Halimah Harfah

Background

About Halimah Harfah

I’m a postdoctoral researcher at the National Institute for Materials Science (NIMS), working in the Research Center for Energy and Environmental Materials (GREEN) since October 2024. My focus is on the computational exploration of new materials for energy applications. Every day, I’m driven by curiosity and the excitement of exploring new frontiers in physics and materials science. For me, this role is more than a job—it’s the latest step in a lifelong journey of discovery and innovation. My academic path began with a Bachelor’s degree in Physics, where I first explored the world of science through the lens of medical physics for my undergraduate thesis. But during that time, I discovered a strong interest in theoretical materials science. I was drawn to the idea of uncovering new functional materials from a theoretical perspective—an approach that not only matched my growing curiosity, but also offered a flexibility that would later become essential in my life. I went on to earn a Master’s in Theoretical Condensed Matter Physics at Universitas Indonesia, which deepened my understanding of how materials behave at the atomic level. Later, a JICA scholarship brought me to Osaka University, where I completed a second Master’s and ultimately a PhD in Material Engineering Science. Throughout my doctoral studies, I was fortunate to be supported by the prestigious JSPS fellowship, which enabled me to focus deeply on high-level research and international collaboration. I officially graduated in March 2024. Now, as a married woman and mother of two children, I’ve found that the flexibility of theoretical and computational research suits my current stage of life. While every research path has its own beauty, I’m personally grateful for being able to work remotely—something that has helped me balance family and science more sustainably. I love what I do, and I find deep purpose in continuing to contribute to the advancement of science and technology through theoretical and computational research. Going forward, I aspire to become a professor and lead my own research group, where I can mentor the next generation of scientists while continuing to explore novel ideas. Ultimately, I hope to inspire others not only through innovation in the lab, but through my journey as a researcher, a mother, and a lifelong learner.