Yogyakarta — Students from the S1 Psychology Study Program at Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY) have achieved another milestone by qualifying for the 39th National Student Scientific Week (Pekan Ilmiah Mahasiswa Nasional, PIMNAS) in 2026. This achievement involves one Student Creativity Program team in Social Humanities Research (PKM-RSH) from the Faculty of Psychology UNY, as well as two S1 Psychology students who are members of Community Service Student Creativity Program (PKM-PM) teams from other faculties within UNY. Their success demonstrates the active participation of Psychology students in developing scientific ideas and community empowerment initiatives that respond to societal needs.

The PKM-RSH team from the Faculty of Psychology UNY qualified with a proposal entitled “Reducing the Effects of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities: Examining Career Adaptability Vulnerability among Persons with Disabilities in Yogyakarta.” The team is led by Warid Illahi Kurniadi Putra, with Vicky Kusuma Afriansyah as a member, under the supervision of Tria Widyastuti, M.A., a lecturer at the Faculty of Psychology UNY. The research examines discrimination against persons with disabilities and its relationship with career adaptability. This topic highlights the importance of equal opportunities, inclusive environments, and adequate support for persons with disabilities to develop their potential and pursue their career goals. Through this research, the team seeks to contribute a scientific perspective on the challenges faced by persons with disabilities in social and professional contexts.

Another achievement comes from Daffina Titania Alfanda, an S1 Psychology student at UNY who qualified as a member of the PKM-PM team from the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) UNY. The team presents a proposal entitled “GUARDIAN OF THE FUTURE: Gamification and Role-Play for Developing Peer Educators to Prevent Bullying among Students at SMP Muhammadiyah 2 Gamping.” The program uses gamification and role-play activities to develop peer educators who can contribute to bullying prevention in schools. By involving students as peer educators, the initiative encourages empathy, positive action, and active participation in creating a safe and respectful learning environment. Daffina’s participation in this interdisciplinary team demonstrates how psychological perspectives can contribute to understanding peer dynamics and supporting students’ psychological well-being.

Another S1 Psychology student, Alvin Muhammad Iqbal S.A., has also qualified for the 39th PIMNAS as a member of a PKM-PM team from the Faculty of Education (FIP) UNY. The team presents a proposal entitled “I’M STRONG: Strengthening the Resilience of Children of Waste Pickers Affected by the Closure of the Piyungan Integrated Waste Processing Site through Social-Emotional Learning at the Mardiko Waste Processing House.” The program focuses on strengthening the resilience of children of waste pickers affected by the closure of the Piyungan Integrated Waste Processing Site through a Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) approach. This approach supports the development of children’s social and emotional skills, including recognizing and managing emotions, building positive relationships, and navigating change and challenges. The initiative also emphasizes the importance of supporting children experiencing social vulnerability so they can develop stronger capacities to cope with difficult circumstances.

Although the three teams address different issues, their initiatives are closely connected to Psychology, particularly the study of human behavior, social relationships, individual development, and psychological well-being. Research on career adaptability among persons with disabilities highlights the interaction between individuals and their social environments. The bullying prevention program emphasizes peer dynamics and the development of prosocial behavior, while the resilience initiative underscores the role of social and emotional skills in helping children cope with adversity. Participation in these research and community engagement programs provides students with opportunities to strengthen critical thinking, collaborate across disciplines, and apply academic knowledge to real-world challenges.

These achievements also align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Research on discrimination against persons with disabilities is relevant to SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth, particularly in promoting equal opportunities and inclusive career development. GUARDIAN OF THE FUTURE supports SDG 4: Quality Education by promoting a safe and inclusive learning environment and is also relevant to SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being through its focus on students’ psychological well-being. Meanwhile, I’M STRONG relates to SDG 3 by strengthening social and emotional skills and to SDG 10 through its focus on children in vulnerable circumstances.

The 39th National Student Scientific Week (PIMNAS) is scheduled to take place from 2 to 7 November 2026 at Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP), Semarang. The event provides a national platform for students from higher education institutions across Indonesia to present their creative projects, strengthen their academic capabilities, and exchange ideas on addressing societal challenges. Participation in PIMNAS offers valuable opportunities for students to broaden their experience, build collaborative networks, and demonstrate how scientific knowledge can be translated into meaningful contributions to society.

The S1 Psychology Study Program at UNY congratulates Warid Illahi Kurniadi Putra and Vicky Kusuma Afriansyah for qualifying through the Faculty of Psychology UNY’s PKM-RSH team, as well as Daffina Titania Alfanda and Alvin Muhammad Iqbal S.A. for qualifying as members of PKM-PM teams from other faculties within UNY. Appreciation is also extended to the supervising lecturer and everyone who supported the development of these initiatives. May this achievement inspire students to continue developing their academic potential, producing innovative work, and contributing to a more inclusive and prosperous society.

Keep creating, collaborating, and making a positive impact through Psychology.