Dr. Simon Wigley – Seminar
ABSTRACT – The global health community has historically prioritized communicable diseases and child mortality
over non-communicable diseases and injuries. Non-communicable diseases are now the leading cause
of death in the world. In addition, the disease burden is shifting rapidly from communicable to
non-communicable diseases in low and middle-income countries. Global health donors and
intergovernmental institutions have also tended to prioritize the intellectual and material resources
needed to prevent premature death, over the incentives and capacity of local governments to
efectively use those resources. Do the mechanisms through which political leaders are selected matter
when it comes to population health? Previous studies on the relationship between democracy and
health have focused almost exclusively on child mortality. In our Lancet study we examine the
relationship between democratic institutions and cause-specific mortality. Using a variety of methods
and a panel of 170 countries for more than 25 years we find that democratic experience - a measure of
how democratic a country has been, and for how long - explains more of the variance in mortality due
to cardiovascular diseases, transport injuries, cancers, cirrhosis, and other non-communicable diseases
than GDP. Between 1995 and 2015, we estimate that increases in democratic experience averted 16
million deaths from cardiovascular diseases globally. This suggests that the institutions required to
ensure accountability and responsiveness between citizens and political leaders is a key factor when it
comes to the prevention and treatment of non-communicable diseases.
Date - Time: 07.05.2019 / 15:40
Place: Bilkent University SA-240 Seminar Room
Prof. Dr. Metin Gürses
ABSTRACT – Scientists pictured a black hole for the first time in
great detail. This was achieved through a
global network of radio dishes called "The Event Horizon Telescope" and produced the the first-ever
direct image of a black hole. The existence of black holes was first proposed by physicists nearly a
century ago following Albert Einstein's general theory of relativity, but
the evidence was indirect. The
Event Horizon Telescope now confirmed theoretical predictions and once more demonstrated that "a
picture is worth a thousand words". There are more than one black holes in the universe and the attention
of astrophysicist was concentrated on M87 and Sagittarius A* since 2017. The first clean picture came
from M87 and it took two years to put together the data. It is now possible to observe that M87 is
spinning clockwise in the sky. Scientists are now studying to understand how the black hole produces it
gigantic jets.
Date - Time: 30.04.2019 / 15:40
Place: Bilkent University SA-240 Seminar Room
Prof. Dr. Emin Kansu – Seminar
Date - Time: 06.02.2019 / 15:40
Place: Bilkent University UNAM Conference Hall SU-01
Nobel Day
Date - Time: 10.12.2018 / 17:15
Place: Bilkent MSSF Concert Hall
Dr. Fethi Mübin Ramazanoğlu - Seminar
ABSTRACT – Einstein taught us a century ago that if you move any
mass, you
can actually distort space and time, and generate little travelling vibrations called gravitational waves. What is there to vibrate in "empty" space? We will start with a non-technical history of gravity that culminates in Einstein's theory of general relativity to understand the nature of space and time. We will then examine the generation of gravitational waves by various astrophysical systems, their detection using the most sensitive interferometers on Earth, and what we can learn from their analysis. Aside from giving us a new tool to observe the universe, gravitational wave detectors also have the potential to revolutionize our understanding of the fundamental laws of nature.
Fethi Mübin Ramazanoğlu obtained his doctoral degree from Princeton University in 2012. After postdoctoral positions at Princeton University and the University of Cambridge, he has been on the faculty of Koç University since 2015. His research is focused on gravitational physics with particular emphasis on strongly gravitating systems, gravitational waves and numerical relativity.
