Boğaziçi Üniversitesi Center of Life Sciences
Recherche partenariat En recherche de financements
Center for Life Sciences and Technologies (LifeSci) has an ‘Experimental Animal Imaging Unit’, which is unique in its scope in our country. This unit is our country's first preclinical 7T magnetic resonance imaging device, positron emission tomography device and computerized tomography device has been put into service for researchers and industry. Within this context, research about neurology and cancer is being implemented by our valuable scientist. Regarding neurology, musculoskeletal and organ imaging can be performed. In our PET device, researchers follow up targeted treatments with FDG and the radiopharmaceuticals connected to it. PET device can also perform the cancer imaging while MRI and CT view the anatomy and follows the tumor dimensions.
The center has also a scanning electron microscope (SEM), which produces images by scanning the sample with a high-energy electron beam. It provides morphological, structural and chemical characterization of the material. Surface imaging analysis of the structures in the material is performed at the micro and nano level. As the electrons interact with the sample, it produces secondary electrons, backscattered electrons, and characteristic X-rays. These signals are collected by one or more detectors to create images that are then displayed on the computer screen. When the electron beam hits the surface of the sample, it penetrates several microns deep into the sample, depending on the accelerating voltage and the density of the sample. Many signals, such as secondary electrons and X-rays, are produced as a result of this interaction inside the sample. Through the COLORSEM technique, the colors directly point to the elements in the specified region and the quantitative and qualitative information about the material is displayed in color quickly. This feature works with EDS (energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy) and a proprietary software system.
Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics: In general, we have important capacity related to Health Analytics, Big Data, Cloud Computing, NoSql Databases and Distributed Architectural Structures and Artificial Intelligence. Currently implemented projects could be seen in the following pages.
Dissemination&Exploitation: We are the only university in Turkey that is directly represented in the EU because a part of the team, which is directly/actively working with us-is currently located in the Brussels. For this reason, we could support Dissemination/Exploitation activities through this unit successfully.
University-Industry Collaboration: The Center has been also focusing on university-industry cooperation since its inauguration. Major regional projects carried out within this context are “Inovita, Life Sciences and Technologies Istanbul Collaboration Platform” and “Inovita Health Technologies Hatching Center” which are supported by the Istanbul Development Agency, “Life Sciences and Technologies University-Industry Researcher Training Program” and “ISEK – Health Industry Cluster of Istanbul”, backed by the Turkish Ministry of Development. Through the Inovita projects, the Center has taken on the function of an interface between university, industry and state. Therefore, the center established strong links with the life sciences industry and ecosystem, such as Life Sector Cluster (ISEK). ISEK brings together more than 180 life sciences companies, more than 15 NGO’s, more than 17 labs from different universities and various governmental institutions. The main focus of ISEK (which is currently operated under the body of Technopark Istanbul) is the regional development of the national health technology industry in collaboration with other sector clusters. The cluster has been funded by Industry and Technology, Clustering Support Program between 2017 and 2022 with the coordination of Technopark Istanbul. The planning activities are within the scope of work packages; Biodesign&Innovation Program Activities, University-Industry Collaboration, Pilot Manufacturing Plant, Sectoral Database, Accredited Test Laboratories, Corporate Capacity Building.
Project Management: Since the members of the team have different scientific backgrounds and important project experience, we could design/develop any conceptual framework of a specific project. Then, within the group, we could also have capability to write our own project proposals. We are also experienced in coordinating and implementing huge scientific projects.