The “Workshop on Collaborations and Priority Research in Health Biotechnology,” organized in cooperation with Marmara University, Yıldız Technical University, and Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, was held on 20 November at Yıldız Technical University Davutpaşa Campus, Otağ-ı Hümayun. The workshop, held under the roof of the Health Biotechnology Application and Research Center (SABİOTEK)—a joint research center of the three universities—was attended by Marmara University Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Emin Okur, Yıldız Technical University Rector Prof. Dr. Eyüp Debik, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa Rector Prof. Dr. Nuri Aydın, and Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University Rector Prof. Dr. Adem Aslan. From Marmara University, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Ümit Süleyman Şehirli, Director of the Institute of Pure and Applied Sciences Prof. Dr. Bülent Mertoğlu, Director of the Institute of Health Sciences Prof. Dr. Feyza Arıcıoğlu, and Dean of the Faculty of Dentistry Prof. Dr. Korkut Ulucan also took part in the program.
The Importance of a Shared Research Perspective in Health Biotechnology Emphasized
The workshop began with a one-minute moment of silence held in memory of the martyrs, followed by the recitation of the Turkish National Anthem. The opening speech of the event was delivered by Prof. Dr. Emine Elif Güzel Meydanlı, Vice Rector of Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa and Director of SABİOTEK. After Meydanlı, Marmara University Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Emin Okur expressed his satisfaction in attending the event and drawing attention to the strong synergy created by bringing together the three universities. He emphasized that this collaboration generates an impact that goes beyond individual efforts. Stating his belief that the studies conducted in the field of health biotechnology will yield significant outcomes in the coming period, Okur noted that the workshop is the result of long-term preparation and a collaborative process, and that this cooperation opens the door to broader academic interaction. Highlighting the importance of the “learning organization” approach in his speech, Okur emphasized that the three universities have not only become learning institutions but also structures that amplify knowledge by sharing what they have learned, and he thanked all contributors.
Yıldız Technical University Rector Prof. Dr. Eyüp Debik stated that he believes the cooperation model created by the three universities will continue for many years. Emphasizing that progress in health technologies is only possible through strong inter-institutional communication, Debik noted that it is a significant loss when many research groups working on similar topics remain unaware of one another. He explained that the acquisition of new devices within SABİOTEK has strengthened the testing infrastructure for drug and vaccine production and emphasized that these resources are accessible to all university researchers.
In his speech, Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa Rector Prof. Dr. Nuri Aydın recalled that the foundations of SABİOTEK were laid in 2019 with a signing at the Davutpaşa campus and noted that the center was officially established in 2021. Despite the administrative challenges of joint research centers, Aydın stated that the three universities were highly represented throughout the process and emphasized the importance of communication, transparency, and the exchange of ideas among researchers.
Rector of Afyonkarahisar University of Health Sciences Prof. Dr. Adem Aslan spoke about their university’s thematic research areas, including drug production, the development of pharmaceutical raw materials from medicinal and aromatic plants, and research in thermal health. Aslan stressed the strategic importance of reducing Türkiye’s dependence on foreign countries for pharmaceutical raw materials, noting that a comprehensive research infrastructure covering all stages of drug development has been established at their university. He provided information about studies on the therapeutic properties of thermal water and the thermal village project planned in Afyon, expressing their satisfaction in contributing to collaborations built under the SABİOTEK framework.
Following the opening speeches, Dr. Ercan Varlıbaş, Chairman of the Board of BIYOSAD, took the floor at the end of the first session. Varlıbaş shared assessments regarding multi-stakeholder collaboration models, marking the conclusion of the session.
Current Research Topics in Health Biotechnology Discussed
Following the opening speeches, industry representatives and academics evaluated current developments in the health biotechnology ecosystem. Representing Siemens Healthineers, Gürdal Şahin presented innovation-focused approaches in health technologies, while Esra Sünker from Yıldız Technical University’s Technology Transfer Office provided information on international funding mechanisms and calls in the health sector. Researchers introduced their ongoing projects across various fields and exchanged views on potential areas of collaboration. During the afternoon workshop sessions, common fields of study were introduced and evaluations were made regarding new project proposals. Held under the SABİOTEK umbrella, the workshop continued with presentations following the opening sessions and concluded with the completion of the afternoon workshop activities.
