On 20 February 2025, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University (ACU) held a pivotal online networking meeting with Prof. Vlatko Ilieski of Saints Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, as part of the Horizon Europe-funded GEMSTONE Project. The meeting aimed to reinforce ACU’s role as a key player in the international scientific community, explore new collaborative opportunities, and showcase GEMSTONE’s innovative contributions to neuroscience and gene engineering technologies.
The meeting began with an introduction of participants, followed by an insightful presentation by GEMSTONE Project Manager Cem Ozturk and Principal Investigator Prof. Filiz Onat. Their presentation provided an overview of the Horizon Europe framework programme, the development of GEMSTONE, and its key objectives and achievements. This set the stage for a productive discussion on potential research synergies between the institutions.
Dr. Meltem Kolgazi of ACU highlighted the significant impact of GEMSTONE on the capacity building of ACU’s Laboratory Animal Application and Research Center (DEHAM), showcasing advancements in laboratory animal research and applications. Meanwhile, Prof. Yesim Isil Ulman of ACU underlined the importance of ethical support in life sciences and biomedical research, reinforcing the need for robust ethical frameworks in scientific advancements.
Prof. Vlatko Ilieski contributed valuable insights on animal welfare, ethics, and legal frameworks aligned with EU directives, fostering a dialogue on the importance of ethical compliance in research. The meeting also included an open discussion on shared research interests and institutional strengths, allowing participants to identify key areas for potential collaboration.
A crucial part of the meeting was dedicated to brainstorming on funding opportunities and strategies to enhance project participation. Participants discussed potential joint research initiatives and agreed to maintain communication through follow-up meetings, aiming to establish a strong foundation for future collaborations.
Through such networking efforts, ACU continues to expand its international reach, positioning itself as a leading institution in cutting-edge neuroscience research and gene engineering technologies. The GEMSTONE Project remains committed to fostering impactful scientific partnerships, enhancing research excellence, and contributing to global advancements in neurodevelopmental disorder studies.