Üsküdar University and Erciyes University signed a Gene-Stem Cell Center collaboration protocol. This collaboration, realized between Üsküdar University Founding Rector Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan and Erciyes University Rector Prof. Dr. Mustafa Çalış, aims for joint scientific cooperation in many fields.
In addition to Tarhan and Çalış, Üsküdar University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Muhsin Konuk, Erciyes University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Murat Borlu, Erciyes University Gene-Stem Cell Center Director Prof. Dr. Yusuf Özkul, and Üsküdar University Faculty of Medicine Dean Prof. Dr. Haydar Sur also attended the online collaboration signing ceremony, held within the scope of pandemic measures.
Prof. Dr. Tarhan: 'Science Must Be Used as a Soft Power'
Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan stated that science is the greatest power and must be used as a soft power. Tarhan said, 'We now know that many things will be done with artificial intelligence. Normally, when establishing a university, especially foundation universities, a philosophy department is not often opened. There cannot be a university without a philosophy department. However, we also opened the Molecular Biology and Genetics Department in Turkish and English. Currently, bioengineering has not been noticed much, but after the Covid-19 pandemic, everyone started to pronounce molecular biology and genetics. Genetics means the biological database of a human being. A child is born with biological data. Diseases emerge with deviations. Currently, the new frontier of medicine is the brain and the relationship between the brain and genetics. There is a serious need for R&D in this area. Therefore, it is inevitable for our country to invest in R&D. If Turkey catches up with science, it will feel that it is in the global race. We are also present in our own civilization's geography. For this reason, the power of knowledge has replaced the power of weapons here. Science is currently the greatest power. Science must be used as a soft power. Decision-makers must know this. We need to produce Nobel laureates from among the current students. That's why, as a university, we have chosen R&D as a high target. We have goals as much as we can. Those who do not have high goals cannot achieve small things. Üsküdar University does not leave this merely in words. We are currently establishing a serious infrastructure related to stem cells. We are undertaking joint projects. Erciyes University is also a university that attaches importance to these issues. I have a very high belief that good things will come out of this. I hope this beautiful beginning will have beautiful results.'
Prof. Dr. Çalış: 'I Hope We Contribute to Our Country, Humanity, and the World with This Work'
Erciyes University Rector Prof. Dr. Mustafa Çalış stated that collaborations are very important during this period. Çalış said, 'I believe there will be various projects and outcomes within mutual cooperation. Our Gene-Stem Cell Center will naturally lead this work, but our other centers will also continue collaborations. When this idea came to me, I gladly accepted it. Reaching this stage is a source of pride for us. I hope that through this opportunity, we will do a lot of work and contribute to our country, humanity, and the world.'
Prof. Dr. Sur: 'Genetics Will Become the Arena of This Field'
Prof. Dr. Haydar Sur stated that genetic science and medical science cannot be separated in the current century. Sur said, 'While establishing formations within the Faculty of Medicine, we particularly emphasized very strong basic sciences. Genetic science has also become the main pathway dominating all aspects of 21st-century medical education, medical practices, treatments, and research. In the 21st century, personalized medicine will leave its mark on healthcare services. We owe this to genetic science. Therefore, we can say that without genetics or without achieving success in that field, no success can be achieved in medical education, healthcare services, or the efficiency of the healthcare system when we consider it globally. Since we are in the era of Big Data, the weight of evidence produced by single-center studies is no longer widely accepted. The horizon and advantage of being multi-centered make it easier for us to handle larger data loads and evidence loads. From this perspective, we can call the 21st century the age of collaborations. In the 21st century, we have entered a period where professional distinctions are outdated. We will especially experience a period where the boundaries between engineering and medical professions will increasingly intertwine. We will live in an era of physician-engineers who use technology to the fullest and engineer-physicians who serve healthcare services to the fullest. Genetics will become the arena of this field. I thank both universities for this collaboration. As the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, I am ready to provide all kinds of assistance.'
Prof. Dr. Konuk: 'A Beautiful Step is Being Taken for Our Dreams'
Prof. Dr. Muhsin Konuk emphasized that this is a very valuable collaboration to utilize the opportunities of the two universities. Konuk said, 'As a university, a beautiful step is being taken for our dreams to come true. I believe we will do very good work with Erciyes University. It is beneficial to evaluate the opportunities and infrastructures of both sides.'
In the program where Üsküdar University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Muhsin Konuk expressed his full belief that the collaboration between the two universities would yield beautiful scientific results, Erciyes University Gene-Stem Cell Center Director Prof. Dr. Yusuf Özkul provided information about the center's activities.
Prof. Dr. Özkul: 'A University Becomes More Successful if It Focuses on One Area'
Özkul made the following evaluations: 'Erciyes University has thirty-nine research centers. The reason for such a large number of centers is related to our university's tendencies. The university discovered that it has the ability to improve if it focuses on certain areas rather than all areas. For this reason, it tried to establish research centers such as Gene-Stem Cell, drug development, and vaccine development, especially in health-related fields. It also gave importance to research centers that we believe the country and geography need not only in health sciences but also in social sciences, and we established centers in these areas as well. The Gene and Stem Cell Center consists of many departments. Gene-Stem Cell is also an institute. We provide master's and doctoral education in neuroscience, molecular biology and genetics, metabolism, and chronic diseases.'
The program, which included a project presentation by Üsküdar University Faculty of Medicine Lecturer Dr. Yeşim Özdemir, concluded with the Gene-Stem Cell Center protocol signing ceremony held between the two universities.
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