Lamongan, May 27, 2025 — More encouraging news has arrived from Muhammadiyah University of Lamongan (UMLA). One of the lecturers in the Biology Study Program, Dr. Rofiatun Solekha, M.Sc., has successfully received funding for the Research and Community Service Program for the 2025 Fiscal Year, organized by the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek).

Dr. Rofiatun did not work alone in this research. He collaborated with a cross-institutional research team, namely:

1. Fita Fitriatul Wahidah, M.Sc. from Billfath University
2. Djati Wulan Kusumo, M.Farm. from Muhammadiyah University of Lamongan (UMLA)
3. Muktamar 'Aisyiyah Cholifah, M.Sc. from Muhammadiyah University of Lamongan (UMLA)

The research title is: "Analysis of the Effect of Silver Nanoparticles as Nano-Fertilizers (Ag-NFs) in Combination with Photoperiod on Increasing the Bioactivity of Citronella (Cymbopogon nardus)." This research aims to evaluate the effect of administering silver-based nano-fertilizers (Ag-NFs) in combination with photoperiod (lighting duration) on increasing bioactive compounds in citronella (Cymbopogon nardus). Citronella is known to have high potential in the health and aromatherapy industries, and this research is expected to make a significant contribution to optimizing the production of herbal plants efficiently and sustainably.

Dr. Rofiatun explained that combining nanomaterial technology with environmental management, such as photoperiods, could provide a new approach to developing smart and environmentally friendly agriculture. "We hope the results of this research will not only be beneficial in the academic realm but can also be directly applied by herbal farmers in various regions," she said.

This success demonstrates UMLA's continued active role in innovative research that has a broad impact on society. The university expressed its high appreciation for this achievement and encouraged other lecturers to continue contributing to interdisciplinary and inter-institutional research.