Appointment of Prof. Dr. Ahmad Faizal, S.Si., M.Si. as Professor of Plant Biotechnology at SITH ITB

Bandung, sith.itb.ac.id The School of Life Sciences and Technology (SITH), Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB), has once again strengthened its academic leadership with the appointment of Prof. Dr. Ahmad Faizal, S.Si., M.Si. as Professor in the field of Plant Biotechnology. The appointment was formalized through a Decree of the Minister of Higher Education, Science, and Technology issued in late 2025.

Prof. Faizal is a faculty member of the Research Group of Plant Science and Biotechnology at SITH ITB. His research focuses on plant secondary metabolites, an area driven by his view of plants as “natural chemists” capable of producing a vast array of bioactive compounds with significant potential applications in health, food, and industry.

“Secondary metabolites do not merely function as defense mechanisms in plants. They also hold immense promise for the future. Metabolic engineering enables us not only to understand these compounds but also to direct their production in ways that are more efficient and sustainable,” he explained.

In his most recent work, Prof. Faizal has concentrated on the biosynthesis of high-value secondary metabolites from tropical plants, such as agarwood-producing species. This research aims to develop artificial production systems for value-added products, thereby reducing reliance on natural resource exploitation and mitigating environmental degradation. He also envisions the future of plant biotechnology as increasingly interdisciplinary, emphasizing that biotechnological research should extend beyond scientific publications to generate tangible solutions with direct benefits for society and the environment.

In line with this vision, Prof. Faizal’s future research agenda will prioritize the integration of basic and applied research, particularly in the development of biotechnology platforms tailored to Indonesia’s tropical plant resources. He also plans to strengthen cross-institutional and international collaborations to broaden the academic, social, and economic impact of his research outcomes.

Beyond his academic and research activities, Prof. Faizal is actively involved in mentoring the Indonesian Biology Olympiad Team. He views this role not merely as competition preparation, but as a form of community service aimed at fostering a passion for science, instilling values of perseverance, and cultivating academic integrity among younger generations.

For Prof. Faizal, attaining the rank of Professor does not represent an endpoint, but rather the beginning of greater responsibility. He hopes to play an active role in building a healthy research ecosystem, mentoring and empowering early-career researchers, and expanding collaborative networks to further strengthen academic and scientific contributions

He also emphasized that the journey toward professorship is inherently challenging and highly individualized. Each academic follows a unique rhythm, context, and strategy. Therefore, others’ achievements should not be used as benchmarks for evaluating one’s own academic trajectory.

According to him, the institutional pathway toward professorship has been clearly established. Although academic demands continue to grow in complexity, the process remains achievable within the framework of the Tridharma of Higher Education, provided it is pursued with consistency and long-term commitment. Currently recognized as one of the youngest professors at SITH ITB, Prof. Faizal regards this milestone not as an achievement tied to age, but as the “right moment” to assume the responsibilities of a professor. With ample time ahead, he hopes to continue contributing meaningfully while paving the way for other capable young academics to reach similar milestones in the future.

In closing, Prof. Faizal shared a message for early-career academics, encouraging them to recognize and respect their own pace in building an academic career. He stressed the importance of progressing naturally, without undue pressure, and of identifying one’s core area of strength. “The message is simple: know your rhythm, move forward naturally, and do not force the process. Find your niche, stay consistent, and recognition will follow,” he concluded. Find your niche, stay consistent, recognition will follow,” tutupnya.

Contributor: Rini Berliani (Biology, Class of 2025)

Editor: Anca Awal Sembada