Yogyakarta — The Faculty of Psychology at Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY) has achieved another milestone in the 39th National Student Scientific Week (Pekan Ilmiah Mahasiswa Nasional, PIMNAS), scheduled for 2026. One Student Creativity Program team in Social Humanities Research (PKM-RSH) from the Faculty of Psychology UNY has qualified for the national event. In addition, two Psychology students have qualified as members of PKM teams from other faculties within UNY. This achievement highlights Psychology students’ contributions to research and community engagement through interdisciplinary collaboration.

The PKM-RSH team from the Faculty of Psychology UNY presents a research 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 experienced by persons with disabilities and its relationship with career adaptability. This issue is important for understanding the challenges that may affect their career development, including social environmental factors, accessibility, and equal opportunities. Through a social humanities research approach, the team brings issues of inclusion and equality to a national forum for student research.

In addition to the team representing the Faculty of Psychology UNY, Daffina Titania Alfanda, a Psychology student, has qualified for the 39th PIMNAS as a member of a Community Service Student Creativity Program (PKM-PM) team from the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA) UNY. The team presents a proposal entitled “GUARDIAN OF THE FUTURE: Gamified Role-Play for Developing Peer Educator Leaders against 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 encouraging students to become peer educators, the initiative promotes active student participation in creating a safer, more supportive, and respectful learning environment.

Another Psychology student, Alvin Muhammad Iqbal S.A., has also qualified for the 39th PIMNAS as a member of a Community Service Student Creativity Program (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 coping with challenges. The initiative also highlights the importance of supporting the psychological well-being of children experiencing vulnerable circumstances.

The success of one PKM team from the Faculty of Psychology UNY, alongside the participation of two Psychology students in teams from other faculties, demonstrates the diverse opportunities for Psychology students to contribute to research and community engagement. Although the three proposals address different issues, they share a common concern for human well-being and the development of more inclusive social environments. From promoting equal opportunities for persons with disabilities and preventing bullying in schools to strengthening the resilience of children facing vulnerable circumstances, these initiatives illustrate the relevance of psychological perspectives in addressing real-world social challenges.

These initiatives are also connected to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The 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 aligns with SDG 4: Quality Education by supporting a safe and inclusive learning environment, as well as SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being through its focus on students’ psychological well-being. Meanwhile, I’M STRONG contributes to SDG 3 by strengthening social and emotional skills and is also relevant to SDG 10 through its focus on children in vulnerable circumstances.

The 39th PIMNAS is scheduled to take place from 2 to 7 November 2026 at Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP), Semarang. The event serves as a national forum where students present the outcomes of their creativity programs, defend their ideas academically, and exchange experiences with participants from higher education institutions across Indonesia. Participation in PIMNAS provides students with opportunities to strengthen their academic capabilities, expand collaborative networks, and demonstrate how scientific knowledge can contribute to addressing societal challenges.

The Faculty of Psychology UNY congratulates the PKM-RSH team led by Warid Illahi Kurniadi Putra, together with team member Vicky Kusuma Afriansyah, as well as Daffina Titania Alfanda and Alvin Muhammad Iqbal S.A., who qualified as members of teams from other faculties. Appreciation is also extended to the supervising lecturer and everyone who supported the development of these initiatives. May this achievement inspire students to continue producing innovative research and community engagement programs that foster collaboration and deliver meaningful benefits to society.

Keep creating, collaborating, and making a positive impact on society through psychology.