The selection of Üsküdar University as Turkey's first "Center of Excellence" by The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS), operating under UNESCO, in 2018, marked an important turning point for Turkish science history and academic infrastructure.
This process for the university, which was deemed worthy of this title with its pioneering work in neurobiology, cognitive medicine, and brain research, was not limited to the success of a single institution but transformed into a national support reform that paved the way for all universities in Turkey.
Üsküdar University Vice Rector Prof. Muhsin Konuk explained in detail the behind-the-scenes of the process leading to this prestigious center, the process carried out with TÜBİTAK, and the center's current scientific vision.
A story that began with a friendly phone call and a cup of tea
Prof. Muhsin Konuk stated that the process was actually triggered by an unplanned visit and friendly relations, recounting those days with the following words:
"At that time, I was working with Prof. Yusuf Baran, who was the Turkey member of The World Academy of Sciences (TWAS) and currently serves as the Rector of İzmir Institute of Technology (İYTE), at TÜBİTAK. Dr. Max Paoli, TWAS's then southern branch coordinator, had come to Turkey for a meeting in Istanbul. While in Istanbul, he conveyed to Professor Yusuf Baran that he wanted to give a speech at a local university. Professor Yusuf Baran immediately called me and said, 'Max Paoli wants to speak at a university, and you immediately came to mind. Can you arrange a program within two or three days?' I gladly accepted, and we quickly organized an event and had him picked up from his hotel."
A surprise offer on the balcony
Prof. Konuk, drawing attention to Dr. Max Paoli’s background in biochemistry and protein engineering, noted that the laboratory tour completely changed the course of the visit, and continued as follows:
"Max Paoli had arrived at our university early. After offering tea and coffee, telling him we had time, I took him on a tour of our laboratories. As he was a protein engineer, our infrastructure interested him. I showed him our experimental animal units; our pharmacogenetics, molecular biology, genetics, neuroscience, and neurotechnology laboratories. He was very impressed when he saw our laboratories. I explained to him that Üsküdar University was not just about behavioral sciences, but was Turkey's first thematic university, collaboratively formed by health, behavioral, and engineering sciences.
Then we went upstairs, and from the balcony, I was showing him the islands in the Marmara Sea, Sivriada, Yassıada. Just then, he turned to me and said, 'As TWAS, we enable postgraduate, doctoral, and postdoctoral researchers from developing countries to work in our designated centers of excellence. I was very impressed with your laboratories. What would you say if we proposed to select you as a center of excellence in the field of brain and neural sciences?' I conveyed that if they sent an official letter, we would gladly discuss and evaluate it in our senior boards. We corresponded, gave our approval, and thus became the first university in Turkey selected as a center of excellence by TWAS."
The transformation that took place at TÜBİTAK
Stating that the biggest operational obstacle after the finalization of the process was covering the long-term accommodation and sustenance expenses of the researchers, Prof. Konuk also explained how they overcame this obstacle through a historical meeting with TÜBİTAK:
"According to TWAS rules, the accommodation and food needs of researchers coming to our country, ranging from 3 months to 3 years, had to be covered by the host institution. At that very time, Prof. Hasan Mandal had just been appointed as the President of TÜBİTAK. There was a launch meeting for a new project call in Ankara. Seizing the opportunity, I went to Professor Hasan Mandal. I explained the situation: 'Professor, TWAS selected us as a center of excellence, but the long-term sustenance expenses of researchers coming here need to be covered. TÜBİTAK's Department of Support Programs for Scientists (BİDEB) has an existing program, but the support period is limited to 3 weeks. Can we extend this?' I asked.
Professor Hasan Mandal approached the issue with incredible vision. He immediately gave me the email addresses of two department heads and his secretary, telling me to send an email explaining the situation, with him in CC. Unbelievably, just one week later, that 3-week support period was extended to a full 3 years (36 months). This became valid not only for Üsküdar University but for all universities in Turkey. Thus, through our efforts and instrumentality, a status was achieved whereby all researchers coming to any university in Turkey through TWAS or similar international programs could be supported for up to 3 years."
A beginning that inspired other universities
Stating that this door opened by Üsküdar University created a roadmap for other established Turkish universities in a short time, Prof. Konuk continued as follows:
"Immediately after our initiative, the process grew like a snowball. After Professor Yusuf Baran was appointed as Rector of İzmir Institute of Technology (İYTE), the Integrated Research Centers (TAM) within İYTE were also selected as Turkey's second TWAS-UNESCO Center of Excellence in the fields of bioengineering and cancer research. Subsequently, several more of our universities gained this status, and TÜBİTAK began opening joint international calls with TWAS scholarships. We are proud to have made such a contribution to the country's science."
Molecular neuroscience vision at "Turkey's Brain Base"
Stating that bright minds from developing countries are conducting world-class research within Üsküdar University, Prof. Muhsin Konuk also touched upon the university's current academic strength:
"Üsküdar University is today truly 'Turkey's brain base'. Researchers from all over the world, especially from developing countries, can come through TWAS and conduct their neuroscience studies in our laboratories, provided their projects are accepted by TÜBİTAK.
Currently, our university actively offers a Neuroscience Master's program, a Neuroscience Doctoral program in Turkish and English, and most importantly, our Molecular Neuroscience Doctoral Program, which is the first and only one in Turkey. In fact, in the past, we were so focused on this area that during our discussions with YÖK (Council of Higher Education), they guided our request to open a Molecular Biology and Genetics doctoral program by saying 'first establish Molecular Neuroscience'. Subsequently, we successfully launched both doctoral programs. We continue to host international researchers in our disciplined and methodological laboratories, helping them to establish their own centers by modeling ours when they return to their home countries."
