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April 27, 2026 - GTU Office of Press and Public Relations
The second edition of the DNA Day event is held on April 24, 2026 at the Gebze Technical University (GTU) Congress and Cultural Center, jointly organized by the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics and the MBG Club, with the support of the Department of Bioengineering and the Institute of Biotechnology. Students and teachers from several high schools in the Gebze region show great interest and participate in the event, including Özelsin Science and Technology High School, Yücel Boru Science High School, Çayırova Anatolian High School, Şehit Hasan Kaya Girls’ Anatolian Imam Hatip High School, Şehit Teacher Necmettin Kuyucu Anatolian High School, and Neşet Yalçın Anatolian High School.
The event began with a moment of silence and the National Anthem, followed by a presentation titled “The Discovery Journey of DNA” delivered by Assoc. Prof. Özlem Akkaya, a faculty member at the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics. The presentation summarized the development of genetic science, starting from Mendel’s experiments to the discovery of DNA as a molecule on April 25, 1953, and highlighted the contributions of DNA to science and humanity over the past 73 years since its discovery.
Afterwards, a short panel discussion was held with the participation of representatives from three life science-related units of our university that contributed to the organization of the event: Prof. Tunahan Çakır, Head of the Department of Bioengineering; Assoc. Prof. Zehra Banu Bahşi, a faculty member at the Institute of Biotechnology; and Assoc. Prof. Özlem Akkaya, a faculty member at the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics.
During the panel, the guest academics introduced their respective departments and shared insights into the types of studies they conduct in their fields, particularly those centered on DNA. After addressing the questions raised by participants with great interest and enthusiasm, experimental and visual presentations prepared by the organizing departments were held in the foyer area of the congress center, attracting significant attention from the students.
In the foyer area, the event was visually enriched by scientific demonstrations conducted by various laboratories. From the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics: the Plant Biotechnology Laboratory, SynBio Laboratory, BMC Laboratory, Molecular Hematology Laboratory, and Microbiota Laboratory; from the Institute of Biotechnology: CordOmics, CellSol Lab, LabBio Food (Industrial Biotechnology Research Group), and Kutman Lab: Plant Physiology, Nutrition and Biotechnology; and from the Department of Bioengineering: the Microbiology Laboratory, Computational Structural Biology Laboratory, and Computational Biochemistry Laboratories contributed with their presentations.
The visual and hands-on demonstrations included “DNA isolation from strawberries and minced meat,” “visualization of DNA on a gel using portable PCR and gel systems,” “fixed and live cell imaging through computer-based and poster presentations,” “introduction to no-code RNA-seq analysis,” “3D visualization of proteins in silico,” “DNA models, scientific posters, and artistically designed panels created with microorganisms,” “UV-based visualization using fluorescently labeled plants and bacteria,” “DNA isolated from various organisms and bio-product production, along with PCR analysis simulations,” “an atomic-scale exploration of proteins using 3D glasses,” “introduction of the soilless smart garden system Vahaa,” “presentation of duckweed (Lemna sp.), an aquatic plant with applications in biotechnology and food,” “demonstration of the relationship between fertilization and chlorophyll and stress parameters in wheat,” and “measurements using a portable Force-A device.”
The MBG Club, a co-organizer of the event, along with the supporting student clubs CytoGate from the Institute of Biotechnology and BIOS from the Department of Bioengineering, contributed to the event with a wide range of activities, including interactive games (such as the DNA Case Analysis game, bracelet-making, and puzzles) and various card games related to DNA.
In the final part of the event, interest peaked with a 15-question quiz conducted via Kahoot!. Guest students from Şehit Teacher Necmettin Kuyucu Anatolian High School ranked first, second, and third in the competition. They were presented with university-branded gifts, and the event concluded successfully.
In a statement by the Head Office of the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, the following remarks were made: “We would like to thank the GTU Rectorate for their permission and support in organizing the event; all high school students and teachers who have enriched the event with their participation; and our faculty members, research assistants, and graduate students from our three departments who have added value to the process through their voluntary contributions. We also extend our gratitude to the Municipality of Gebze for their support in catering, and to the Directorate of Health, Culture and Sports and its staff for their infrastructural and venue support.” |
