UNS Biology Education Program Strengthens Research Capacity through International Workshop on Academic Research Proposals

Surakarta, Indonesia — May 21, 2026. The Biology Education Study Program, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP), Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS), successfully organized an International Workshop on “Writing Academic Research Proposal for Biology Education” on Thursday, May 21, 2026. The workshop was designed to strengthen participants’ research capacity and broaden their perspectives on developing high-quality research proposals for Biology Education.

The workshop featured Dr. Siti Nur Diyana Mahmud from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) as the invited speaker and was moderated by Murni Ramli, S.P., M.Si., Ed.D. from Universitas Sebelas Maret.

Held in a hybrid format, the workshop took place at Room 304, Building D, FKIP UNS, for participants attending in person, while participants from across Indonesia joined the session through Zoom. The diverse audience included researchers and academics from institutions such as the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Universitas Negeri Padang, Universitas Nusantara PGRI Kediri, Universitas PGRI Sumatera Barat, Universitas Islam Riau, and Universitas Sultan Ageng Tirtayasa.

Developing Stronger Research Proposals

The workshop provided participants with an opportunity to explore strategies for developing research proposals that are focused, innovative, academically rigorous, and internationally relevant. Through the expert-led session, participants were encouraged to critically examine key elements of research proposal development and consider how research questions in Biology Education can be transformed into meaningful and impactful studies.

The discussion also emphasized the importance of developing research that responds to current educational and scientific challenges. By strengthening participants’ ability to formulate research ideas and communicate them effectively through academic proposals, the workshop sought to support the development of research with both scholarly value and practical implications for society.

The participation of researchers, academics, and students from different institutions further enriched the learning environment. The hybrid format enabled knowledge exchange beyond the UNS campus, creating opportunities for participants from various regions of Indonesia to engage with an international academic perspective from Malaysia.

Expanding International Academic Networks

The workshop represents one of the Biology Education Study Program’s efforts to promote internationalization, research development, and academic networking. Collaboration with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia provided participants with access to international expertise while strengthening academic connections between Indonesian and Malaysian scholars.

Such academic activities are expected to encourage students and researchers to pursue research that is not only methodologically sound but also capable of addressing broader challenges in Biology Education and contributing to the advancement of education and society.

The Biology Education Study Program, FKIP UNS, extends its appreciation to Dr. Siti Nur Diyana Mahmud, Murni Ramli, S.P., M.Si., Ed.D., and all participants and organizers for their active contributions to the success of the workshop.

Through continued academic exchange and international collaboration, the program remains committed to fostering a research culture that encourages innovation, scholarly excellence, and research with meaningful societal impact.