"“Being recognized in the 2025 World’s Top 2% Scientists list by Stanford University is something I am deeply grateful for, as it means our work is being read and referenced. What we must do next is to continue contributing and educating the younger generation to advance global scientific development,” said Prof. drg. Ika Dewi Ana, M.Kes., Ph.D.
According to Prof. Ika, consistency is the key. One should not shift too frequently between research topics simply out of curiosity. A research direction should be explored deeply and continuously, supported by extensive reading and active communication with fellow scientists—locally, nationally, and internationally. “If we persist in studying our field, we will inevitably encounter new problems that need to be solved,” she added.
Throughout her research journey, Prof. Ika has never felt discouraged. When faced with challenges, she approaches them with careful problem-solving. If certain equipment is unavailable at her institution, she seeks collaboration with other research facilities that can provide access. She offers several recommendations for policymakers to strengthen Indonesia’s research ecosystem:
- Develop integrated scholarship and research funding systems. Indonesia already has the PMDSU Program (Master’s to Doctoral for Outstanding Undergraduates), whose quota should be expanded so that more talented young scholars may be trained by strong Indonesian researchers.
- Reinstate routine sabbatical leave programs for Indonesian researchers every 4–5 years, allowing them to conduct research, teach, or produce high-quality publications at partner institutions abroad.
- Improve welfare and recognition for lecturers and researchers, as this is crucial for building the nation’s strength in education, science, and technology.
- Introduce policy breakthroughs that provide stronger institutional support for research development.
For the Faculty of Dentistry UGM, Prof. Ika emphasizes the importance of collaboration and a strong willingness to share expertise. FKG UGM already has excellent resources across departments, including its supporting staff; the challenge is how to integrate them more effectively.
Equally important is how the faculty nurtures its academic community so that outstanding lecturers and students remain, and how it encourages talented alumni to return and contribute to advancing the faculty’s role in science and society.
Prof. Ika attributes her guiding principles to her late parents’ teachings: “Before doing any work, purify your intention. Then give your best effort. After that, surrender the results to the Almighty. When we live by this, the work does not feel burdensome, even though we take it seriously,” she reflected.
She views her role at the Faculty and University as a field of service entrusted to her. “I do not have a long list of personal goals anymore. This world is temporary. What truly matters is striving for what brings lasting benefit and well-being,”she said. She hopes that she and her family may always be granted safety and blessings in this life and in the hereafter.
“But if you ask what I would request,” she added with a smile, “I would like the Ministry or the President to provide a Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope (CLSM), so that we can observe cells and their internal processes with greater clarity.”
Author: Andri Wicaksono | Photo: Fajar Budi Harsakti
