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Prof. Dr. Asri Widowati | Virtual Reality | Best Researcher Award

Professor at Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta | Indonesia

Prof. Dr. Asri Widowati is a distinguished scholar in Science Education and Educational Innovation, renowned for her pioneering contributions to VR/AR-based pedagogy, STEM-ethnoscience integration, and digital literacy in education. With over 40 Scopus-indexed publications, 15 authored books, and leadership in 30+ funded projects, she has become a leading voice in transforming science education for the digital era. Beyond academia, her community-based projects bridge local wisdom with modern science, enhancing both education and sustainable development. Her achievements position her as a strong candidate for international recognition, including the Best Scopus Researcher Award.

Professional Profile:

• Scopus
• Orcid

Education: 

Prof. Dr. Asri Widowati earned her Ph.D. in Science Education from Yogyakarta State University, where her research focused on innovative science pedagogy and technology integration. She also completed her Master of Education (M.Ed.) in Science Education and Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Biology Education at the same university, building a strong academic foundation in science teaching, curriculum design, and educational research.

Experience:

Prof. Dr. Asri Widowati is a professor, researcher, and education innovator with more than 20 years of academic and professional experience. She has published over 40 Scopus-indexed research articles in leading journals such as International Journal of Instruction, Cogent Education, IJIET, and Jurnal Pendidikan IPA Indonesia. In addition to her journal publications, she has authored 15 academic and popular science books, including Transformasi Pendidikan IPA dengan Pedagogi Kritis and Petualangan Seru dalam Sains.

She has successfully led over 30 funded research projects, focusing on VR/AR-based science learning, STEM-ethnoscience integration, and educational innovation, with cumulative research funding exceeding 2 billion IDR. Her projects have produced impactful digital innovations such as VR SCIVIXPLORER for teaching Solar System and Genetics, as well as electronic STEM modules and interactive digital storytelling media.

In addition to her research leadership, Prof. Widowati actively contributes as a reviewer for international journals, keynote speaker in international conferences, mentor for postgraduate students, and trainer for teachers in integrating digital technologies into science education. She also leads community engagement initiatives, such as integrating local wisdom, science, and technology for education, agriculture, and sustainability in Sendangsari Village.

Research Interest:

• VR/AR and mobile-based science learning

• STEM and ethnoscience integration

• Digital literacy and 21st-century skills

• Inquiry-based and problem-based learning models

• Systematic reviews and meta-analyses in science education

• Development of digital educational tools and simulations

Publications Top Noted:

• Pengelolaan Lembaga Sertifikasi Profesi (LSP-P1) Perguruan Tinggi di Yogyakarta dalam Menyiapkan Lulusan di Dunia Kerja – 2025

• Meta-Analysis of Mobile VR and Cognitive Learning Outcomes (2020–2025): A Two-Level Synthesis via JASP – 2025

• Development of a mobile hydraulic press machine using finite element analysis – 2025

• Design and Evaluation of PBL-STEM Based Electronic Worksheets Supported by PhET Virtual Physics Labs to Enhance Science Literacy – 2024

• Enhancing digital competence of prospective vocational teachers using project-based learning with the technological pedagogical content knowledge approach – 2024

Conclusion:

Prof. Dr. Asri Widowati stands out as a leading figure in educational innovation and digital transformation. Her contributions to VR/AR learning, STEM-ethnoscience integration, and teacher training have created meaningful advancements in science education and community engagement. With her outstanding record of publications, funded projects, and digital innovations, she fully embodies the qualities of a Best Researcher in Virtual Reality. By further expanding international collaborations and global policy engagement, she is poised to make an even greater impact on the future of science education worldwide.