Faculty of Forestry (Fahut), Hasanuddin University (UNHAS), recently hosted a public lecture entitled “Critical Thinking in Research” delivered by Dr. Teresa Romero from the University of Portsmouth, United Kingdom. Held on Monday, 15 June 2026, at the Faculty of Forestry’s hall. The event brought together 40 undergraduate students from the Forest Conservation Study Program. During the interactive session, Dr. Romero emphasized that critical thinking extends beyond questioning scientific findings, it requires systematically evaluating evidence, recognizing personal biases, considering alternative explanations, and maintaining scientific scepticism. She also discussed how confirmation bias and motivated reasoning can unconsciously influence research design, data interpretation, and decision-making, ultimately affecting the quality and credibility of scientific discoveries.
The lecture encouraged students to become more discerning consumers and producers of scientific knowledge by looking beyond headlines, critically evaluating research claims, and understanding the importance of robust and reproducible evidence. As future conservation scientists, participants learned how critical thinking serves as a fundamental skill for developing sound conservation strategies, informing environmental policy, and addressing complex ecological challenges. The event contributes to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4: Quality Education by promoting higher education, learning opportunities, and educational quality, while fostering the analytical skills needed to support evidence-based wildlife conservation and sustainable environmental management.
