UNHAS Geophysics Lecturer Secures IFI Science et Impact Research Grant for Volcanic Tsunami Study at Mt. Gamalama
Saaduddin, Ph.D., a lecturer in the Geophysics Program, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA), Hasanuddin University (UNHAS), has been awarded a research grant from the Institut Français d’Indonésie through the 2026 Science et Impact program.
The funded project is titled Towards Reliable Volcanic Tsunami Risk Mitigation in Indonesia: Integrated Modelling and Field Investigation at Mt. Gamalama. The study aims to enhance the reliability of volcanic tsunami risk mitigation in Indonesia by integrating advanced numerical modelling with field-based investigations at Mount Gamalama.
The project is being conducted in collaboration with Raphaël Paris, Directeur de Recherche at CNRS and researcher at the Laboratoire Magmas & Volcans, Université Clermont Auvergne, France, and Dr. Bachtiar Mutaqin from the Coastal and Watershed Research Group, Faculty of Geography, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM).
Saaduddin, who earned his Ph.D. from the University of Leeds, explained that this project is a continuation of his doctoral research, which focused primarily on numerical simulations of volcanic tsunamis generated by large-scale volcanic flank failures.
“During my doctoral study, the research focused mainly on numerical modelling of potential volcanic tsunamis at Mt. Gamalama. Through this grant, we aim to strengthen the modelling results by incorporating field validation, including tsunami deposit investigations and coastal geomorphological analysis,” he said.
He added that the involvement of Raphaël Paris is particularly significant, as he is internationally recognized as one of the leading researchers in volcanic tsunamis, with extensive experience in field investigations and tsunami deposit studies at volcanic islands around the world.
The Science et Impact program is a competitive funding scheme established by the French Government to support high-impact scientific collaboration between researchers in France and Indonesia.
Through this project, the research team expects to develop a more robust framework for assessing volcanic tsunami hazards in Indonesia and to provide a stronger scientific basis for disaster risk reduction strategies in coastal areas located near active volcanoes.