When you think of International Women’s Day, you might picture campaigns, hashtags, and a flood of social media posts. But in Indonesia, one name is giving the day a deeper meaning: Prof. Asadatun Abdullah, the youngest female professor at IPB University—and a powerhouse in science and innovation.

At just 41 years old, Prof. Asadatun has already stacked achievements most could only dream of: 49 international publications, five active patents, more than 1,100 Google Scholar citations, and a permanent professorship in the Faculty of Fisheries and Marine Sciences. Her specialty? Applying genomic and molecular techniques to ensure the safety and quality of Indonesia’s high-value fishery products like tuna, shrimp, and seaweed.

But her impact goes beyond the lab. For Prof. Asadatun, science is community service. Her innovations, like smart detection kits for fishery industries, aim to strengthen collaboration between academia, businesses, government, and society—a model she calls the ABCG synergy.

“International Women’s Day is a reminder that women play an essential role in advancing science and technology,” she says. “It’s not just about publishing papers—it’s about solving real problems and inspiring others.”

Breaking Barriers, Building Legacies
Prof. Asadatun didn’t walk this journey alone. She credits her late uncle, Prof. Herry Suhardiyanto, former Rector of IPB University, as a guiding role model for research integrity. She also draws inspiration from Angela Merkel, Germany’s former chancellor, whose resilience and intelligence redefined women in leadership.

Both figures shaped her philosophy: stay consistent, stay passionate, and never stop innovating.

 
A Message to Young Academics
For students and young researchers, her advice is blunt but powerful:

• Consistency and passion are key.
• Take risks in research. Breakthroughs happen outside your comfort zone.
• Innovation isn’t a one-time win—it’s a lifetime journey.

“Make challenges an opportunity to think creatively, and never stop learning,” she says.

Why This Matters Now
In a world where women are still underrepresented in STEM, Prof. Asadatun’s story is a living reminder that excellence has no gender. She’s not just celebrating International Women’s Day—she’s redefining it by showing what happens when women take the lead in shaping the future.

So next time you hear someone say women can’t thrive in science, remember this name: Asadatun Abdullah. Chances are, she’s already working on the next innovation that will change the way we live, eat, and think.