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UPI Lecturer Eka Cahya Prima Becomes Youngest Physics Professor

From Tempo · (3h ago) Indonesian Positive tone

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Eka Cahya Prima, 35, has been appointed as the youngest physics professor at Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI).
  • His research focuses on innovative solar cell materials, including Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSC), Perovskite, and kesterite CZTS, aiming for environmentally friendly and affordable renewable energy solutions.
  • Prima has published over 70 scientific articles and holds numerous intellectual property rights, contributing significantly to the field of solar energy material research.

Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI) proudly celebrates a significant academic achievement as Dr. Eka Cahya Prima, at the age of 35, is inaugurated as the youngest professor of physics in Indonesia. This milestone, recognized during the May 7-8, 2026, ceremony for 14 newly appointed professors, highlights Prima's exceptional contributions and dedication to the field.

Berdasarkan database, saya termasuk profesor termuda bidang fisika di Indonesia

— Eka Cahya PrimaStating his recognition as the youngest physics professor in Indonesia.

Prima's academic journey, marked by degrees from UPI and the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), culminates in groundbreaking research on solar cell materials. His work delves into third-generation technologies like Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSC), Perovskite, and kesterite CZTS. He emphasizes the critical need for renewable energy development amidst escalating global energy demands and the pressing threat of climate change, positioning his research as a vital step towards a sustainable future.

His pioneering integration of theoretical Density Functional Theory (DFT) and spectroscopy in material engineering has yielded remarkable results, including the development of a local material-based CZTS solar cell achieving 7.5 percent efficiency—a significant feat for non-vacuum fabricated thin-film solar cells. Furthermore, his exploration of Indonesia's natural resources through DSSC innovations and his work on Perovskite solar cells, a current global trend, underscore his commitment to leveraging local potential for global impact.

Riset saya juga tentang material energi surya

— Eka Cahya PrimaDescribing the focus of his research.

With over 70 international publications, a strong Scopus h-index of 13, and a GScholar h-index of 23, Prima's influence extends globally. Domestically, he has established the Solar Energy Material Laboratory at UPI and developed STEM-Design Thinking modules. His numerous intellectual property rights, including digital learning media and science experiment tools, further solidify his status as a leading innovator. Awards such as "Anugerah Dosen Berprestasi" (2018) and "Dosen Academic Leader" (2023) attest to his consistent excellence. This achievement is not just a personal triumph but a source of national pride, showcasing Indonesian talent in cutting-edge scientific research.

Malah ada usahawan NADI di Morib yang pendapatannya jauh lebih tinggi daripada seorang menteri

— Datuk Fahmi FadzilHighlighting the success of digital entrepreneurship programs.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Tempo in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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