UGM Student Youngest Indonesian Speaker at Global Radiation Oncology Forum

Young Nuclear Engineering Student Impresses IAEA Conference in Vienna

A University of Gadjah Mada (UGM) Nuclear Engineering student has made a significant international impact, becoming the youngest Indonesian representative to speak at a prestigious global event focused on advanced radiation oncology.

Pioneering Research Presented on Proton Therapy Education

Noor Fahima Wardaningrum presented her groundbreaking research at the International Conference on Advanced Radiation Oncology (ICARO-4), organized by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, Austria. The conference, held from June 2-5, convened experts from 114 member countries to discuss cutting-edge radiation therapy technologies and their implementation challenges.

Noor Fahima‘s presentation, titled “Urgency of Implementing Gamification in Microdosimetry Education for Proton Therapy in the Department of Nuclear Engineering and Engineering Physics at Gadjah Mada University,” highlighted innovative educational approaches. Her work, a collaboration with fellow students Marchelino Chrisrichy Cosmo Hutama and Hanif Riadi, aims to enhance the skills of future Indonesian medical physicists in the field of proton therapy.

The research specifically evaluates the necessity of integrating gamified learning methods into microdosimetry education for nuclear engineering students at UGM, particularly those specializing in medical physics.

“This research was conducted to evaluate the urgency of implementing gamification in microdosimetry education for nuclear engineering students at UGM’s Nuclear Engineering Program, specifically in the medical physics concentration, to enhance the capabilities of future medical physicists in Indonesia in studying proton therapy,”

—Noor Fahima Wardaningrum

International Acclaim for Early Career Researcher

Noor Fahima‘s presentation garnered widespread praise from international delegates. Dr. Hany Ammar, a medical physics consultant from Egypt’s Children’s Cancer Hospital, commended her achievement, stating, “A very good and interesting presentation. It’s rare for such a young undergraduate student to present like this. You should be proud.”

Professor Manjit Dosanjh, a medical physics expert from the University of Oxford, echoed this sentiment, describing the presentation as “very good and inspirational.” She added, “It’s delightful to see the learning enthusiasm of the younger generation.”

Appreciation also came from representatives of Qatar, India, Australia, Nigeria, Malaysia, and Canada. Within Indonesia, Dr. Angela Giselvania, an oncology radiation specialist from Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (RSCM), expressed her pride, noting, “Still an undergraduate student, but able to be selected as a verbal speaker at an international forum. This is extraordinary.”

Context: Global Efforts in Cancer Treatment Access

The ICARO-4 conference emphasized promoting better access to quality cancer services through advanced radiation therapy technologies. Globally, advancements in radiation therapy are crucial, with organizations like the World Health Organization reporting that radiation therapy can be used to treat over 60% of all cancer patients.