The ninth Project Launch Meeting organized by Üsküdar University R&D and Innovation Policies Department was held. During the meeting, many multidisciplinary projects were introduced, ranging from neurotechnology to forensic sciences, from eco-friendly chemistry to animation art. The program highlighted the importance of scientific studies transforming into social benefit. Research examining the effect of exercise in addiction treatment, nanotechnological studies aiming to render environmentally harmful substances harmless, and forensic science projects aimed at strengthening the signature security of visually impaired individuals were shared. Additionally, new applications developed in the fields of education and art through AI-supported animation studies were also shared with the participants.
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Future technologies and social benefit-oriented projects discussed at Üsküdar
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The meeting, held at Üsküdar University Main Campus Nermin Tarhan Conference Hall, was attended by faculty deans, senate members, and academics, including President of Üsküdar University, Psychiatrist Prof. Nevzat Tarhan.
At the meeting, the ARGEYEP Executive Board introduced projects reflecting the university's future vision. Within the scope of the program, researchers shared their experiences and presentations of new generation technological applications were made.
Prof. Nevzat Tarhan: “Scientific studies should not remain theoretical”
President of Üsküdar University, Psychiatrist Prof. Nevzat Tarhan, emphasized that scientific studies should not merely remain theoretical but should transform into clinical practice and social benefit. Tarhan, addressing the importance of research culture in education, said: “We consider it our 'red line' for our research assistants, especially, to acquire a project-producing culture at the beginning of their careers. The development of an assistant who does not conduct research will be incomplete.”
Tarhan, drawing attention to the importance of neuromodulation technologies such as tDCS and Vagus nerve simulator (TAVSU), developed with domestic capabilities, used the following expressions:
“These technologies silence the brain's ‘fight or flight’ sympathetic system and activate the parasympathetic system, which sends the message ‘relax, you are safe’ to the person. This is a tremendous field. Our goal is to create an ecosystem where we can both produce these technologies and offer them to our people without profit for social benefit.”
Assoc. Prof. Müge Ensari Özay: “We are going through a dynamic period in our R&D activities”
The first presentation within the scope of the meeting was given by Assoc. Prof. Müge Ensari Özay, Director of R&D and Innovation Policies.
Özay, providing information about the university's increasing project capacity, stated that as of February, 13 active high-budget BAP projects are ongoing. Özay said, “We implemented 21 new project applications in February alone. We closely follow TÜSEB and TÜBİTAK calls and involve our academics in the process. We are going through a dynamic period in our R&D activities.”
She also noted that the biotechnology valley to be established within the scope of the protocol signed with BİOSAD will offer great opportunities to students in terms of internships and practical applications.
Natural dopamine source in addiction treatment: Exercise
Research Assistant Beyza Nur Dikmen Hoşbaş from the Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, presented her project titled “The Effect of Inspiratory Muscle Training on Respiratory Functions and Functional Capacity in Individuals with Substance Use Disorder,” supported within the scope of TÜBİTAK 1002-A.
Hoşbaş stated that they determined a 50 percent decrease in respiratory capacity in individuals with substance addiction; “We aim to reduce anxiety, depression, and intense craving by utilizing the effect of exercise on the natural dopamine and endocannabinoid system.”
Eco-friendly chemistry: Nanocatalysts that render waste harmless
Assoc. Prof. Pınar Şen, faculty member of the Department of Chemical Engineering (English) at the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, presented her project titled “Synthesis, Characterization, and Investigation of Catalytic Activities in Oxidation Reactions of Chlorophenol Compounds with Silica-Coated Magnetic Fe3O4 Nanoparticles Functionalized with Heteroleptic Schiff Base-Cu (II) Metal Complexes,” supported within the scope of TÜBİTAK 1002-A.
Şen shared the details of her magnetic nanocatalyst project aimed at cleaning industrial waste. Şen stated that they focus particularly on toxic substances difficult to degrade in nature, such as chlorophenol; “Our aim is not just to produce a molecule, but to establish a stable system that can be used repeatedly in industry, reduces costs, and transforms substances harmful to our environment into harmless structures.”
A first in Forensic Sciences: Signature security for the visually impaired
Prof. Aylin Yalçın Sarıbey, faculty member of the Department of Forensic Sciences at the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, presented her project titled “Forensic Examination of Signatures Belonging to Visually Impaired Individuals,” supported within the scope of TÜBİTAK 1002-A, which addresses a literature gap worldwide.
Sarıbey stated that they aim to protect the financial and legal rights of visually impaired individuals; “We are creating a scientific data set by analyzing signature samples of individuals using the Braille alphabet with high-technology devices. This study will serve as a concrete guide for judges and prosecutors in legal processes.”
Animation art meets artificial intelligence
Instructor Özgül Öztürk from the Department of Cartoon and Animation at the Faculty of Communication reported on the activities of the “Animation Art and Artificial Intelligence Applications Working Group.”
Öztürk, referring to the high-budget Erasmus project in partnership with Bologna University, stated; “We will produce VR glasses-supported animated content for the education of disadvantaged individuals. Our goal is to provide qualified academic outputs by combining animation art with artificial intelligence on a multidisciplinary platform.”
The meeting concluded with the presentation of sapling planting certificates and a group photo.
