On Saturday, 23 November 2024, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydınlar University (ACU) hosted a landmark event in neuroscience research – the GEMSTONE & ACUTBAT Neuroscience Symposium on “Approach to Epilepsy.”
Held at the ACU Kerem Aydinlar Campus Conference Hall, the symposium brought together over 200 participants from 20 universities across Turkey, along with ACU’s PhD students in neuroscience. This pivotal event was a testament to ACU’s growing prominence in neuroscience and gene engineering, underscoring the critical mission of the GEMSTONE Project.
Uniting minds for progress
The symposium was a collaborative effort between GEMSTONE and ACU Medical School Scientific Research Society (ACUTBAT), designed to foster interdisciplinary discussions and knowledge exchange. The event featured a stellar line-up of distinguished experts from Turkey and abroad, who shared their insights into epilepsy – a highly prevalent and complex neurological condition.
Exploring epilepsy through dual lenses
The scientific program was meticulously structured to address epilepsy from both preclinical and clinical perspectives. In the morning sessions, the focus was on “Approaching Epilepsy in the Lab.” Prof. Filiz Onat from ACU began the discussions by linking the GEMSTONE Project’s objectives to epilepsy research, followed by Assoc. Prof. Nihan Carcak Yilmaz from Istanbul University, who explored the neurodevelopmental aspects of the cortex in epilepsy, providing valuable insights into its underlying mechanisms. Prof. Emre Yaksi of the Norwegian University of Science and Technology presented a compelling analysis of the role of astroglia in seizure development and propagation, while Assoc. Prof. My Andersson from Lund University (ULUND) shared ground-breaking findings on epilepsy and electrophysiology.
The afternoon sessions shifted the focus to “Approaching Epilepsy at the Clinic,” with Assoc. Prof. Ozdem Erturk Cetin from Istanbul Health Sciences University, who provided a neurological perspective on epilepsy, emphasizing diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. This was followed by Assoc. Prof. Bahattin Tanrikulu of ACU, who elaborated on surgical strategies for epilepsy treatment. Assoc. Prof. Sinem Oktem Okullu from ACU highlighted the university’s growing research capacity, and Assoc. Prof. Meltem Kolgazi introduced the capabilities of ACU’s Experimental Animal Research Centre (DEHAM), showcasing how preclinical models are advancing the understanding of epilepsy.
Research labs tour
To complement the symposium’s theoretical insights, participants toured ACU’s state-of-the-art research labs, gaining first-hand exposure to the university’s infrastructure for cutting-edge neuroscience and gene engineering studies.
A platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange
This symposium exemplifies GEMSTONE’s core mission of enhancing ACU’s research excellence in neuroscience while fostering international collaboration. With contributions from ULUND and ICONS, the project bridges gaps in scientific capacity and paves the way for ground-breaking advancements in understanding and treating neurodevelopmental brain disorders, including epilepsy.
Impact and legacy
The event’s success not only highlighted ACU’s growing research potential but also provided a vibrant platform for networking and collaboration. Young researchers from leading Turkish institutions – including Istanbul University, Trakya University, Inonu University, Hacettepe University, and Ataturk University – engaged in enriching dialogues, fostering a spirit of unity in tackling shared scientific challenges.
The Neuroscience Symposium was a step forward in narrowing the gap between ACU and Europe’s top-class institutions, enhancing the university’s visibility and competitiveness within the global neuroscience community. As the symposium concluded, it was evident that this initiative had sown seeds for future breakthroughs in epilepsy research and beyond.
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