Yogyakarta — Two students from the 2024 Odd Semester cohort of the Master’s Program in Physics, Department of Physics, FMIPA Universitas Gadjah Mada—Rafiqa Wulandani and Rafli Fandu Ramadhani—participated in the Sakura Science Exchange Program held at Mie University, Japan, from 2–4 December 2025.
This program is an international exchange initiative fully supported by the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST) to strengthen research capacity and global collaboration.
This opportunity was made possible through a long-standing research partnership between Prof. Edi Suharyadi (ES-Club Research Group, Physics UGM) and Prof. Kohji Nakamura (Graduate School of Engineering, Mie University), particularly in the fields of functional materials, nanostructures, and Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) sensors. Participants were selected internally through the ES-Club research group based on research focus and future collaboration potential.
This year’s program carried the theme:
“First-principles materials design training program for the development of energy-conversion materials.”
Throughout the program, participants received advanced computational training, including the installation of scientific tools and software (conda, gfortran, FLAPW), an introduction to first-principles calculations, and simulations of materials such as Si-diamond and CsPbX₃ (X = I, Br, Cl) perovskites. Participants were also given the opportunity to perform demonstration calculations on their own research materials, including ongoing experimental SPR projects conducted by UGM students.
Beyond academic activities, the program included an industrial visit to Hikari-Kikai Seisakusyo Co. Ltd., as well as cultural exchange activities through visits to Okage-Yokocyo Street and Ise Grand Shrine, one of the oldest spiritual sites in Japan. Interaction with students from Japan, Indonesia (UGM & ITB), Morocco (UMI), and Senegal (UGB) further expanded their international scientific network.
For Rafiqa, the experience provided valuable insights into the integration of experimental and theoretical approaches.
“As my first visit to Japan, I was deeply impressed by the well-organized environment, disciplined work culture, and the warm and supportive academic atmosphere—even in the winter chill. Coming from a predominantly experimental background, computational materials science once felt foreign to me. Through this program, I gained a clearer understanding of how modeling and simulation can be used to design and predict material properties, while also seeing firsthand how cross-country teamwork enriches the research process. I am very grateful to JST, Mie University, and UGM for the opportunity to be part of the Sakura Science Program,” she said.
Similarly, Rafli expressed his appreciation for the opportunity.
“This was an extraordinary experience. It was my first time visiting Japan, and we learned a lot, made new friends, and felt the warmth of everyone despite the winter season. The program broadened my perspective on computational materials and highlighted the importance of international research collaboration. I am especially thankful to Prof. Edi and Prof. Nakamura for this opportunity, and I hope to return someday,” he shared.
The program concluded with short group presentations, collaborative discussions, and the awarding of official certificates from JST as acknowledgement of program completion.
Through their participation, Rafiqa and Rafli hope that more students from the Department of Physics UGM will engage in international research collaborations to strengthen global competitiveness in science and technology.
