The event commenced with an opening speech by Prof. Agus Mochamad Ramdan, S.T., M.T., Ph.D., Vice Dean for Academic Affairs of the Faculty of Earth Sciences and Technology, welcoming participants to the renowned ITB East Hall. The ULT event aimed to broaden students' perspectives, especially in the field of marine-based technology.

The first session, hosted by BRIN representative Prof. Dr. Ocky Karna Radjasa, highlighted the potentials of marine resources in Indonesia and the associated challenges. Prof. Ocky emphasized the importance of staying informed about the latest research on ocean resources to drive innovations in marine-based technology.

In the following session, Prof. Dr. Eng. Nining Sari Ningsih, M.S., a lecturer from ITB's Oceanography Program, discussed the dangers of the heatwave phenomenon and its impact on coral reefs in "Marine Heatwaves Characteristics in the Makassar Strait and Its Surrounding Waters and Their Potential Impact on Coral Reef Ecosystem." The study focused on the Makassar Strait marine life and ecosystem, significantly affected by severe heatwaves attributed to global warming and sea-level rise.

The third session featured Prof. Vincent Pieribone, Ph.D., Co-CEO and Chief Science Officer of OceanX, who shared insights into his journey in "Deep Sea Exploration and Technology: Sharing Research Experience of OceanX." OceanX, an international non-governmental organization specializing in ocean exploration and marine-based research, has conducted numerous deep-sea expeditions leading to the discovery of various species, deep-sea phenomena, and untapped resources.

The final session, led by Prof. Dr. Oyvind Fiksen from the University of Bergen, focused on "Research and Education for Sustainable Use of the Ocean." Prof. Oyvind showcased diverse marine-based research conducted by the Norwegian Government, with a particular emphasis on The University of Bergen's contributions.

The ULT event attracted around 400 participants, including lecturers, researchers, and students from different universities, as well as ITB's Faculty of Earth Sciences and Technology (FEST) students.

ULT kali ini dihadiri sekitar 400 peserta dari kalangan dosen, pendidik, peneliti, mahasiswa dari berbagai perguruan tinggi, serta mahasiswa FITB, ITB.

Didan Abdurachman, a student from ITB's Geodesy and Geomatics Engineering, expressed how the University Lecture Tours helped broaden his perspective on the potential of marine-based research and technology. He acknowledged the significance of ocean exploration in understanding the planet and highlighted the new insights gained from speakers, especially in surveys and research methods like biota analysis that were not previously familiar in his field of study. The hope is that marine science research can contribute to building a better future for the world.

Reporter: Putri Nur Azizah (Geodesy and Geomatics Engineering, 2021)

Translator: Kezia Hosana

Editor: Vera Citra Utami