The Graduate School of Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) continues to strengthen its commitment to global academic engagement and interdisciplinary education by providing opportunities for international knowledge exchange. This commitment was reflected in an International Guest Lecture organized by the Master of Bioethics Study Program, featuring two distinguished scholars from Baylor University, United States, on Monday, October 26, 2026.
Held in a hybrid format at Meeting Room A, 5th Floor, UGM Graduate School, and via Zoom, the event brought together Devan Stahl, PhD, Associate Professor of Bioethics and Religion at Baylor University and Adjunct Associate Professor at Baylor College of Medicine, and Paul Martens, PhD, Director of the Ethics Center and Associate Professor of Ethics at Baylor University. Their participation provided an opportunity for the academic community to explore international perspectives on contemporary ethical challenges in healthcare and environmental sustainability.
The first session featured Devan Stahl, PhD, who delivered a presentation entitled “Ethics Committees and Consultation Services in North America.” His presentation explored the roles of ethics committees and healthcare ethics consultation services in addressing ethical uncertainties and dilemmas within healthcare institutions in North America. He discussed various models of clinical ethics consultation, the functions of interdisciplinary ethics committees, and the importance of facilitating communication among patients, families, and healthcare professionals. Particular emphasis was placed on respecting patient autonomy and supporting ethically informed decision-making in healthcare settings.
The second session was delivered by Paul Martens, PhD, under the title “Environmental Ethics and Human Flourishing: Sketching the Big Picture.” He invited participants to revisit the foundations of bioethics through the intellectual legacy of Van Rensselaer Potter, who introduced bioethics in 1971 as a bridge between biological knowledge and human values. His discussion highlighted the importance of understanding bioethics beyond the boundaries of clinical and medical ethics. Rather, bioethics should also address the interconnectedness of human health, the natural environment, and ecosystem sustainability as essential dimensions of human flourishing.
Together, the two presentations demonstrated the broad and interdisciplinary nature of bioethics in responding to complex contemporary challenges. The exchange of perspectives also encouraged participants to critically reflect on how international approaches and ethical frameworks can be contextualized and applied to healthcare and environmental issues in Indonesia.
This academic initiative also contributes to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The discussion on healthcare ethics supports SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), while the international academic learning environment advances SDG 4 (Quality Education). Furthermore, the exploration of environmental ethics contributes to SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land). The engagement between UGM and Baylor University also reflects the spirit of SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through the strengthening of international academic networks and collaboration.
Through initiatives such as this International Guest Lecture, UGM Graduate School aims to expand international academic engagement, encourage interdisciplinary dialogue, and strengthen its role in addressing global challenges through higher education. Such activities are expected to equip graduate students and the wider academic community with broader perspectives, critical thinking skills, and ethical leadership to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of health, society, and environmental sustainability.
Writer: Yeti Susilowati