Date - Time: 26.12.2017 / 15:40
Place: Bilkent University UNAM Conference Hall SU-01
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Özgür Oktel – Seminar
ABSTRACT – The 2016 Nobel Prize in Physics has been awarded
to J. Michael Kosterlitz,
Duncan Haldane, and David J. Thouless, for "theoretical discoveries
of topological phase
transitions and topological phases of matter. In this talk I will try
to explain why Topology,
a branch of geometry which studies properties which do not change with continuous changes in
size or shape, becomes important in determining the physical properties of a system and phase
transitions between different states of matter. Without presenting any mathematical details, I
will motivate the order parameter concept and its connection to topological defects. I will try
to review some of the concepts regarding Kosterlitz Thouless phase transitions, Thouless charge
pumps, Thouless-Kohmoto-Nightingale-den Nijs conductance formula, Haldane gap in spin chains and
the Haldane model. Finally I would like to review current status of the field, including our recent
work[1]. The talk is aimed at a broad audience with minimal background in mathematics and physics,
and should be acessible to undergraduate students.[1] F. Nur Ünal, Erich J. Mueller, and
M. Ö. Oktel PHYSICAL REVIEW A 94, 053604 (2016)
Date - Time: 04.04.2018 / 15:40
Place: Bilkent University UNAM Conference Hall SU-01
Dr. Khalid Fakhro - Seminar
ABSTRACT – Achieving "prsonalized medicicne" will
ultimately depend on the quality and speed of genome
interpretation, tailored to individuals in the context of their native populations. Over the past
5 years in Qatar there have been signicant advances in this area, driven by initial explorations
of population genetic structure to recent identication of disease-causing genes and loci underlying both
rare (Mendelian) disease and complex traits, such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disorders. To date,
we have sequenced nearly 2,000 Qataris for a variety of population-level and disease studies, and have demonstrated
the signicant under-appreciated diversity of modern day Arabs, as well as identied founder alleles for a variety of dierent
diseases relevant to the local population. Our data motivate the launch of the recent Qatar Genome Program, a multi-stakeholder,
nation-wide eort to sequence all native Qataris over the coming decade. To date, this program has sequenced almost 10,000 whole
genomes, and is preparing to explore bio-banked samples on the same individuals using a variety of state-of-the-art omics approaches.
This talk will cover the trajectory that genome sciences has taken in Qatar over recent years and invite collaborations for the future, to
deliver on the promise of using next generation tools to unravel human biology, and arrive at precision healthcare.
Date - Time: 01.03.2017 / 15:40
Place: Bilkent University UNAM Conference Hall SU-01
Prof. Dr. Engin U. Akkaya and Asst. Prof. Dr. Bilge Baytekin – Seminar
ABSTRACT – The laws of motion for our world, and that of molecules are different.
As a consequence, a molecule-based machine is not likely to be a miniaturized
version of a macroscopic machine. This year's Chemistry Nobel laureates illuminated
the path towards functional molecular machines. Jean-Pierre Sauvage and Sir J. Fraser
Stoddart showed their mastery of "interlocked" molecules for controlling relative motions
of their constituent parts. Ben Feringa, on the other hand, focused on unidirectional movement
of molecules. While inspired by nature (ATP synthase, flagellar motor, ribosome) the progress in
molecular machines has been largely independent of our understanding of protein-based natural
examples. In fact, their potential, not being constrained by evolutionary pressure, is much greater.
In the second part of the presentation, we will take a personal look, and try to understand what it
takes to be a Nobel science laureate and imagine the life of the laureates after that phone call
from Nobel Committee. Considering the clout that it comes with, we will also try to find out whether
that power and prestige always put to good use -or not. We will consider a few cases of close interest.
Date - Time: 07.12.2016 / 15:40
Place: Bilkent University EEE Building Conference Hall EE-01
Doç. Dr. Devrim Gözüaçık – Seminar
Date - Time: 02.11.2016 / 16:00
Place: Bilkent University Faculty of Science SA-240 Seminar Room
Prof. Dr. Tayfun Özçelik - Conference
ABSTRACT – Scientists reported the genomic landscape of the Mediterranean
basin and the Greater Middle East, a central hub for ancient civilizations
and home to approximately 10 percent of the World population, in an article
published in the September 2016 issue of Nature Genetics1. Project results
provide important insights into two major areas of human genetics, namely the
identification of disease-associated genes and the elucidation of the human
migration pathways from Africa to Asia and Europe. The high consanguinity rates,
a characteristic of Middle Eastern populations, enhance disease gene identification
by 4 to 7 fold. The Project was first proposed by Dr. Tayfun Özçelik from the
Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics and an international group of
scientists who convened at Bilkent University in 2009 and 20102-4. More than
180 scientists from Algeria, Egypt, France, Israel, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon,
Libya, Morocco, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, United
Arab Emirates and United States contributed to the project. Rockefeller, Harvard,
MIT, California, Cornell, INSERM, Alfaisal and İstanbul Universities were amongst
the partners. In his presentation, Dr. Özçelik will discuss the implication of
this project and propose a new disease gene identification scheme called
"reverse phenotyping", which was published as a "news and views" article5
in the same issue of Nature Genetics.
