Yogyakarta, 29 May 2026 – The Faculty of Biology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), organized a guest lecture for the Animal Structure and Development course coordinated by Dr. Luthfi Nur Hidayat. The lecture featured Dr. Cecilia Winata, an Indonesian researcher and academic currently based in Warsaw, Poland, who delivered a presentation entitled Basic Development of the Circulatory System.
During the lecture, Dr. Winata discussed the early developmental stages of the circulatory system in vertebrates, including the formation and differentiation of cardiovascular tissues during embryonic development. The presentation provided students with a comprehensive understanding of how the heart and blood vessels develop as essential organ systems supporting growth and survival.
The guest lecture was attended by undergraduate biology students enrolled in the Animal Structure and Development course. In addition to introducing fundamental concepts of circulatory system development, Dr. Winata also explained several examples of developmental abnormalities that may arise during embryogenesis.
During the discussion session, one student asked whether congenital heart malformations could be influenced by environmental factors. Dr. Winata explained that, in addition to genetic factors, various environmental influences during embryonic development, including exposure to certain substances, maternal health conditions, and nutritional factors, may contribute to the occurrence of congenital heart defects.
This guest lecture reflects the Faculty of Biology UGM’s commitment to enriching students’ learning experiences through direct engagement with international scholars and researchers. The activity provided valuable insights into circulatory system development and its significance in developmental biology and health sciences.
The event also contributed to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) by enhancing understanding of human health and development, SDG 4 (Quality Education) through the provision of high-quality education involving international experts, and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by strengthening international academic collaboration between the Faculty of Biology UGM and researchers abroad.
