SMILS III 2025: A Platform for Global Dialogue on Limnology and Freshwater Ecosystems

The Faculty of Science and Mathematics (FSM), Universitas Diponegoro, through the Cluster for Paleolimnology (CPalim), in collaboration with the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) and the Indonesian Limnology Society (MLI), successfully organized The 3rd International Conference and Scientific Meeting of the Indonesian Limnology Society (SMILS III) on 3–4 September 2025. The conference was held at the Acintya Prasada Building, FSM UNDIP, and marked a significant milestone in advancing limnological research and international academic collaboration.

The event attracted more than 100 on-site participants, alongside dozens of online attendees, reflecting strong national and international interest in freshwater science, paleolimnology, and aquatic ecosystem research. SMILS III served as a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange, scientific discussion, and the strengthening of interdisciplinary and cross-border research networks.

The international conference featured distinguished experts from leading institutions worldwide, including:
Prof. Peiyu Zhang (Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences);
Prof. Dong Gun Kim (Sahmyook University, Seoul, South Korea);
Prof. Dr. Tri Retnaningsih Soeprobowati, M.App.Sc. (CPalim, Diponegoro University, Indonesia);
Prof. Peter Gell (Future Regions Research Centre, Federation University, Australia);
Assoc. Prof. Lukasz Kruszewski (Institute of Geological Sciences, Polish Academy of Sciences);
Dr. Ali Rahmat (BRIN);
Prof. Chihiro Yoshimura (Institute of Science Tokyo);
Prof. Dr. Ir. Gadis Sri Haryani (BRIN); and
Prof. Dr. Ocky Karna Radjasa, M.Sc. (BRIN).

Through keynote lectures, scientific sessions, and discussions, SMILS III highlighted recent advances in limnology and paleolimnology while addressing pressing challenges related to freshwater ecosystems under global environmental change. The conference also emphasized the importance of integrating scientific research with policy and sustainable water resource management.

The successful implementation of SMILS III represents a strategic milestone in the collaboration between FSM UNDIP and BRIN, reinforcing Indonesia’s role in global limnological research. Moreover, the event forms part of FSM UNDIP’s World Class University (WCU) program, aimed at expanding international academic networks, enhancing research visibility, and fostering long-term global partnerships.

Highlights and documentation of the conference activities can be viewed through the official Instagram account of CPalim (https://www.instagram.com/p/DO0i-B1kfBm/), showcasing key moments and participant engagement throughout the event.