As the world continues to face growing pressure from climate change, four Thursina IIBS students chose to take part through research. Their efforts led to Aelyst, a bio-hybrid research project that integrates Chlorella vulgaris microalgae with TiO₂ photocatalyst technology for simultaneous carbon capture and air purification.
Through their research titled “Aelyst: A Novel Bio-Hybrid Framework Integrating Chlorella vulgaris and TiO₂ Photocatalyst for Simultaneous Carbon Capture and Air Purification,” M. Firas Irsyadan, Bagas Mika D., Nadhif Syahmi H., and M. Fatih Fathoni earned a Gold Medal in the Life Science category at the International Research Project Olympiad (IRPrO) 2026 in Bandung.
More than simply a long scientific title, Aelyst carries an idea that brings together two different approaches within one framework: the biological process of microalgae and photocatalytic technology to address air quality challenges.
Chlorella vulgaris is a microalgae species that has been widely studied for its potential to capture carbon dioxide through biological processes and convert it into biomass. Meanwhile, titanium dioxide (TiO₂) has been widely researched as a photocatalytic material with potential applications in breaking down various air pollutants.
By combining these two characteristics, the Thursina team developed the concept of a vertical microalgae–TiO₂ bio-hybrid bioreactor. The system was designed to explore the possibility of continuous and simultaneous carbon capture and air purification.
For competition mentor Ustaz Alfarid Fedro, M.H., the Gold Medal was not the result of preparation that began only a few weeks before the competition. The research journey had started much earlier through Thursina’s Integrated Project Based Learning (IPBL) program.
“This project had already been guided since they took part in Integrated Project Based Learning. The team then achieved first place, and we continued developing the project for an international competition to strengthen their theoretical understanding, analytical skills, and critical thinking,” said Ustaz Farid.
The research was later brought to IRPrO, a competition that views research as more than simply a product to be displayed.
According to the Indonesia Scientific Society (ISS), IRPrO is designed to encourage students to develop a research culture from an early age, strengthen research literacy, exchange ideas across countries, and develop scientific solutions to real-world challenges.
Projects are evaluated based on several aspects, including originality, scientific methodology, quality of analysis, innovation, presentation, and their potential contribution to science and society.
At the 2026 Final Round in Bandung, Thursina students competed against 74 teams from 12 countries. For the team mentored by Ustaz Farid, the international setting presented a different kind of challenge: ideas first developed in the classroom now had to be explained and defended on an international stage.
Firas, one of the team members, said the experience broadened his understanding of research and innovation.
“This competition did not only test how well we understood our project, but also how four people could bring their analysis together, divide responsibilities, and maintain strong coordination,” Firas explained.
Thursina successfully sent three teams to the IRPrO 2026 Final Round. In addition to the Gold Medal earned by Firas and his team, the other two teams brought home a Silver Medal and a Bronze Medal.
For their mentor, however, the three medals are not the final destination. The next goal is to bring the research beyond the competition stage and into a wider academic space.
“Hopefully, the next step will be publication in a reputable international journal,” ser than a school competition.
This prestigious achievement also reflects the Open-Minded value within Thursina IIBS’s RECODING Core Values. Being open-minded is not only about accepting new ideas, but also having the courage to connect different disciplines, question assumptions, receive evaluation, and revise one’s thinking when scientific evidence points in another direction.
For Ustaz Farid, the achievement ultimately needs to return to the character of the people behind the research.
“Never get tired of being a good person who does good things for the greater good,” concluded the Manager of Waqf & Endowment Fund.
Beyond the competition, the research has also been accepted for publication in a Scopus-indexed journal and is scheduled to be presented at an international conference in Jordan on October 7–8.
From a question about air quality, four Thursina students are learning that becoaid Ustaz Alfarid.
The hope is particularly meaningful because Aelyst addresses an isue far greatming a researcher is not only about discovering something new. It is also about having sthe courage to see the world’s problems, think more deeply, and take part in finding solutions. (Izz)
