Stem Cell Working Group

A stem cell is a complex precursor cell that is not functionally differentiated, i.e. not fully mature enough to perform a specific function in any organ or tissue of the body. However, this precursor cell has the ability to differentiate into other cells of the body.

Stem cell research is in a rapid development that will enable the acquisition of new information that may benefit patients, as well as the renewal of basic knowledge in cell biology. Stem cell studies, beyond providing a competent model that allows the study of developmental mechanisms in the embryo, with its superior potential in the regeneration of tissues and organs, leads to scientific and social expectations for the "treatments" of chronic diseases that occur as a result of tissue damage or loss and for which treatments are currently unavailable.

Considering the importance of stem cell research, the Council of the Turkish Academy of Sciences has established a group called "TÜBA Stem Cell Work Group (KHÇG)", which includes members from different disciplines and is open to the participation of scientists.

TÜBA Stem Cell Work Group, with the awareness of the value of stem cell studies on human health, has undertaken the task of taking initiatives to direct our country's accumulation in the field of science to the service of the country and society, and to carry out activities on issues that are of great importance for the science and culture of our country and can only be realized under the leadership of the Academy.

Within the area of responsibility of the TÜBA Stem Cell Work Group; To keep up to date with the developments and knowledge on stem cells, to closely monitor national and international legal, ethical and other regulations regarding the research and applications of stem cells, to share its knowledge and experience in coordination with the stakeholders of the relevant disciplines and students interested in the subject, to support the preparation of research projects involving promising new approaches by prioritizing cooperation with similar groups within the institution, nationally and internationally, To contribute to the development of an environment of mutual interaction, to organize conferences, seminars and symposiums and to publish publications, to organize at least one session a year in an international or national congress with international participation in our country related to life sciences, to announce stem cell related researches, applications, projects to be carried out in line with the above-mentioned activities and objectives.

TÜBA-Stem Cell Work Group Members

Prof. Fikrettin Şahin / Executive / TÜBA Full Member / Head of the Department of enetics and Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, Yeditepe University
Prof. Tunç Akkoç / Marmara University, Immunology
Prof. Sevim Aydın / Ankara University, Histology and Embryology
Prof. Alp Can / Ankara University, Histology and Embryology, Ministry of Health Stem Cell Commission
Prof. Taner Demirer / TÜBA Full Member / Ankara University, Hematology and Medical Oncology, President of Lymphoma Myeloma Association
Prof. Y. Murat Elçin / Ankara University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biochemistry, Division of Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine
Assoc. Dr. Zeynep Burçin Gönen / Erciyes University GENKÖK Genome and Stem Cell Centre Deputy Director
Prof. Emin Kansu / TÜBA Honorary Member / Hacettepe University, Cancer Institute, Basic Oncology, Faculty Member Emeritus
Prof. Erdal Karaöz / Istinye University Vice Rector, Histology and Embryology, Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Research and Application Centre, Private Liv Hospital, Regenerative Medicine Centre
Prof. Ercüment Ovalı / Acıbadem University, Director of Acıbadem Labcell Laboratory and Cord Blood Bank
Prof. Gülperi Öktem / Ege University, Institute of Histology and Embryology, Institute of Health Sciences, Head of Stem Cell Department
Prof. Hayri Özsan / Dokuz Eylül University, Hematology, President of the Turkish Society of Hematology
Prof. Zekeriya Tosun / TÜBA Associate Member / Selçuk University, Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery

*The work group was active between 2005 and 2021. With the decision of the Academy Council, our Stem Cell and Cancer work groups will continue their scientific activities and activities as "Health Sciences and Technologies Work Group". You can access the reports on the activities carried out here.