We must have heard about solar cell technology, a revolutionary power source that converts sunlight into energy. This technology has transformed the way we harness renewable energy, offering a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to fossil fuels. Or perhaps you are familiar with OLED screen technology, which provides vibrant and energy-efficient displays on your smartphone. These innovations, along with many other electronic devices, rely on a crucial component: semiconductor materials.

Among the emerging semiconductor materials, perovskite stands out as a promising candidate for future applications. Its potential spans various fields, including optoelectronics—such as solar cells, LEDs, and photodetectors—as well as gas sensors. Researchers have been drawn to perovskite due to its remarkable properties, including its high light absorption efficiency, tunable bandgap, and ease of integration with existing technologies. Moreover, this material has drawn significant attention due to its numerous advantages: it is relatively inexpensive compared to traditional semiconductor materials, can be processed using simple and scalable techniques, and has improved durability, making it a reliable choice for future technologies. As research progresses, perovskite-based devices are expected to further enhance the performance of electronic and optoelectronic applications, paving the way for a new era of semiconductor technology.

I am Ade Kurniawan, a lecturer in the Physics, Sunan Kalijaga State Islamic University. My research focuses on perovskite applications, particularly in LEDs, gas sensors, and Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS). I earned my PhD from National Taiwan University of Science and Technology (NTUST) in four years, achieving six publications in SCI/SSCI-indexed journals and presenting two international conferences. However, my academic journey was filled with challenges. Studying in an East Asian environment meant facing intense pressure and adapting to a demanding cultural setting.

Beyond the academic struggles, my personal life also presented unique challenges. My wife, who was also pursuing a PhD, and I had to navigate the difficulties of managing our studies while preparing for parenthood. The arrival of our child added another layer of responsibility, forcing us to master time management and teamwork to complete our doctoral studies together.

My professor say: "Life should be fun. If it's not fun, then something is wrong." With this mindset, we embraced the journey, learning not only about science but also about resilience, perseverance, and the importance of balance in life. As I continue my research and academic career, I remain committed to exploring the potential of perovskite materials, inspiring the next generation of scientists to innovate and push technological boundaries, and contributing to the development of my country, Indonesia.