Sidrotun Naim, researchers female winner Loreal Indonesia-UNESCO International FWIS 2012.

Shrimp farming became the main livelihood for more than 6 million people in coastal areas of Indonesia. In fact, the shrimp become one of the largest export commodity for Indonesia with a value of more than one million U.S. dollars in 2010.

However, intensive aquaculture shrimp populations vulnerable to disease. One is the virus Infectious Myonecrosis Virus (IMNV) which can kill up to 70 percent of the shrimp population. Unfortunately information about the virus that can cause disease in shrimp is still small.

"The problem with this shrimp was very heavy, but when I worked for the reconstruction of Aceh after the tsunami in 2007, I saw not a single Indonesian person who has special knowledge of shrimp that can help solve this problem," said Naim Sidrotun (33), a researcher.

Sidrotun reasonable worry. In 2006 and 2010, the number of losses due to virus attacks IMNV was U.S. $ 150 - U.S. $ 200 million, if it takes into account an increase in production, making Indonesia the virus damages up to U.S. $ 500 million.

Women graduates of the School of Biological Science & Technology Bandung Institute of Technology, which has now completed the doctoral program at the University of Arizona is a deep study of the aquatic animal disease.

Through molecular biology techniques, Sidrotun examine the structure and function of genetic viral IMNV, how the virus attacks the immune system of shrimp as well as related distribution pattern of external factors such as water temperature. For his studies she was under instruction pathologist at the world famous shrimp, Donald Lightner.

Through his research, Sidrotun hope to field-scale research in Aceh and Malaysia with the introduction of shrimp and tilapia polyculture. Polyculture system is expected to minimize the risk of shrimp disease, eliminating the use of antibiotics, minimizing the cost of feed, improving the growth of shrimp and tilapia, producing high quality seafood products, and improve the welfare of farmers.

Real contribution to science and sustainability of natural resource production is a high appreciation of the international community. Together with four other female investigators, she was awarded L'Oreal - UNESCO for Women in Science is published in Paris in March 2012 and the end.

In a press gathering in Jakarta (4/412), Sidrotun admitted that she was motivated to follow the program L'Oreal-UNESCO for Women in Science after learning that one of the winners in 2007 are the teachers themselves in ITB,, Martha Dr.Fenny Dwivany .

When asked what success tips, women who previously won the L'Oreal National Fellowship in 2009, said the key kesuksean she has achieved to date is a commitment.

"Tips to success is commitment to what is done and should have a passion in that area," said the mother of one of this sons.

In the future, she has hopes to contribute more to the shrimp industry in Indonesia to be developed. She also hopes more women who are interested in the research world.

source : kompas.com