‘Stem Cell Symposium’ brought together experts from Turkey and Northern Cyprus

The ‘Stem Cell Symposium’ organized by the Eastern Mediterranean University DESAM Research Institute discussed the momentum gained by stem cell research and applications in recent years, innovations in the field of stem cells, and future trends in this field. The symposium, which was held with a high level of participation, brought together expert scientists, researchers, and students in the field of stem cell research.
At the opening of the symposium, Eastern Mediterranean University Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ and Director of the Eastern Mediterranean University DESAM Research Institute Assoc. Dr. Cenk Serhan Özverel gave speeches. Following the opening speeches; Prof. Dr. H. Seda Vatansever, Founding Member of the DESAM Research Institute and Coordinator of Scientific Research Projects, Prof. Dr. Sinan Güven from the Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylül University, Prof. Dr. K. Can Akcalı, Director of the Stem Cell Institute at Ankara University, DESAM Research Institute researcher Dr. Çağlar Özketen, Head of the Periodontology Department at the Eastern Mediterranean University Dental Hospital Prof. Dr. Güney Yılmaz, and Director of the DESAM Research Institute Assoc. Dr. Cenk Serhan Özverel conducted their presentations.
Throughout the symposium, participants followed the latest developments in the field of stem cells, acquired information about studies conducted in this area, and evaluated collaboration opportunities for future research.
The impact of stem cell research on various fields was discussed
At the symposium, Prof. Dr. H. Seda Vatansever started the topic with the presentation ‘Stem Cells – Why Sorcery?’, Prof. Dr. Sinan Güven discussed ‘Stem Cells and Organoid Technologies in Bioengineering’, Prof. Dr. Akcalı presented ‘Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) for a Healthier World’, Dr. Çağlar Özketen talked about ‘Potential of Stem Cell Exosomes as Next-Generation Drug Delivery Systems’, and Prof. Dr. Güney Yılmaz and Assoc. Dr. Cenk Serhan Özverel addressed ‘Biological Therapy and Lasers in Dentistry’.
Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ: ‘International collaborations play a significant role in expanding the boundaries of science and making new discoveries’
Eastern Mediterranean University Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ emphasized in his opening speech that stem cells hold great promise in repairing damaged tissues, treating degenerative diseases, and personalized medicine. Stressing the importance of bringing together key figures in stem cell research, Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ highlighted the role of international scientific collaborations in expanding the boundaries of science and making new discoveries, stating, ‘As Eastern Mediterranean University, we collaborate with over 100 universities and institutions worldwide as part of our core values, conducting joint research, publications, and activities. Furthermore, we host or participate in over a thousand national and international scientific events each year’.
‘I am proud to be the founder of our DESAM Research Institute, where we continue to contribute to significant scientific studies at the center of the international scientific collaboration network we have established,’ said Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ, expressing his belief that the scientific outputs of the symposium will inspire further research and new publications in the field.
Assoc. Dr. Cenk Serhan Özverel: ‘Will offer revolutionary solutions in organ transplantation and treatment of many diseases’
Assoc. Dr. Cenk Serhan Özverel, Director of the DESAM Research Institute, stated that they conduct studies with 12 different research groups at the DESAM Research Institute. Mentioning the Stem Cell Research Group among these research groups, Assoc. Dr. Özverel stated that they conduct multidisciplinary studies with over 50 researchers in these groups. Emphasizing that stem cells offer hope for the future of humanity with their potential for treatment and healing, Assoc. Dr. Cenk Serhan Özverel expressed his belief that in the near future, stem cells will offer revolutionary solutions in the regeneration of damaged tissues, organ transplantation, and treatment of many diseases.
Stating that advancements in this field not only limit to the treatment of diseases but also accelerate drug development processes leading to more effective treatment methods, Özverel said, ‘Despite ethical and legal challenges, stem cell research creates tremendous potential for human health with proper management.’ Assoc. Dr. Özverel added that the event will also serve as a platform for new collaborations and projects, thanking the participants.