As part of the Horizon Europe-funded GEMSTONE Project, Acıbadem University (ACU) is proud to launch its inaugural neuroscience day, ACU NeuroConnect – a vibrant, one-day event dedicated to connecting young minds with the frontiers of neuroscience.
The event is organized in collaboration with ACU Medical School Scientific Research Society (ACUTBAT), ACU Neuroscience Student Club, ACU Department of Neuroscience, and ACU Neuroscience Student Research Group, bringing together a diverse set of stakeholders in a unique forum for learning and inspiration. Under the theme “Connecting Young Minds with the Frontiers of Neuroscience,” the ACU NeuroConnect invites students, early-career researchers, educators, and anyone interested in brain science to join a rich programme of talks, panels, exhibits, and interactive activities.
The one-day outreach and dissemination event is specially designed to inspire the future neuroscientists by opening a window into the exciting and rapidly evolving world of brain science. This initiative directly supports GEMSTONE’s mission to promote research excellence, knowledge exchange, and scientific visibility in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders.
What to expect
- Keynote Address: Prof. Deniz Kırık, GEMSTONE Local Principal Investigator of Lund University, a leading neuroscientist will deliver an inspiring talk on the implementation of binary recombinase systems for conditional gene activation in the midbrain dopamine system.
- Featured Talks & Lightning Talks: Engaging 30- and 20-minute sessions by international guests (Assist. Prof. Evangelia Emmanouilidou of National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Dr. Rauan Kaiyrzhanov of University College London, Dr. Courtney J. Wright of Lund University, and Olivér Nagy of University of Szeged) and ACU researchers (Dr. Elif Nedret Keskinöz, Talat Taygun Turan, and Ekin Döngel Dayanç), exploring neurodevelopmental disorders, emerging technologies in neuroscience, and real-world applications of brain research.
- Poster Walk: A chance for students and young researchers to present their work in neuroscience. Peer voting will determine the Best Poster Award, which comes with a voluntary summer internship opportunity at the Neuroepilepsy Lab at ACU, under the supervision of Prof. Filiz Onat, Primary Principal Investigator of the GEMSTONE Project.
- Insight Panel – Meet the Young Neuroscientists: Early-career and young researchers from ACU (Merve Çavuş, Nursima Mutlu, Bekir Arda Yıldırım, Ömer Şaka, Ömer Demir, and Ceren Çelik) will present their research projects in 10-minute sessions, followed by a Q&A session.
- Careers Panel – Career Pathways in Neuroscience: Experts from academia, clinics, and industry (Assoc. Prof. Mustafa Aykut Kural of Acıbadem Altunizade Hospital and ACU, Assoc. Prof. Tuba Cerrahoğlu Şirin of Şişli Hamidiye Etfal Training and Research Hospital, and Assoc. Prof. Fatih Özdener, Farmakon Research and Consultancy and ACU) will share their career journeys and offer guidance on diverse neuroscience career pathways, answering participants’ questions.
- Open Discussion – Goals and Obstacles Facing Neuroscientists of Today: Researchers and clinicians will reflect on the current landscape and future directions of neuroscience, followed by an interactive Q&A with students.
- Side Activities: Information booths by ACU student clubs (ACUTBAT and ACU Neuroscience Student Club), ACU Department of Neuroscience, and the GEMSTONE Project as well as an interactive Brain Canvas to collect reflections into a vibrant work of art, and networking opportunities over coffee and lunch.
The event will be held at ACU Kerem Aydınlar Campus Conference Hall on 15 November 2025. Click here to see the full programme!
Call for poster presentations
We invite undergraduate and graduate students, as well as early-stage researchers, to submit a poster abstract on any topic related to neuroscience – including but not limited to:
- Neurodevelopmental disorders
- Molecular and cellular neuroscience
- Brain imaging and electrophysiology
- Behavioural neuroscience
- Translational research and therapeutic innovation
Deadline for abstract submission is 2 November 2025. Submit by completing the registration form here. Abstracts should be maximum 200 words, and include title, authors, and affiliation.
Who should attend?
This event is open to:
- University students (undergraduate and graduate)
- Early-career researchers
- Educators and science communicators
- Anyone curious about the brain!
Deadline for registration is 2 November 2025. Registration includes event materials, lunch and refreshments. Register by completing the registration form here.
Let’s shape the future of brain science – together
Join us at ACU NeuroConnect to learn, connect, and share your curiosity for the brain. Whether you are a student considering a career in neuroscience, a researcher eager to present your work, or simply fascinated by how the brain works – this event is for you.
Stay tuned for speaker announcements and programme updates on the ACU NeuroConnect social media channels here!