Üsküdar Üniversitesi ranked 12th among universities across Turkey for its successful work in the ‘Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Genetics’ category. Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Muhsin Konuk stated that they are proud to be deemed worthy of the award for their innovative project, adding that they have surpassed many well-established institutions and are engaged in endeavors some cannot even imagine.
Prof. Dr. Muhsin Konuk: “We attach great importance to student projects”
Konuk stated that student support and teamwork are the factors behind Üsküdar Üniversitesi's globally recognized projects; “As Üsküdar Üniversitesi, we attach great importance to student projects. Especially for graduation projects, there are TÜBİTAK-supported 22-09 A and B projects. Many of our students apply for these competitions, and we receive significant acceptance. In fact, it serves as preparation for our students to start their master's degrees. Most of these projects have also been published in international journals. As Vice Rector responsible for R&D at Üsküdar Üniversitesi and Founding Head of the Molecular Biology and Genetics (English) Department, under the leadership of the current program's English Department Head Prof. Dr. Tunç Çatal and Turkish Department Head Prof. Dr. Belkıs Atasever Arslan, our team's collaboration and solidarity have led to success in many fields.”
“R&D-focused education enabled our rapid development”
Konuk conveyed the globally recognized achievements of Üsküdar alumni; “We have risen to very good levels as a result of the University administration, especially our Founding Rector Prof. Dr. Nevzat Tarhan, moving forward within the framework of R&D foci. This year, which is our 11th year since establishment, we will graduate our department's 7th cohort. Our graduates are pursuing master's and doctoral degrees at very good universities. Currently, approximately 50 students from the Molecular Biology and Genetics department are doing their master's and doctorate abroad. We sent two of them to Yale University in America, and one student is in British Columbia, Canada. Additionally, we have many students continuing their studies in England, Finland, Denmark, and at Max Planck in Germany. We also have students in Portugal, Spain, Italy, and Sweden. All of them are continuing their master's and doctoral education there.”
“We have become a brand in the field of Molecular Biology and Genetics with our projects”
Konuk emphasized the quality of projects developed in the field of Molecular Biology and Genetics, stating that Üsküdar Üniversitesi's recognition in the sector has significantly increased. Konuk said; “We have become a brand in the field of Molecular Biology and Genetics with the projects we have developed. Ranking 12th out of 97 departments in 11 years can actually be seen as a superhuman achievement. If we look at the universities that made it into the top 15 in the results, they are predominantly foundation universities. It is very important for Üsküdar Üniversitesi to undertake particularly impactful studies in terms of the work we do. Since we work multidisciplinarily in areas such as stem cell therapies, genetic therapies, and the production and acquisition of biomarkers that can be used in disease diagnosis, we have produced serious work. I believe we have achieved great things with a very small number of people coming together. We are engaged in things some cannot even imagine.”
“Because our R&D foci concern new fields, we are making a global impact”
Stating 'We are engaged in things some cannot even imagine,' Konuk drew attention to Üsküdar Üniversitesi's innovative perspective. Konuk said; “By including international students in these projects, we strive for them to also benefit. Moreover, with companies founded by students, companies founded by academics, and companies jointly founded by both groups, I can say that we have gained current momentum. I hope these projects will lead to positive developments for Turkey as well. Our work is making an impact in many parts of the world. Especially because our R&D foci concern very new fields, we continue to make a global impact with our work.”
Photo: Mukadder Güneş / ÜHA