The GEMSTONE Project proudly marked its presence at the 36th International Epilepsy Congress (IEC 2025), organized by the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE), held from 30 August to 3 September 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal.
The congress is one of the world’s most prestigious scientific gatherings in the field of epilepsy, bringing together leading experts, researchers, and clinicians to exchange knowledge and advance solutions for people living with epilepsy.
Representing Acıbadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar University’s (ACU) GEMSTONE Project, three of our researchers presented their work, showcasing the project’s commitment to cutting-edge neuroscience and translational research.
- Assoc. Prof. Nihan Çarçak Yılmaz, GEMSTONE Work Package 2 Leader, presented her poster: “Chemogenetic Inhibition of Ventrobasal Thalamus Exacerbates Absence Seizures in Genetic Absence Epilepsy Rat Model.” This research highlighted the role of the thalamus in absence epilepsy, contributing to a deeper understanding of neural circuit mechanisms underlying seizure activity.
- Merve Çavuş, GEMSTONE Research Assistant, presented her poster: “A Research About Orexin Type-2 Receptor Protein Expression in Thalamus and Somatosensory Cortex Brain Regions in Rats with Absence Epilepsy.” This work investigated the involvement of orexin receptor pathways, adding valuable insight into potential neuromodulatory targets for future therapeutic strategies.
- Nursima Mutlu, GEMSTONE Research Assistant, presented her poster: “Orexin Receptor Type-2 Distribution in Prepubertal Neurodevelopmental Stages in Genetic Absence Epileptic Rats from Strasbourg.” The study explored developmental dynamics of orexin receptor distribution, underlining the importance of age-related factors in epilepsy research.
Participation in IEC 2025 was not only an important step in disseminating GEMSTONE’s scientific outcomes but also a platform for building international collaborations, exchanging innovative ideas, and inspiring future research directions.
The team’s active engagement with the global epilepsy research community fostered new connections and perspectives, further empowering the project’s mission to strengthen excellence in neuroscience research.
The GEMSTONE Project continues to highlight the excellence and potential of ACU research teams on international platforms, ensuring that the scientific voice of our community contributes to shaping the future of neuroscience and epilepsy research.