Lamongan, June 23, 2025 — The academic community of Muhammadiyah University of Lamongan (UMLA) has once again achieved a proud achievement. Dr. Rofiatun Solekha, M.Sc., a lecturer in the Biology Study Program, successfully qualified for Wave 8 of the Research and Innovation Program for Advanced Indonesia (RIIM) Competition, organized by the Deputy for Research and Innovation Facilitation at the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN).

In this prestigious national competition, Dr. Rofiatun submitted a research proposal entitled: "Application of Silver Nanoparticle Technology as a Green Synthetic Nano Fertilizer (Ag NFs) to Increase Bioactive Production and Bioactivity of Lemongrass (Cymbopogon nardus)." This research is the result of a collaborative team of lecturers from the UMLA Biology Study Program, which also includes: M. Ainul Mahbubillah, M.Si. Muhammad Badrut Tamam, M.Si.

The three students are working to develop environmentally friendly silver-based nanofertilizers (Ag-NFs) through a green synthesis method. This technology not only aims to increase the bioactive compound content of citronella (Cymbopogon nardus) but also supports the enhancement of the plant's biological activities, such as antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.

Dr. Rofiatun stated that this green synthetic nanoparticle technology has great potential as an innovation in sustainable agriculture and the development of local herbal plants. "We want to present a technology that is not only effective but also environmentally safe and can be widely utilized by farmers," she said. This success demonstrates UMLA's commitment to encouraging innovative collaborative research that has a direct impact on society and the environment. The UMLA Rector expressed his pride and hopes that this achievement will encourage other lecturers to continue innovating and producing research works relevant to the needs of the times.