The Faculty of Fisheries and Marine at Universitas Airlangga (FPK UNAIR) has once again strengthened its academic capacity by officially inaugurating a new professor in the field of aquatic animal reproduction. Prof. Dr. Ahmad Shofy Mubarak, S.Pi., M.Si. was formally appointed as a Professor on April 9, 2025, in a ceremony held at Garuda Mukti Hall, MERR-C Campus Management Office, Universitas Airlangga. This milestone marks a significant achievement not only for the individual but also for the institution in advancing higher education, research, and community engagement.
The inauguration ceremony brought together university leaders, academic staff, and invited guests, reflecting a collective appreciation for academic excellence and dedication. As one of the highest academic titles, the professorship symbolizes a strong commitment to advancing knowledge and contributing to societal development. The addition of a professor specializing in aquatic animal reproduction is expected to further strengthen FPK UNAIR’s role in developing fisheries science, particularly in enhancing productivity and sustainability in the aquaculture sector.
In his address, the Rector of Universitas Airlangga, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Madyan, S.E., M.Si., M.Fin., emphasized that the appointment of a professor represents not only recognition of scholarly achievement but also a responsibility to generate knowledge-based solutions for contemporary challenges. He highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing strategic global issues, including food security and rapid technological advancement. According to him, academic research must continuously adapt to evolving societal needs to remain relevant and impactful.
Furthermore, the Rector stressed that innovation driven by science and technology plays a crucial role in ensuring that research outcomes extend beyond academic discourse and provide tangible benefits to society. Universities, therefore, have a strategic responsibility to bridge the gap between research and real-world application, ensuring that scientific advancements contribute to sustainable development and societal well-being.
The inauguration of a professor in aquatic animal reproduction also aligns closely with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It contributes to SDG 4 (Quality Education) by enhancing the quality of higher education, SDG 14 (Life Below Water) through the advancement of knowledge supporting aquatic ecosystem sustainability, and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) by fostering research-based innovation. The expertise in aquatic reproduction is particularly vital in supporting sustainable aquaculture practices and improving fisheries productivity.
With this achievement, FPK UNAIR continues to strengthen its position as a center of excellence in fisheries and marine science. The knowledge and research developed are expected not only to advance academic discourse but also to provide practical solutions for improving fisheries productivity, conserving aquatic resources, and supporting the development of a sustainable blue economy.
This milestone serves as an inspiration for the academic community to continue innovating, collaborating, and contributing to scientific advancement. Through the synergy of education, research, and community service, FPK UNAIR remains committed to producing impactful scholarship that addresses global challenges and supports sustainable development in the fisheries and marine sector.
