Turkish geneticists take the world stage

Students from the Department of Genetics and Bioengineering at Izmir University of Economics (IUE) have become the top choices of world-renowned universities thanks to their outstanding achievements. Ece Beril Dağdelen, who became a sought-after candidate by European universities immediately after graduating this year, was accepted into Imperial College London in the UK for her master’s degree, while Yaren Derbent was accepted into Trinity College Dublin in Ireland.

Dağdelen and Derbent, who succeeded in gaining admission to universities that thousands dream of attending, will pursue graduate studies in the field of ‘life sciences’. These IUE students aim to bring hope to humanity by working on projects related to DNA structure and diseases awaiting treatment, especially cancer. Deniz Çıtakcı, who was accepted for an internship at the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), and Furkan Çorapcı, who will be at the Spanish Center for Genomic Regulation (CRG), will continue their work uninterruptedly until September.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cihangir Yandım, faculty member of IUE's Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, expressed his pride in his students Ece Beril Dağdelen and Yaren Derbent, with whom he also worked together on a joint TUBITAK project.

“THEY MADE MAJOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE PROJECT”

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yandım emphasized that they prepare students for the future with a well-rounded education, covering everything from laboratory techniques and analytical skills to scientific inquiry and critical thinking. He said, “We have an ongoing TUBITAK-supported project in which we are studying the aging process of human cells. Since the project is not yet complete, I won’t share too many details, but we are conducting important research aimed at preventing certain age-related diseases. Ece and Yaren gained significant experience by participating in this project. They also helped me a lot and developed themselves considerably. Now it's time for them to explore the world, learn about new cultures, and expand their research. They have gained a major advantage and were accepted by prestigious schools that will help them achieve their goals.”

“INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE DURING THEIR STUDIES”

Pointing out that as a department, they train students to become well-equipped individuals in line with universal standards, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yandım continued, “Imperial College London, where I also completed my PhD, is considered the second-best university in the world after MIT according to the university rankings by international assessment body Quacquarelli Symonds (QS). Trinity College Dublin is also a very reputable institution, ranked among the top 100 globally. Our students not only gain international experience after graduation but also during their studies, thanks to the opportunities offered by our department. Deniz Çıtakcı and Furkan Çorapcı are excellent examples of this. In this way, our students have the chance to enhance their scientific knowledge and skills on a global scale.”

“STUDENT-CENTERED EDUCATION”

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yandım continued as follows: “The fact that Ece and Yaren were accepted into master’s programs is not only the result of their personal efforts but also reflects our University’s qualified academic staff and student-centered education approach. These achievements once again show how fitting our goal is to instill critical thinking, a research culture, ethical responsibility, and an international perspective in our students. As a university that centers scientific productivity, interdisciplinary approaches, and innovation, we don’t just graduate our students; we send them into the future as individuals who will make a global impact.”