From Prof. Nevzat Tarhan, one of the doyen names in psychiatry and neuroscience, to Prof. Sevil Atasoy, who was elected Chairperson of the United Nations International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) for the third time; from Prof. Deniz Ülke Kaynak, who received the 2026 Nevitt Sanford Award, one of the prestigious awards in political psychology, to Prof. Mehmet Zihni Sungur, who was deemed worthy of the Special Service Award by the World Confederation of Cognitive Behavioral Therapies, Üsküdar University stands out with its strong academic staff.
The scientific ecosystem, which also includes the work of Asst. Prof. Cihan Taştan, the project coordinator of the genetic research carried out in Türkiye's first human space mission, extends from psychiatry, psychology, and neuroscience to genetics and biotechnology, and from artificial intelligence and engineering to communication and social sciences.
While Üsküdar University brings together academics who are well-known to the public in various scientific fields and conduct studies in national and international scientific communities, it offers an educational environment where students can combine their theoretical knowledge with practice and scientific production through its hospitals, laboratories, and research centers.
Prof. Nevzat Tarhan, a doyen in Psychiatry and Neuroscience
Prof. Nevzat Tarhan, President of Üsküdar University and Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, a psychiatrist, plays an important role in the formation of Üsküdar University's scientific and academic vision. Tarhan, one of Türkiye's prominent figures in psychiatry and neuroscience, stands out with his studies in areas such as behavioral neuroscience, neuromodulation therapies, neuroimaging, brain mapping, and social psychology.
Tarhan, also known for his work that brings scientific knowledge to society, is one of the pioneering figures of Üsküdar University's multidisciplinary approach, which brings together behavioral and health sciences with neuroscience, engineering, and technology.
Prof. Sevil Atasoy Chairperson of UN INCB for the Third Time
Prof. Sevil Atasoy, Vice President of Üsküdar University, was elected Chairperson for the third time by the votes of the board members at the 146th session of the United Nations International Narcotics Control Board (INCB).
Atasoy's election to this position for the third time, known for her work in forensic sciences, criminalistics, and drug policies, became one of the remarkable examples of Üsküdar University's academic accumulation being represented in international decision-making mechanisms.
International Awards for Prof. Deniz Ülke Kaynak and Prof. Mehmet Zihni Sungur
Prof. Deniz Ülke Kaynak, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, was honored with the 2026 Nevitt Sanford Award by the International Society of Political Psychology (ISPP). The award, given to only one person annually since 1979, honors scholars who make lasting and transformative contributions to the field of political psychology. Kaynak also conducted academic studies in conflict resolution at Oxford University's CRIC Centre between 2015-2025.
Prof. Mehmet Zihni Sungur, a faculty member of the Psychology Department, was honored with the “Special Service Award” by the World Confederation of Cognitive Behavioral Therapies (WCCBT) within the scope of the 11th World Congress of Cognitive Behavioral Therapies held in San Francisco. The award was a significant indicator of Sungur's contributions to the development of cognitive behavioral therapies and international studies in the field.
Üsküdar's Scientific Work Carried into Space
Asst. Prof. Cihan Taştan, Director of Üsküdar University TRGENMER, undertook the project coordination of the MESSAGE – Microgravity Associated Genetics scientific experiment, which astronaut Alper Gezeravcı carried out on the International Space Station as part of Türkiye's first human space mission.
The project investigated the effects of microgravity on human gene expression and genetic and immune system changes in the space environment. The research is expected to contribute new scientific questions to studies on cancer, the immune system, aging, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Strong Staff from Neuroscience to Artificial Intelligence, from Genetics to Communication
Psychiatry, psychology, and neuroscience constitute one of the strong areas of Üsküdar University's academic structure. In addition to Prof. Nevzat Tarhan, Prof. Türker Tekin Ergüzel with his work at the intersection of artificial intelligence, engineering, and health informatics; Prof. Kaan Yılancıoğlu with his studies in genetics, bioinformatics, molecular biology, and biotechnology contribute to the university's academic strength in technology and basic sciences.
Prof. Tayfun Uzbay with his work in neuropsychopharmacology and addiction, Prof. Tayfun Doğan in positive psychology, Prof. Nesrin Dilbaz in psychiatry and addiction, Prof. Sultan Tarlacı in neuroscience, Prof. Gökben Hızlı Sayar with her academic and clinical work in psychiatry are among the prominent academics.
Prof. Nazife Güngör in communication sciences, Prof. Süleyman İrvan in journalism and media ethics, Prof. Müge Arslan in nutrition and dietetics, Prof. Barış Erdoğan in social sciences, Prof. Mahmut Erol Kılıç in Islamic thought and Sufism studies are among the names completing the academic accumulation in different disciplines.
Academic Knowledge Meets Clinic at NPİSTANBUL Hastanesi
NPİSTANBUL Hastanesi constitutes one of Üsküdar University's significant practical strengths in the field of health. The academic and clinical collaboration between the university and the hospital contributes to the convergence of theoretical education with clinical practices, especially in the fields of psychiatry, psychology, neurology, and neuroscience.
Dentistry Students in Practice at the Hospital
Another important practical center in Üsküdar University's health education is Üsküdar University Dental Hospital. Thanks to the integrated structure of the Faculty of Dentistry and the Dental Hospital, students undertake practical training in hospital clinics under the supervision of faculty members after preclinical and simulation applications.
