Becoming a Respected Professor
Professors are often regarded as leaders in science, moral role models, and determinants of the direction and quality of education in producing quality human resources. From a cultural and traditional perspective, society views professors as titles and knowledge that symbolize glory, leadership, honor, and high social status.
When achieved in a dignified manner, becoming a professor reflects the pinnacle of an academic career and the academic achievements of a lecturer. Not only that, professors are often seen as symbols of scholarship, policy, and intellectual leadership.
Currently, there is a high level of enthusiasm for becoming a professor in Indonesia because this academic position promises prestige, prosperity, and even greater academic influence and authority. Unfortunately, achieving this highest position has led to various unethical practices.
From the lecturer’s perspective, the position of professor is very attractive because, in addition to providing flexibility in accessing research grants, it often makes it easier to hold structural positions and provides broader opportunities for international cooperation.
In addition, in terms of income, the position of professor can significantly increase income due to professional and honorary allowances.
The number of professors at a university can be seen as a reflection of the quality of that academic institution. Therefore, it is not uncommon for universities to strive to increase the number of professors in order to achieve excellent accreditation and establish their reputation at the national and international levels. This atmosphere often leads to a race to increase the number of professors, which sometimes neglects quality and ethics.
Starting from the Nomination
As described above, the position of professor reflects the quality and academic achievements of lecturers if it is obtained through a proper and dignified process and method. However, in practice, ethical violations and illegal methods are often used to achieve this highest academic position.
Various illegal practices such as plagiarism of scientific works, publication in predatory journals, manipulation of performance data, as well as collusion and nepotism often color the news on social media. These unethical practices cannot be separated from the lack of academic ethics guidance, high administrative pressure, and weak institutional supervision.
In the world of education, maintaining academic integrity is a spirit that must always be upheld. Therefore, practices such as plagiarism, manipulation, and instant publication should not occur. Lecturers should focus on research that has an impact and benefits humanity. In addition, practicing innovative teaching and empowering the community are tasks and obligations that are inherent to lecturers.
Therefore, qualified professors will reflect integrity, expertise, and real contributions to science and society. In preventing illegal appointment, reform of lecturer ethics, institutional supervision, and firm government policies are needed.
Qualified professors should uphold integrity, anti-plagiarism, and prioritize honesty in producing scientific work. They should be competent experts, publish high-quality work, and make significant research contributions in their field of study. In addition, professors are expected to be academic mentors, research leaders, and drivers of the scientific community.
In terms of teaching, a professor must have the ability to transform their knowledge and research results into inspiring and relevant lessons for students.
Illegal means of obtaining a professorship must be avoided. Therefore, in the process of becoming a professor, lecturers should reject shortcuts and instead choose to build their scientific portfolios gradually.
A Supportive Ecosystem is Needed
Prospective professors must understand academic ethics before applying for this highly prestigious and dignified functional position. One factor that can strengthen this understanding is the active role of senior lecturers in guiding their juniors intensively, honestly, and openly.
In addition, the role of universities is vital in producing dignified professors. Universities must implement strict and transparent regulations in assessing merit-based functional positions with adequate supporting evidence.
The scientific integrity commission in higher education institutions has a vital role in verifying publications, citations, and academic records. In this case, it is only fitting that higher education institutions not only value the quantity of lecturers’ work but also the quality of the work produced.
Another equally important matter is the role of universities in facilitating lecturers in carrying out their threefold duties and also intensifying high-quality publications that meet publication ethics.
Strict measures for lecturers who commit academic ethics violations, such as revoking academic positions if they are proven to have violated academic ethics and engaged in manipulation, will greatly support the enforcement of applicable regulations.
From a regulatory perspective, it is necessary to assess proposals for functional promotions based on merit and valid evidence. This step is important to verify the authenticity and quality of the scientific work submitted. Strict sanctions must apply if there is proven academic misconduct in the process of proposing a professorship.
The role of professors is vital in maintaining the spirit of education and the reputation of universities on the national and international stage. Full professors who are actively involved in international research collaborations, participate in conferences and publish scientific papers in reputable international journals, and conduct impactful research to address various challenges and issues faced by society will be valuable assets not only for higher education institutions but also for the nation as a whole. (IAAS/KDP)
By: Prof Ronny Rachman Noor
Professor of Genetics and Animal Breeding
Faculty of Animal Science, IPB
