SURAKARTA, April 8, 2026 – The Biology Education Study Program of FKIP Universitas Sebelas Maret (UNS) successfully held a Foreign Expert Lecture titled “Introduce the Zebrafish as A Model for Biomedical Research.” Conducted virtually via Zoom Meeting, the event featured Dr. Cecilia L. Winata, the Head of the Laboratory of Zebrafish Developmental Genomics at the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology in Warsaw, Poland.

During the session, Dr. Cecilia highlighted why Zebrafish (Danio rerio) has become a premier model for human disease research. The core technical highlights included:

  • Biological Advantages: Zebrafish are preferred due to their rapid embryonic development, transparent bodies for direct organ observation, and high genetic similarity to humans.
  • Genetic Engineering: The use of advanced tools such as CRISPR/Cas9 and morpholinos to manipulate genes and study disease mechanisms at a molecular level.
  • Disease Modeling: Practical applications in studying genetic disorders (such as Aicardi-Goutières syndrome via the ADAR1 gene) and researching cardiac development and arrhythmias.
  • Precision Analysis: Implementation of transgenic technology and single-cell transcriptome analysis to identify specific cell types and organ regulation.

The lecture was attended by Biology Education students from the classes of 2023, 2024, and 2025, as well as participants from various universities. The high level of engagement during the Q&A session reflected a strong interest in molecular research techniques and the future potential of zebrafish models.

Through this Foreign Expert Lecture, the UNS Biology Education Study Program aims to broaden students’ international perspectives and keep them updated on the latest advancements in molecular biology and biomedicine. This initiative is expected to inspire students to develop innovative research that contributes to the global scientific community.