As we close the year 2024, the GEMSTONE Project is proud to unveil a new series of videos highlighting the team members and their invaluable contributions to advancing neuroscience research and capacity-building at Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University (ACU). The playlist showcases the breadth of work being accomplished under GEMSTONE’s mission to enhance scientific excellence in studying neurodevelopmental brain disorders and to empower ACU as a competitive player in the global neuroscience community.
This engaging video series features the voices of the dedicated GEMSTONE team, offering insights into their roles and the project’s transformative impact. Here’s what you can expect:
Vision and objectives
In the opening video, Prof. Filiz Onat, GEMSTONE’s Principal Investigator, provides an overview of the project’s vision, goals, and strategic partnerships with the high-ranking European academic institution Lund University (ULUND) and the non-profit Fondazione ICONS. She details how these collaborations drive research on gene engineering technologies and neurodevelopmental brain disorders like Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy.
Research highlights
Asst. Prof. Merve Acikel Elmas takes the spotlight in the second video, discussing her contributions to GEMSTONE’s research activities. She emphasizes the importance of experimental models in unlocking new understandings of complex brain disorders.
Emphasis on capacity building
The third video features Asst. Prof. Melis Yavuz, who outlines the project’s focus on equipping ACU researchers with the skills and tools necessary to excel in scientific and technical domains. Her insights underline the significance of capacity-building initiatives for long-term impact.
Engineering experimental models
In the fourth video, GEMSTONE team members from ACU’s Experimental Animals Application and Research Centre (DEHAM) – Assoc. Prof. Meltem Kolgazi, Samed Ozer, DVM PhD, and Asli Onder Gul, Biologist MSc – discuss their roles in advancing experimental research. They share how their work supports GEMSTONE’s mission to develop innovative models for studying neurodevelopmental disorders.
Vital role of partnerships
Cansu Akin Levi, Project Specialist at ACU’s Technology Transfer Office, highlights the importance of strategic partnerships in fostering innovation. Her video illustrates how collaborations with ULUND and ICONS enhance the project’s impact and reach.
Empowering researchers
In the final video, Ayca Aydemir Mazlumoglu, ACU’s Library Manager, shares her team’s role in supporting GEMSTONE researchers by providing access to critical academic resources. She emphasizes the library’s contribution to enabling groundbreaking research.
Looking ahead to 2025
This video series celebrates GEMSTONE’s achievements in 2024, showcasing the dedication and expertise of its team. By increasing scientific productivity, fostering collaboration, and building capacity, GEMSTONE is paving the way for ACU to become a prominent force in neuroscience research.
This new playlist is now available on the GEMSTONE Project’s YouTube channel. As we step into the new year, we invite you to join us in continuing this journey of innovation and excellence!
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