The “1st International Biotechnology Congress” held by the Near East University DESAM Research Institute brings together 112 researchers from the USA, Germany, Austria, the United Arab Emirates, China, Iran, TRNC, Kosovo, Egypt, Pakistan and Turkey in Northern Cyprus.
The “1st International NEU DESAM Biotechnology Congress” held by the Near East University DESAM Research Institute began with an opening ceremony held at the Irfan Günsel Congress Center. Studies conducted by 112 researchers from 11 countries and 19 universities will be discussed at the four-day congress.
The opening ceremony of the congress, which was held with a large participation, was also attended by the Rector of Prizren Ukshin Hoti University Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mentor Alishani and the Rector of Kyrenia University Prof. Dr. İlkay Salihoğlu.
The opening speeches of the congress, which attracted the attention of researchers from the USA, Germany, Austria, the United Arab Emirates, China, Iran, the TRNC, Kosovo, Egypt, Pakistan and Turkey, as well as many academicians and students, were made by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cenk Serhan Özverel, Director of the Near East University DESAM Research Institute, Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ, Rector of Near East University, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mentor Alishani, Rector of Prizren Ukshin Hoti University.
Before the opening speeches, Near East University Atatürk Faculty of Education, Music Teaching faculty members Gözdem İlkay and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Neriman Soykunt performed a musical recital. In addition, a video message by artificial intelligence-based academic AI. Prof. DUX was released at the opening of the congress.
Medical biotechnology and biomedical research outcomes were discussed!
On the first day of the congress, different areas of medical biotechnology and biomedical research were discussed. In the morning session of the congress, the development of a new diagnostic kit for the detection of Feline Coronavirus (FCoV), a deadly disease in cats in Cyprus, and studies conducted to identify the Hepatitis D virus were discussed. In the afternoon, various topics were discussed, such as the effects of certain substances that can be used in cancer treatment, obtaining stem cells from menstrual blood, important processes in drug production, and examining the dental structure of Turkish Cypriots. On the first day of the congress, issues such as factors affecting the accuracy of dental scans, genetic research related to gynecological diseases, and conditions that increase the potential for cancer cells to spread were also discussed.
Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ: “Our common goal is to create a healthier, more sustainable, and more prosperous world in the light of science.”
Near East University Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ began his speech by saying “I believe that the innovative research and ideas to be presented by specialized scientists will make significant contributions to the scientific world throughout the intensive four-day program of our congress.”
Stating that biotechnology enables revolutionary developments in a wide range of areas from medicine to agriculture, from environmental sciences to artificial intelligence, Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ said, “This interdisciplinary field, which extends from genetic engineering to cell biology, from microbiology to molecular biotechnology, stands out with the solutions it offers to extend human life and improve the quality of life. Its contributions from the development of new treatments to early diagnosis of diseases continue to open new horizons for humanity.”
Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ also said, “As Near East University, we emphasize our commitment to scientific research and innovation once again with this congress. This event, organized under the leadership of our DESAM Research Institute, will be an important international platform where innovative ideas that push the boundaries of biotechnology will be discussed, academic and industrial developments will be shared and collaborations will be established.”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mentor Alishani: “We are laying the foundation for future success here. I would like to thank the organizing committee for inviting me and my university to this important event.”
Starting his speech by saying, “I am very happy and honored to be present at the opening of this important congress that will make a significant contribution to the world of science,” Rector of Prizren Ukshin Hoti University Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mentor Alishani emphasized that biotechnology will shape the future by affecting many areas from health to food, from climate change to technology.
“We all need this potential together,” said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mentor Alishani, adding “We have to transform this potential into ethical and sustainable innovation by strengthening international cooperation.” Stating that they came together to exchange ideas, establish partnerships and inspire innovation with the congress held at Near East University, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mentor Alishani said, “We are laying the foundation for future successes here. I would like to thank the organizing committee for inviting me and my university to this important event.”
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cenk Serhan Özverel: “I believe that this congress will open the door to many successful congresses in the future and that we will make this meeting a tradition.”
Starting his speech by giving information about DESAM Research Institute, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cenk Serhan Özverel, Director of Near East University DESAM Research Institute, said, “DESAM Research Institute hosts 5 research laboratories and 12 different research groups, and conducts studies with more than 50 researchers in various fields.” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Özverel said, “Thanks to these groups and our esteemed researchers, DESAM Research Institute contributed to more than 180 research publications in world-renowned journals in 2023.” Stating that they have a wide collaboration network, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cenk Serhan Özverel said, “We carry out joint projects with institutes from Turkey, Italy and the United Arab Emirates. In addition to our research projects, we believe that universities should have a direct impact on society and therefore we attach great importance to our collaborations with civil society organizations.” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cenk Serhan Özverel also said, “Our institute aims to fill the gap between health and technology and integrate developments in fields such as artificial intelligence, 3D bioprinting and genome engineering. Our mission is to conduct high-quality, multidisciplinary research that contributes to current science, enriches social life and encourages international collaboration.”
Noting that the congress they organized was the first congress organized under the roof of DESAM Research Institute, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cenk Serhan Özverel said, “While designing our congress, our scientific committee aimed to provide postdoctoral researchers and doctoral students with the opportunity to present their work on an international platform. In addition, care was taken to ensure that all studies presented orally were original articles. Our congress attracted the attention of researchers from many countries such as Germany, Austria, USA, United Arab Emirates, Cyprus, Turkey, Pakistan, Iran and Egypt. There were many applications, moreover, 31 oral presentations and 9 poster presentations were included in the program. I believe that this congress will open the door to many successful congresses in the future and that we will make this meeting a tradition.”
