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April 26, 2025 - GTU Office of Press and Public Relations
Gebze Technical University (GTU) celebrates DNA Day on April 25 with scientific talks, interactive experiments, exhibitions, and workshops. The event is attended by 400 students from 17 high schools in Gebze, Darıca, and Çayırova.
The Heart of Science Beat at GTU GTU, in collaboration with the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, the MBG Club, and the ROVER team, celebrated the 72nd anniversary of James Watson and Francis Crick's discovery of the DNA double helix structure. This groundbreaking discovery paved the way for understanding genetic information and unraveling the mysteries of life’s foundation. The date, April 25, also marks the announcement of the completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003. The event held at the GTU Congress and Cultural Center aimed to raise awareness about the history of genetic science, celebrate the discovery of DNA’s structure, highlight the potential of genetic research, and inform participants about future advancements in the field, with a wide participation from high school students to academics.
Rector: "The Discovery of DNA is a Turning Point for Humanity" The event started with the opening speech of GTU Rector Prof. Hacı Ali Mantar. He emphasized that the discovery of DNA revolutionized various fields, from medicine to agriculture. Rector Mantar mentioned that the university contributes to genetic science through interdisciplinary research, stating, “Today, we are here to discover the mystery of DNA with students from different high schools,” and expressed that they were providing students with an early university experience.
DNA and Daily Life: Genetics Everywhere Prof. Yelda Özden Çiftçi, Head of the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics at GTU, pointed out the scientific and societal aspects of DNA research. She noted that the 0.1% differences in the human genome are used in DNA fingerprinting and make DNA unique to individuals. Prof. Çiftçi also highlighted that DNA is not only important in laboratories but also plays a key role in forensic science, personalized medicine, and the development of stress-resistant plants.
Scientific Presentations Attracted Great Interest The program, which began at 10:00, featured expert academics who provided a day full of information. Prof. Uygar Halis Tazebay delivered an online presentation titled “Seeing DNA with the Light of the Mind,” explaining the power of technology in genetic research. Assoc. Prof. Özlem Akkaya shared recent developments in synthetic biology with her presentation “Reprogramming DNA.” Assoc. Prof. Hülya Akdemir’s presentation, “Ancient DNA,” explained how DNA analysis of prehistoric remains illuminates the past. Lecturer Nilüfer Akman-Doğan (PhD) discussed the role of genetic science in criminal investigations in her presentation on “Forensic Genetic Applications.”
Applied Science and Creativity Meet Exhibitions in the foyer, DNA origami activities, and interactive experiment stations drew significant interest from the students. Through workshops prepared by the MBG Club students and research assistants from the MBG Department, participants had the chance to experience science in an applied way. The Sci-Art exhibition combined science and art, offering a creative perspective.
Youth Engaged in Science Students from 17 high schools across Kocaeli spent the day immersed in science within the academic environment provided by GTU, alongside their teachers. The event allowed the young participants to get acquainted with genetic science, inspiring future scientists. Throughout the activities, students were asked short questions to reinforce the knowledge they had gained. After the competition, Yavuz Selim Aslan from Şehit Öğretmen Necmeddin Kuyucu Anadolu Lisesi took first place, Eymen Kutay Girginer from ENKA Teknik Okulları came in second, and Efe Kaan Aydın from Yücel Boru Fen Lisesi placed third.
History of the Scientific Celebration DNA Day, celebrated on April 25, has been commemorated since 2003 in memory of the first scientific publication on the structure of DNA, which was published in Nature in 1953. The event organized by GTU for this special day combined knowledge with fun, bringing the youth into the magical world of science.
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