Başkanın Mesajı

Kanser, moleküler düzeydeki karmaşık mekanizmalarından klinik yansımalarına kadar pek çok bilinmeyeni barındıran, multidisipliner yaklaşım gerektiren küresel bir sağlık sorunudur. Merkezimiz, bu zorlu alana bilimsel bir vizyonla yaklaşarak; yenilikçi araştırmaları teşvik eden, disiplinlerarası iş birliklerine açık, etik değerlere bağlı güçlü bir araştırma ortamı oluşturmayı ilke edinmiştir.

Bilimsel faaliyetlerimizin odağında; kanser biyolojisinin temel mekanizmalarının anlaşılması, hücresel sinyal yollarının çözümlemesi, inflamasyon ve tümör mikroçevresinin dinamiklerinin aydınlatılması ile doğal biyolojik bileşenlerin potansiyel terapötik etkilerinin araştırılması yer almaktadır. Bu kapsamlı çalışmalar, ulusal ve uluslararası düzeyde bilimsel yeniliklere katkı sunmayı ve geleceğin tedavi stratejilerinin geliştirilmesine öncülük etmeyi hedeflemektedir.
Merkez olarak yalnızca nitelikli araştırmalar üretmeyi değil, aynı zamanda genç araştırmacıların yetişmesine katkı sağlamayı, bilimsel düşünceyi desteklemeyi ve toplumun kanser farkındalığını artırmayı da en önemli görevlerimiz arasında görüyoruz. Güçlü altyapımız ve alanında yetkin araştırmacılarımızla, bilimin ışığında sürdürülebilir ve etkili çözümler üretme kararlılığındayız.

Bu merkezin başarısı; özveriyle çalışan araştırmacılarımızın, akademik paydaşlarımızın ve bilime verdiğimiz ortak değerin bir ürünüdür. Önümüzdeki süreçte de bilimsel mükemmeliyet anlayışımızdan ödün vermeden hem ülkemizin hem de küresel bilim dünyasının ihtiyaç duyduğu katma değeri üretmeye devam edeceğiz.

Bilimin rehberliğinde daha sağlıklı bir geleceğe birlikte ilerlemek dileğiyle.

Yard. Doç. Dr. Burak Durmaz
Kanser ve Araştırma Merkezi Başkanı

Name of the Center

Center of Genetics and Cancer Research

Year of Establishment

2011

Center Director

Yrd.Doç. Dr. Burak Durmaz
(Assistant Professor of Medical Biochemistry, Near East University)

Administrative Boards

Executive and Administrative Board:

-Yard. Doç. Dr. Duygu Rüstem
- Yard. Doç.Dr. Faika Başoğlu
- Yard. Doç. Dr. Aybike Erdoğan Atay
- Dr. Hakan Aytaçoğlu

Science Committee

-Prof.Dr. Mehmet Öztürk
-Prof.Dr. Seda Vatansever
-Doç. Dr. Cenk Serhan Özverel

Vision

The Center of Genetics and Cancer Research envisions becoming a leading and internationally recognized center of excellence in biomedical sciences, pioneering innovative research that elucidates the molecular foundations of genetic disorders and cancer biology. The Center aims to bridge basic science, clinical applications, and biotechnology, transforming knowledge into tangible societal and economic value. Its long-term vision is to be at the forefront of advanced molecular diagnostics, personalized medicine, biomarker discovery, and targeted therapy development, contributing to global health and scientific progress. Furthermore, the Center is dedicated to raising genetic awareness, enhancing scientific education, and training the next generation of innovative researchers and healthcare scientists.

Mission

Established in 2011 under Near East University, the Center of Genetics and Cancer Research is committed to fostering a multidisciplinary research environment for investigating the molecular, cellular, and bioinformatic aspects of genetic disorders and cancer. By integrating advanced genomics, epigenetics, proteomics, and metabolomics technologies, the Center seeks to translate these findings into clinical and pharmaceutical innovations. Its mission extends beyond scientific discovery — it aims to develop translational solutions that contribute to improved diagnosis, prevention, and therapy in healthcare. The Center also prioritizes the training of young scientists, the promotion of an innovative and ethical research culture, and the establishment of sustainable international collaborations that drive impactful scientific advancement.

Objectives

- To investigate the molecular mechanisms of genetic diseases and cancer,
- To identify and validate novel biomarkers,
- To strengthen collaborations with clinical and industrial partners,
- To actively participate in national and international research projects,
- To train young researchers in modern molecular and cellular techniques.
-Organising scientific meetings and events on cancer and genetics.

