Surabaya – The Faculty of Fisheries and Marine (FPK) Universitas Airlangga continues to gain international recognition through the achievements of its academic community. Dr. Veryl Hasan, S.Pi., M.P., a lecturer at FPK UNAIR, has been nominated for participation in the 75th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting 2026 in Germany, one of the world’s most prestigious scientific forums. The nomination reflects international acknowledgment of his long-standing contributions to aquatic biodiversity research, freshwater conservation, and community-based environmental initiatives.
The Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting is an annual international gathering that brings together Nobel Prize winners and outstanding young scientists from around the world. The forum serves as a unique platform for scientific dialogue, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the exchange of innovative ideas aimed at addressing global challenges through research and technology. Being nominated for the event is considered a significant achievement, as participants are selected through a highly competitive process involving academic excellence, scientific impact, and leadership potential.
Dr. Veryl’s nomination is closely linked to his consistent research contributions in the field of aquatic conservation. One of his internationally recognized projects focuses on the conservation of peat swamp fish diversity in Bintan, Indonesia. Supported by the UK-based conservation organization Synchronicity Earth, the research aims not only to protect freshwater biodiversity but also to empower local communities through sustainable conservation approaches. The project highlights the importance of integrating scientific research with community engagement to ensure long-term environmental sustainability.
In addition to his field-based conservation work, Dr. Veryl has established a strong publication record in internationally reputable scientific journals. His research published in the Journal of Fish Biology examined sustainable management strategies for the ornamental freshwater fish trade, addressing the balance between economic development and biodiversity conservation. He also contributed to biodiversity documentation efforts through a publication in Check List: The Journal of Biodiversity Data, which reported the identification of the endangered freshwater turtle Orlitia borneensis from Belitung Island, Indonesia.
More recently, Dr. Veryl and his research team conducted an extensive study on fish diversity in the Surabaya River. The project documented dozens of freshwater fish species and generated valuable baseline data for future conservation planning and urban aquatic ecosystem management. According to Dr. Veryl, the study holds special significance because it was conducted in the same region where he teaches and serves the community.
“One of the most memorable moments in my research career was studying fish diversity in rivers around Surabaya because the research was directly connected to the area where I teach,” he explained.
This latest recognition further strengthens Dr. Veryl’s academic profile, which has already gained international attention. Previously, he was included in the World’s Top 2% Scientists 2024 list compiled by Stanford University and Elsevier, recognizing researchers whose scientific contributions have had a significant impact within their respective fields. Such achievements reinforce the growing role of FPK UNAIR in advancing global scientific knowledge, particularly in aquatic biodiversity, freshwater ecology, and conservation science.
Reflecting on his academic journey, Dr. Veryl emphasized that his achievements stem from a passion for research that began during his undergraduate studies. He believes that consistency and dedication to a specific field of expertise are essential for building scientific credibility and establishing trust within international research networks.
“I have enjoyed conducting research since my undergraduate years. There is a unique satisfaction in discovering something that has never been documented before,” he said.
He also encouraged students and young researchers to focus on producing meaningful scientific contributions rather than pursuing recognition alone.
“Being nominated for Lindau is not the ultimate goal. What matters most is maintaining a commitment to high-quality research and creating tangible impacts that benefit society,” he added.
The achievement demonstrates Universitas Airlangga’s commitment to supporting impactful, innovative, and globally relevant research. It also aligns with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 14: Life Below Water, SDG 15: Life on Land, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals through collaborative research initiatives involving institutions and researchers from multiple countries.
As Indonesian conservation research continues to gain international visibility, Dr. Veryl Hasan’s nomination serves as an inspiring example of how locally grounded scientific work can contribute to global knowledge and environmental sustainability while elevating Indonesia’s presence in the international scientific community.
Writer: Farrel Bhanu Mahardhika
Editor: TPA
