilliant Career by Becoming a Researcher

The younger generation needs to be given insight into promising careers in the future, one of which is in the world of research.

KOMPAS/ESTER LINCE NAPITUPULU

A number of accomplished female researchers who received the L'Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science award discussed the potential and challenges faced by female researchers in commemoration of National Awakening Day in Jakarta on Wednesday, May 22, 2024.

The world of research is not a "dry" world as many people imagine. Opportunities to have a brilliant career are also open to those who choose work as researchers.

Kompas 's data journalism report shows how generation Z is finding it increasingly difficult to get jobs in the formal sector. The transition of the world of work from labor intensive to capital intensive requires high competence. Mastery in the fields of science, technology, engineering or engineering, and mathematics aka STEM is believed to be one of the advantages for being able to be seen in the world of work or working independently by prioritizing innovation.

The increasingly complex world situation requires contributions from diligent and disciplined thinkers and problem solvers who utilize STEM. Having a high curiosity and a desire to find answers or solutions often motivates researchers to delve into the world of research.

Pietradewi Hartrianti, the winner of the L'Oreal-UNESCO For Women in Science (FWIS) award in 2023, initially chose to study pharmacy in search of a cure for her autoimmune disease. Her curiosity about finding the right medication to address autoimmune diseases and cancer led her to delve into biomaterial during her doctoral studies.

Also read: Overcoming Gen Z Unemployment

"My research always goes into medical materials because I am still curious about finding answers to be able to treat my own illnesses," said Pietra, who is also the Dean of the School of Life Science at the Indonesia International Institute for Life Science when sharing stories at a media gathering entitled Beauty That Moves: Women in Science which was held by L'Oreal Indonesia in Jakarta, Wednesday (22/5/2024).

Pietra utilizes advances in digital technology for her medical materials research. He also uses 3D printing technology for bioprinting in making human organ or skin tissue material to test drug research that is being tested, such as cancer.

Interesting career

According to Pietra, a career as a researcher is attractive. Especially now, it is becoming easier for researchers to collaborate, for example by utilizing social media platforms like LinkedIn to network with other researchers and research institutions both domestically and internationally. She is seeking researchers who are willing to collaborate in discovering effective treatments for cancer and autoimmune diseases.

FWIS alumna, Noryawati Mulyono, said that she was inspired by the statement that women can also do useful things and leave a legacy. This is what encouraged Nory to study the field of research and development (R&D) in private companies and as a lecturer.

The issue of sustainability is of interest, especially in addressing the serious problem of plastic waste in Indonesia. He or she is conducting research on bioplastics to find a plastic product that does not pose a threat to the environment.

Finally, seaweed became the main material of choice for him to develop. Nory challenged himself to not only be a researcher, but also to have his own company.

"I became an entrepreneur so that the results of research can be utilized. I see that in Jakarta, the problem of flooding is caused by waste, especially plastic waste. By building a team, I can be both an academic and an entrepreneur," said Nory.

Also read: Young Talents in STEM Fields are Increasingly Needed

FERGANATA INDRA RIATMOKO

A CNC machine to support student product manufacturing was showcased at the STEM Expo event at Technopark Building of SMK Negeri 2 Salatiga, Salatiga City, Central Java, on Wednesday (11/13/2019). Various student and teacher research products produced through the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) teaching method, or the combination of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, were presented.

The world of research is fascinating for Nory. Even at home, Nory has a laboratory to continue his research at campus during nights or holidays.

Through her company Biopac.id, Nory not only commercializes her research but also empowers coastal communities to live more prosperous lives and avoid becoming victims of human trafficking.

For Bandung Institute of Technology Professor Fenny Martha Dwivany, being a researcher is a sexy career choice. Fenny, who is known for her research on slowing banana ripening, is trying to develop a way to send bananas into space as part of a space biology study.

According to Fenny, researchers currently have more opportunities to get funding from everywhere. Researchers also have the opportunity to take part in various training and education to enhance theirpersonal skills.

"There are also researcher friends who become influencers in their fields to introduce their research and knowledge. Young people do need to be introduced (to research) so they can imagine whether they want to become researchers or not," said Fenny.

Senior researcher, Ines Atmosukarto, admitted that to attract young people's interest in entering the world of research, it must start with how to make science interesting and fun. In this current era, research opportunities with digitalization and big data canmake the world of research even more interesting.

"We have to help so that young people don't just want instant (things). It is the job of teachers and lecturers to ensure that the world of research is much more developed than it was 20 years ago. "Now people must be able to collaborate across disciplines so that research becomes more interesting and usable," said Ines, who also works as a researcher, academic and leader of a research company in Australia.

Meanwhile, scientist who is also on the L'Oreal-UNESCO FWIS Jury, Prof Herawati Sudoyo, said that current researchers should not only think about themselves, but also the next generation of researchers. "The new generation, generation Z and generation Alpha, must be given understanding and insight so that they are interested. With digital developments, many STEM sciences are not dry. "Researchers must also be able to display this in the digital world so that they are interested," said Herawati.

Furthermore, Herawati said, studying STEM really requires passion, and now it has been proven how STEM knowledge can be relied on for career and life. Even though respect for researchers is still low, awareness to reach young people choosing a career as researchers must be taken seriously. One of these commitments is carried out by L'Oreal Indonesia, which has been looking for the potential of young female researchers in Indonesia for 20 years.

"We must actively pursue and engage the younger generation to continue to participate in research. From the results of research, the world of research also has entrepreneurial prospects to open up job opportunities," said Herawati.

Chief of Corporate Affairs, Engagement and Sustainability of L'Oréal Indonesia, Melanie Masriel, stated that research that leads to innovation is needed in the business world to support productivity. Throughout its 115 years of journey in innovation, the development of science has always been one of L'Oréal's main focuses.

Globally, L'Oreal has more than 4,000 researchers who have successfully produced 610 patents only in 2023. "And what makes this even more special is that more than half, or 54 percent, of these patents were generated by female researchers. We continue to support the progress of women working in the field of science and technology," said Melanie.