Main Activities

Conducting research projects in the fields of genetics and cancer, performing molecular biology, cell culture, genetic analysis, and bioinformatics studies, publishing scientific papers and organizing academic events, and hosting public seminars and educational programs to promote awareness.

Main Research Areas

Molecular biology of genetic disorders, cancer genetics and signaling pathways, genomic, epigenetic, and transcriptomic analyses, cell culture, and molecular modeling.

Keywords

Genetics, Cancer, Molecular Biology, Biomarker, Translational Research

Contact Information

📧E-mail: [email protected]
📍Address: Near East University, Lefkoşa, Kuzey Kıbrıs Türk Cumhuriyeti

Cancer Stem Cells and Telomere-Telomerase Research Group:
Its main purpose is to obtain information about the mechanism underlying the self-renewal of cancer cells. This program brings together key areas of strategic importance such as cell immortality, cancer, stem cell biology and telomere-telomerase biology. Translational cancer research aims to develop innovative laboratory models. In conclusion, the objective is to provide a rational scientific basis for the application of small molecules and gene-based therapies in the treatment of human cancers.

Ageing and Cancer Research Group:
Aging and cancer work together to wear down the body. The aim of this research group is to understand why we age differently, to reduce the risk of cancer as we age, and to investigate the effect of aging on the occurrence and course of cancer. This group combines different specializations such as genomic imbalance, oxidative stress, telomere-telomerase biology and cancer biology and thus examines the impact of each of factors such as initial development, lifelong health and nutrition on healthy aging.

Genetics and Development Biology Research Group:
The main aim of this research group is to better understand the genetic mechanisms underlying human embryonic development. This group brings together many areas of expertise from developmental biology, genetics, DNA mutation and repair, cell biology and molecular biology. The aim of this group is to conduct research on the diagnosis, treatment and even prevention of diseases related to genetic and embryonic developmental deficiencies.

Diagnosis Research Group:
The aim of this multidisciplinary research group is to investigate the diagnostic value of new findings. Its long-term aim is to contribute to the diagnostic process by producing new diagnostic tests/kits/tools.

Near East University is the first university in the TRNC to provide medical education. The NEU Faculty of Medicine includes the departments of Medical Genetics and Medical Biology. Our genetics department, which has become a very popular and suitable field for research recently, makes it attractive for graduate studies. Due to the increasing demands of people who have completed their undergraduate education, both at home and abroad, postgraduate level education has been provided in the Departments of Medical Biology and Genetics since February 2012. Our programs are approved by YÖK and YODAK. Within the scope of Medical Biology and Medical Genetics master's programs, students who graduate from the relevant departments of the faculties and meet the necessary conditions and are entitled to enrol will be taught about the basics of both departments and their intersection points. Our centre, which consists of five different laboratories, provides the opportunity to practice and learn everything on-site and one-on-one. Therefore, fully equipped individuals will be trained in both theoretical and practical fields with the courses provided by the departments of Medical Genetics, Medical Biology and Statistics.
Health Sciences Institute
Master (MSc) Students

• Meral Kızılkanat
• Rameez Hasan
• Ali Kızılkanat
• Nermin Özdağ

Doctorate (PhD) Students

• Aslı Özatınç
• Ceren Gezer (Co-Consultant Prof. Dr. Nedime Serakinci)

Projects

• “ Yakin Dogu Universitesi bunyesinde DNA Bankasi ve Veritabani yapilandirilmasi. “ (DNA Bank and Database configuration within the Near East University) (Master Student Rameez Hassan)
• “Vitamin D reseptor geni polimorfizmlerinin muti-faktoriyel hastaliklardaki rolu (The role of vitamin D receptor gene polymorphisms in multifactorial diseases.) “ (Master Student Meral Kizilkanat)
• “IVF uygulamarinda, ileri erkek yasinin yumurta donor kullanilarak veya kullanilmayarak elde edilen embriyolarda oploidi oraninin karsilastirilmasi (Comparison of oploidy level in embryos of advanced male age with or without egg donor in IVF application.) “ Master Student Ali Kizilkanat)
• “Enginar Bileşiminde Bulunan Fenolik Bileşiklerin Nrf2’yi Aktive Ederek Karaciğer Yenilenmesindeki Rolünün Incelenmesi (Investigation of the Role of Phenolic Compounds in Artichoke Composition in Liver Regeneration by Activating Nrf2.) “ (Doctorate Student Ceren Gezer, Co-Consultant Prof. Dr. Nedime Serakinci)
• “ Insan gobek kordonu mezenkim kok hucrelerinin hTERT kullanilarak olumsuzlestirilmesi ve karakterizasyonu (Negation and characterization of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells using hTERT.) “ (Doctorate Student Spec. Bio. Deniz Balci)

