Nobel Laureate Prof. Morten P. Meldal Inspires Nearly 2,000 Participants at UNHAS Public Lecture

Nobel Prize Laureate in Chemistry 2022, Prof. Morten P. Meldal, delivered a prestigious public lecture at Hasanuddin University (UNHAS) through the event “Nobel Laureate Lecture at Hasanuddin University.” The program was organized by UNHAS in collaboration with The International Peace Foundation (IPF) and supported by the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia through the Directorate of Science and Technology Talent Development. The lecture took place at Baruga A.P. Pettarani, UNHAS Tamalanrea Campus, Makassar, on Thursday (29 January 2026), and was attended by nearly 2,000 participants from higher and secondary education institutions across Indonesia.

Also present at the event was the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, Prof. Brian Yuliarto, who emphasized that the presence of a world-class scientist at an Indonesian university represents strategic momentum to strengthen the global research ecosystem. He stated that public lectures of this scale serve not only as platforms for knowledge sharing but also as avenues for building sustainable international research collaboration. According to him, direct exposure to Nobel Laureates can transform the mindset of researchers and students, encouraging interdisciplinary, critical, and innovative approaches to addressing scientific challenges. He further highlighted that Indonesia has strong research potential in strategic fields such as environment, sustainable energy, and climate change, which can be advanced through international collaboration based on local strengths.

In the context of human resource development, the lecture was seen as an important source of inspiration for Indonesia’s young researchers, fostering scientific spirit, academic integrity, and long-term research orientation. Prof. Brian expressed hope that the event would lead to concrete and sustainable research partnerships, stressing that synergy between global scientists and Indonesian researchers is a vital investment for the future of science, technology, and national sustainable development. On the same occasion, UNHAS Rector Prof. Dr. Ir. Jamaluddin Jompa, M.Sc. stated that bringing world-class scientists to campus is part of UNHAS’ strategy to strengthen its international reputation and expand impactful research collaboration. He also conveyed appreciation for the Minister’s support, noting that such lectures are expected to become a regular agenda at UNHAS.