On Wednesday, August 27, 2025, the Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Cultural Sciences, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) held a public lecture entitled “The Homo Genre in the Late Pleistocene Interbreeding: How Late Pleistocene Species DNA is Still Present in Nowadays People” at Soegondo Building S709, featuring guest speaker Eleonora Stabili from L’Orientale, University of Naples, Italy. The event, attended by more than 80 undergraduate and graduate archaeology students, explored the development of studies on ancient human genetics, particularly the phenomenon of interbreeding between Homo sapiens and other species such as Denisovans.
Stabili emphasized the significance of Denisovan DNA, which is found in high frequencies in Southeast Asia, including Indonesia, and its role in shaping traits and health in modern humans. The lecture provided valuable insights into the importance of understanding genetic and cultural diversity in tracing human evolution, while also highlighting the need for international collaboration in ancient genetic research.
UGM students gained an invaluable opportunity to broaden their academic perspectives, explore the implications of DNA research for cultural heritage, and delve deeper into interspecies Homo interactions as a crucial part of human migration and interaction history in Southeast Asia. Beyond enriching knowledge, this event also strengthened UGM’s academic network with international universities, reaffirming its position as a leading center for archaeological and genetic research in the region.
An interactive discussion session at the end of the lecture further encouraged students’ critical engagement with contemporary issues in archaeology and genetics, making the event a successful platform for fostering academic enthusiasm and opening opportunities for future research collaboration.
