Enviro News Asia, Jakarta – The Institute for Advanced Social, Science, and Sustainable Future (IASSSF) once again held a VOSviewer training session titled “Advanced Techniques in Bibliometric Analysis and Writing Insights Using VOSviewer” in Jakarta on Saturday, March 15, 2025.
The IASSSF is an independent research institute focused on advancing social sciences, science, and sustainable solutions through multidisciplinary collaboration. The institute actively publishes scientific journals, organizes training sessions, seminars, and mentorship programs to enhance the capacity of researchers and practitioners in Indonesia.
During the training, participants were not only introduced to theoretical concepts but also challenged to process bibliometric data firsthand. “VOSviewer is not just a visualization tool. It serves as a gateway to understanding the dynamics of scientific research, from tracking research trends to mapping global research collaborations,” said Nor Isnaeni Dwi Arista, Research Assistant from the Social Cluster of the School of Environmental Science (SIL) at Universitas Indonesia.
Nor Isnaeni explained that VOSviewer’s visualization features enable researchers to identify patterns and trends within a scientific field. “For instance, we can pinpoint researchers who frequently collaborate, discover trending research topics, and observe the evolution of a field over time,” she elaborated during her presentation. She also shared her personal experience using VOSviewer in her published paper, demonstrating how the tool can be integrated with other platforms such as R Studio and Biblioshiny for a more comprehensive analysis.
During the training, participants also had the opportunity to practice bibliometric data processing with direct guidance. This interactive session was well received, especially when Nor Isnaeni shared effective tips for using VOSviewer, such as: using large datasets for accuracy, adjusting thresholds to prevent overly dense or sparse visualizations, utilizing colors and node sizes for better interpretation, and combining the tool with R or Biblioshiny for advanced analysis.
“Interpreting data and connecting findings with broader contexts are key skills. Tools like VOSviewer are merely instruments—researchers must remain critical in drawing conclusions and interpreting results,” she emphasized.
Nor Isnaeni stated that the training aims to serve as a starting point for researchers, particularly in environmental and sustainability fields, to leverage bibliometric analysis in identifying research gaps, strategic collaborations, and mapping global scientific developments. The methods taught are universal and can be adapted across various disciplines.
Bayu Kurnia Putra, representing IASSSF, expressed hope that participants would apply their newfound skills to their research, whether for scientific publications or policy recommendations. Moving forward, the institute plans to organize similar training series with diverse themes, aligning with its vision of fostering research innovation for a sustainable future.
