Surabaya – The Faculty of Fisheries and Marine (FPK) Universitas Airlangga officially welcomed its new postgraduate cohort through the FPK Universitas Airlangga Master’s Student Orientation 2026, marking the beginning of the 2026 Academic Year. The event brought together faculty leaders, lecturers, and incoming students from the Master’s Program in Fisheries and Marine Biotechnology and the Master’s Program in Fisheries Science, fostering a warm and collaborative academic environment while introducing students to postgraduate life at FPK Universitas Airlangga.
A total of 20 new students officially joined FPK Universitas Airlangga, comprising 10 students in the Master’s Program in Fisheries and Marine Biotechnology and 10 students in the Master’s Program in Fisheries Science. This year’s cohort represents diverse professional backgrounds, including vocational fisheries teachers, civil servants, fisheries industry professionals, and recent bachelor’s graduates pursuing advanced studies.
Master’s Education as a Transformation of Critical Thinking
In his welcoming remarks, Dean of FPK Universitas Airlangga, Prof. Dr. Endang Dewi Masithah, Ir., M.P., emphasized that the orientation was more than an academic introduction or ceremonial reception. Instead, it served as an opportunity to build meaningful connections while cultivating a spirit of lifelong learning within the FPK Universitas Airlangga community.
“Today is about strengthening our connections. More than just an orientation and welcoming ceremony, this marks the beginning of our journey to learn, grow, and develop together as one academic family,” she said.
Prof. Endang also highlighted that master’s education represents a significant stage in transforming students’ ways of thinking. According to her, postgraduate students are expected not only to master scientific knowledge but also to develop critical perspectives, analyze complex issues comprehensively, and generate solutions that create meaningful impacts on society.
“A master’s program is a process of transforming the way we think—how we examine problems scientifically and develop solutions that benefit society,” she explained.
Introducing Academic Pathways and Research Opportunities
The orientation concluded with presentations from both master’s programs, providing students with an overview of the curriculum, research directions, academic culture, and learning system at FPK Universitas Airlangga.
The session was delivered by Prof. Dr. A. Shofy Mubarak, S.Pi., M.Si., Coordinator of the Master’s Program in Fisheries and Marine Biotechnology, and Prof. Dr. Gunanti Mahasri, Ir., M.Si., Coordinator of the Master’s Program in Fisheries Science.
Through these presentations, students gained insights into curriculum design, research specialization, academic expectations, and collaborative opportunities available throughout their postgraduate studies. The session was intended to help new students adapt to the academic environment while enabling them to plan their educational journey strategically from the very first semester.
By organizing the FPK Universitas Airlangga Master’s Student Orientation 2026, the faculty reaffirmed its commitment to creating an inclusive, collaborative, and research-oriented academic environment. This commitment aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) through the delivery of high-quality and transformative higher education, SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) by strengthening research and innovation culture, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through the development of collaborative networks among students, academics, and partners across various sectors to generate solutions with lasting societal impact.
Author: Fahmi Bayhaqi
Editor: Terry Previo Avianto