Completed Doctorate Thesis’:

• Eda Becer (Co-Consultant  Prof. Dr. Nedime Serakıncı)
• Doctorate Thesis: Obez kişilerde Q228R polimorfizmi ile leptin, adiponektin, resistin ve insülin direnci arasındaki ilişkinin incelenmesi (Investigation of the relationship between Q228R polymorphism and leptin, adiponectin, resistin and insulin resistance in obese subjects.)

Near East University Genetics and Cancer Research Center Student Society

This document has been prepared to organize the structure, task distribution, and responsibility definitions of the Near East University Genetics and Cancer Research Center Student Society. The society aims to actively participate in the center’s scientific and social activities, develop a research culture, and support students' scientific thinking, communication, and leadership skills.

1. Organization and Event Coordination - Nazlı Sena Cahan - Hayal Devecioğlu - Ecesu Gemici - Mert Şenyüz

• Event Coordinator: Responsible for planning and executing seminars, conferences, workshops, and student events.
• Logistics Coordinator: Responsible for venue, technical equipment, material supply, and event-day management.
• Scheduling and Program Coordinator: Organizes the event calendar, speaker schedule, and internal communication plans.

2. Communication and Promotion - Gamze Seyran - Nazlı Sena Cahan - Sinem Talay

• Communication Officer: Handles correspondence with participants, academics, and external institutions.
• Press and Public Relations Officer: Prepares press releases, announcements, and post-event reports.
• Social Media Officer: Manages the center’s social media accounts, creates content, and schedules posts.

3. Scientific Content and Academic Coordination - Sıla Sarıbak, Merve Neslişah, Sinem Talay, İrem Polat, Ayda Aliaghdam, Betül Çakıcıoğlu

• Scientific Program Coordinator: Handles speaker selection, thematic structure of sessions, and academic content preparation.
• Poster and Presentation Coordinator: Organizes student presentations, poster competitions, or article discussions.
• Publication and Editorial Team: Responsible for society bulletins, newsletters, and short scientific content.

4. External Relations and Collaborations - İlke Eylül Çalışır, İrem Polat

• National Collaboration Officer: Establishes connections with universities in Türkiye and TRNC for joint events or projects.
• International Relations Officer: Creates links with networks such as FEBS Junior Section and manages joint events.
• Industry and Corporate Relations Officer: Conducts sponsorship and project communication with biotechnology companies or research centers.

5. Education and Awareness - Melisa Niran Ağartı - Meryem Demir - Melisa Mutlu

• Training Programs Coordinator: Organizes workshops, courses, and technical training for students.
• Public Awareness Officer: Plans public events such as cancer awareness and genetic disease informative sessions.
• Science Ambassadors Team: Visits high schools or external institutions to give informative presentations.

6. Financial and Administrative Affairs - Mert Şenyüz - Ecesu Gemici

• Financial Affairs Officer: Tracks budget, records expenses, and reports sponsorship incomes.
• Secretariat and Registration Officer: Keeps member records, writes meeting minutes, and archives documents.

7. Presidency and Governance Team

• Student Society President: Coordinates all teams and communicates with the academic administration of the center. İlke Eylül Çalışır
• Vice President: Assumes representation duties in the absence of the president and leads organizational processes. Sıla - Sena
• General Secretary: Manages the administrative coordination of meetings, decisions, and task distributions. Meryem Demir

These role definitions aim to support collaboration, responsibility awareness, and an effective working culture within the society. Each member is responsible for contributing to the scientific vision of the center.

Ödüller :

1. Best publication and year’s young investigator award by Scientific and Technical Research Council of Turkey, TUBITAK, 1998
2. Successful young investigator award by Scientific and Technical Research Council of Turkey, TUBITAK, 1999
3. Celal Bayar Üniversitesi 1. Ulusal Tıp Öğrencileri Proje Yarışması,Türkiye, Mart 2013

1. YDÜ Hastanesi
2. Evrensel Araştırmacılar
3. Vakıflar