Introducing Fitriyatul Qulub, a lecturer from the Biomedical Engineering Study Program at Universitas Airlangga. For her, the opportunity to study and conduct research in Japan has become one of the most significant milestones in her academic journey. Through the Double Degree program between Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) and the University of Tsukuba, Fitriyatul is not only delving into advanced research and technology but also gaining a profound understanding of how a research culture can shape one’s mindset and approach to innovation.

This journey is supported by the 2025 Doctoral Scholarship for Indonesian Lecturers (PDDI) from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia. This opportunity has provided her with a platform to interact with researchers from across the globe and witness firsthand how great ideas are born from the courage to persevere and the resilience to embrace failure as part of the process. The international research environment has taught Fitriyatul that innovation requires more than just intelligence; it demands the bravery to step out of one’s comfort zone.

Bridging Prestigious Institutions

In this program, Fitriyatul is pursuing her doctoral studies at the Materials Science and Engineering Doctoral Program, Faculty of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (FTMD) ITB, while concurrently enrolled in the Doctoral Program in Engineering Sciences, Subprogram in Materials Science and Engineering at the Graduate School of Science and Technology, University of Tsukuba. During her tenure in Japan, she is also conducting research at the National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), one of the world’s leading materials research institutions.

As a lecturer in Biomedical Engineering, Fitriyatul has a deep interest in developing functional biomaterials for healthcare applications. Her doctoral research focuses on the development of piezoelectric extracellular matrices—functional materials capable of converting mechanical energy into electrical energy. To her, research is not merely about generating data or publications; it is about how a material can unlock new possibilities for future technology and provide tangible benefits to human life.

The “Now or Never” Philosophy

Fitriyatul’s academic path in biomaterials has been shaped by the guidance of Dr. Arie Wibowo, who has mentored her since her master’s studies through to her doctoral program at ITB. From him, she learned the values of perseverance, consistency, and the importance of a resilient research mindset. Meanwhile, during her research in Japan, she is supervised by Prof. Mitsuhiro Ebara, who has provided fresh perspectives on innovation and functional material development. One of the laboratory philosophies that resonates most with her is “Now or Never”—the belief that an idea must be realized immediately to create a meaningful impact and benefit.

Through this Double Degree program, Fitriyatul hopes to strengthen research collaboration between Indonesia and Japan while bringing a new spirit of motivation to Indonesian students. She encourages them to keep dreaming, to be bold in their steps, and to believe that the work of Indonesian researchers can grow and compete on the global stage.

Student Profile

• Name: Fitriyatul Qulub

• Home Institution: Faculty of Science and Technology, Universitas Airlangga

• Student ID (NIM): 33725003

• Double Degree Program: PhD in Materials Science and Engineering (FTMD ITB) – Doctoral Program in Engineering Science, NIMS Cooperative Subprogram in Materials Science and Engineering (University of Tsukuba)

• Primary Supervisor (ITB): Arie Wibowo, S.Si., M.Si., Ph.D.

• Supervisor (University of Tsukuba): Prof. Mitsuhiro Ebara

• Research Topic: Piezoelectric Extracellular Matrix

• Double Degree Period: April 2026 – March 2028