The opening speeches of the forum held at Istanbul Medipol University North Campus were delivered by Istanbul Medipol University Vice-President Prof. Yasemin Yüksel Durmaz, Secretary General of Istanbul Medipol University Assoc. Prof. Semih Korkut, and Istanbul Medipol University Mediterranean Research Center (MEDAR) Director Prof. Bekir Berat Özipek. The forum discussed the opportunities brought by internationalization in higher education in Türkiye, the current problems of this process, and student experiences.

Bringing a multidisciplinary perspective to Türkiye’s science and technology ecosystem, Istanbul Medipol University Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technologies (SABITA) carries out scientific research at international standards. In 2019, the institute, which also incorporates the pioneering Regenerative and Restorative Medicine Research Center (REMER), includes “Cancer Research Center”, “Drug Development Center”, “Neuroscience Research Center”, and “Bioengineering and Biotechnology Research Center”. Operating with an open science policy, SABITA has nearly 30 research groups continuing their work, while there are more than 20 laboratories such as “Advanced Microscopy”, “Cell Culture”, “Molecular Cell Biology”, “Proteomics”, “Drug Discovery”, “Bioinformatics”, “Biomaterials”, “Electrophysiology and Behavior”, and “Cognitive Neuroscience”. The laboratories located at Istanbul Medipol University Kavacık North Campus offer modern infrastructure, high-tech devices, and interdisciplinary working opportunities to researchers with international standards, where they can implement their innovative projects.

DR. M. İKBAL ALP: WE HAVE COLLABORATIONS ACROSS A LARGE GEOGRAPHY
The Deputy Director of SABITA Dr. Muhammed İkbal Alp emphasized that transforming scientific studies beyond the boundaries of a single discipline into products at international standards is possible by developing a culture of shared thinking and production. Stating that SABITA acts with this understanding, Dr. Alp said: “Our research groups have a rich ecosystem that brings together various academic disciplines such as life sciences, engineering, social sciences, and arts. This interdisciplinary approach allows us to conduct innovative and groundbreaking research. The combination of different perspectives makes it possible to produce not only scientific progress but also sustainable solutions for society.” Adding that SABITA is positioned at the center of many research ecosystems at the international level, Dr. Alp said: “We carry out strong collaborations with leading universities, research centers, and scientists across a large geography ranging from South Korea to Austria, from the USA to Japan, from China to India and Russia. This global network allows us to increase our research capacity, develop innovative projects, and contribute to scientific progress around the world by promoting the sharing of knowledge and technology.”

CELLS ARE REPAIRED AT SABITA
SABITA hosts pioneering research in the field aimed at regenerating damaged and dysfunctional tissues and organs, especially the nervous system and cardiovascular system. Research is conducted in the fields of cell culture, molecular biology, genomics, bioinformatics, proteomics, dental health, biomedical, electrophysiology, advanced microscopy, pharmacology, and analytical chemistry. In addition to drug development, neuroscience, and brain research, studies are conducted on new treatment approaches for diseases such as cancer, multiple sclerosis (MS), and Alzheimer’s. Many projects have been implemented at SABITA, ranging from domestic drug production to the production of kits that can be used for early diagnosis of diseases.

AXOLOTLS AT SABITA
Axolotls, a rare amphibian species found at SABITA, are actively used in scientists’ studies. Axolotls, which provide a very valuable model for studies on repairing tissue and organ damage, are known for their ability to quickly repair damaged or severed parts of their bodies. Originating in Mexico, axolotls have the fastest cell renewal in the world. For example, the animal’s damaged brain, severed spinal cord and heart after infarction can repair themselves; moreover, the animal’s amputated legs can grow back. Axolotl tissues, which are resistant to cancer development, also offer important opportunities for cancer research. Scientific studies are actively carried out at SABITA on these creatures, which are found in only a few centers in the world.

AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE STUDENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO DO RESEARCH
SABITA provides unique opportunities for students as well as professional scientists. Undergraduate and graduate students, mostly from the School of Medicine, can actively participate in research. In addition to carrying out scientific student projects that are part of their curriculum, students can participate in research as volunteers at SABITA. This opportunity allows Medipol students to be the best in their professions and to gain the qualifications of a researcher.

VARDARBAŞ: THE QUALITY OF OUR EDUCATION IS RECOGNIZED GLOBALLY.

Speaking to the Press and Broadcasting Office after the ceremony, Abdullah Selim VARDARBAŞ, Director of the International Office, stated that Istanbul Medipol University hosts over 12,000 students from 126 countries. Highlighting that this prize is not only an incentive for exports but also a significant step toward making a strong impact on the international stage, Vardarbaş said:

“This remarkable achievement was made possible by our university’s contributions to educational exports in 2023 and its unwavering commitment to its growth targets in the international arena. It is incredibly meaningful for us that our efforts in education are recognized not only in our country but also worldwide. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all stakeholders who contributed to this success.”