Prof. Dr. Rosana Agus, M.Si. Officially Inaugurated as Professor in the Field of Molecular Biology

Hasanuddin University has once again achieved a remarkable feat by appointing Prof. Dr. Rosana Agus, M.Si. as Professor in the field of Molecular Biology on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. The inauguration took place in a solemn atmosphere attended by the academic community, family, and invited guests from various educational institutions.

In her scientific speech entitled “From Genes to Vaccines: Molecular Biology Innovations in the Development of a New Generation of Tuberculosis Vaccines,” Prof. Dr. Rosana Agus, M.Si. discussed the latest developments in tuberculosis (TB) vaccine research, a disease that remains a global health problem, including in Indonesia. She explained that despite the progress made in controlling TB, Indonesia still ranks second highest in the world after India in terms of the number of cases and deaths due to TB.

Prof. Dr. Rosana Agus also discussed the major challenges in TB control efforts, particularly in the context of drug resistance and limited effective vaccine options. In her speech, she emphasized that molecular biology innovation plays an important role in the development of a new generation of tuberculosis vaccines that are more effective and safer. One of her research focuses is the exploration of antigens as TB candidates or TB diagnostics using Indonesian clinical isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

“The new generation of TB vaccines aims to overcome the weaknesses of the BCG vaccine by providing effective and long-lasting protection against pulmonary TB in adolescents and adults. Molecular biology is the backbone of the development of new generation vaccines. The design and platform of recombinant vaccines, subunit vaccines, mRNA vaccines, and DNA vaccines. Characterization of pathogens as antigens and rapid and accurate pathogen diagnosis, as well as testing of vaccine candidates. With a molecular biology-based approach, we hope to provide better solutions to this global health problem," said Prof. Dr. Rosana Agus in her passionate speech.

On this occasion, Prof. Dr. Agus also discussed the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in biomedical research, as well as the need to increase research capacity in Indonesia in order to face major challenges in the field of health. He hopes that through continuous research development, Indonesia can become a center of innovation in the development of therapies and vaccines for infectious diseases that have a widespread impact, including TB.

In addition, Prof. Dr. Agus also highlighted the role of Unhas in utilizing its tropical and maritime natural resources, and through molecular biology innovation, it will produce products that have a real impact, including medicines and vaccines for the health and independence of the nation. According to him, this inauguration is not only a personal achievement but also part of a shared commitment to strengthen molecular biology research in Indonesia, particularly in the fight against infectious diseases that remain a threat.

The inauguration of Prof. Dr. Rosana Agus as a Professor is not only a historic moment for her personally, but also for Hasanuddin University and the Indonesian scientific community, which remains committed to developing science and technology for the benefit of society.

Congratulations to Prof. Dr. Rosana Agus, M.Si. on her appointment. May this achievement further motivate her to continue innovating and contributing to the advancement of science, particularly in the fields of molecular biology and public health.

Author: Nenis Sardiani, S.Si., M.Si.