Date - Time: 05.10.2016 / 15:40
Place: Bilkent University EEE Building Conference Hall EE-01
Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar - Conference
Date - Time: 18.05.2016 / 15:30
Place: Bilkent MSSF Concert Hall
Doç. Dr. In-Hyun Park - Seminar
ABSTRACT – Overexpression of four factors (Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, Myc,
or Oct4, Sox2, Nanog, Lin28) reprogram somatic cells to become
induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Reprogramming accompanies
genetic and epigenetic changes. We will investigate the molecular
mechanism of somatic cell reprogramming. iPSCs provide an incredible
resource for cell-based theraphy, in vitro disease model and screening
drugs. We apply the iPSCs to investigate one of the most prevalent
female mental retardation disorders called Rett syndrome.
Date - Time: 03.05.2016 / 15:40-17:00
Place: Bilkent University UNAM Conference Hall SU-01
Prof. Dr. Christian Weber
Coronary artery disease arising from atherosclerosis is a leading cause of death
and morbidity worldwide. The underlying pathogenesis involves an imbalanced lipid
metabolism and a maladaptive immune response entailing a chronic inflammation of
the arterial wall. The disturbed equilibrium of lipid accumulation, immune responses
and their clearance is shaped by leukocyte trafficking and homeostasis governed by
chemokines and their receptors. New pro- and anti- inflammatory pathways linking lipid
and inflammation biology have been discovered, and genetic profiling studies have
unveiled variations involved in human atherosclerosis. The growing understanding of
the inflammatory processes and mediators has uncovered an intriguing diversity of
targetable mechanisms that can be exploited to complement lipid-lowering therapies.
In their role as small chemotactic cytokines, chemokines are crucial mediators and regulators
of leukocyte trafficking during immune surveillance and inflammation. Their involvement in
the development and progression of inflammatory diseases has been subject of intense
investigation. Concordantly, the chemokine system of ligands and receptors has been
explored in search for therapeutic targets to prevent or treat atherosclerosis.
Targeting the chemokine system e.g. by disrupting functional heteromer formation
or modulating the microRNA-mediated regulation of chemokine expression, offers
various entry points for a causative treatment of this widespread and chronic illness.
Although the approach of directly targeting chemokine receptors has encountered some
setbacks, several innovative compounds are currently in an advanced stage of development.
Herein, the current standing of this dynamic field is highlighted and the potential
advantages and drawbacks of particular strategies are discussed.
Date - Time: 10.04.2013 / 15:40-17:00
Place: Bilkent University SA-240
Dr. Mary-Claire King
New tools of genomic analysis are being used to shed light on historical
puzzles. Migrations of ancient peoples, the effects of geographic boundaries
on human movements, origins of ethnic groups, and racial differences are
now the focus of integrated analysis by historians, anthropologists and
geneticists. "When people move, they take their genes along and pass them
on to their descendants in their new homes," Dr. Mary-Claire King states.
"Thus, every present-day population retains clues to its ancient roots.
Common ancestries can be confirmed and human migrations traced by comparing
DNA sequences of present-day populations."
Date - Time: 20.03.2013 / 15:40-17:00
Place: Bilkent University Mithat Coruh Auditorium
Dr. Eran Halperin
How much can we learn about a person based on his or her DNA?
Can we find the individual's place of birth, last name, or family members?
With the exponential decrease in the cost of DNA sequencing, it is now
possible to begin answering some of these questions. In this talk I will
describe recent developments in computational methods for the detection of
an individual's ancestry from genetic data. I will also discuss implications
to privacy of genetic information and the role of public databases in human
identification from genetic data.
Date - Time: 06.03.2013 / 15:40-17:00
Place: Bilkent University SBZ-14
Prof. Dr. Selman Akbulut
Four dimensional smooth manifolds (generalized Euclidean spaces) display
very strange behavior than manifolds in any other dimensions. Four is also
the dimension of the space-time, which physicist think as a part of a bigger
11-dimensional universe. In this talk, I will review some recent developments
of 4-manifolds, in particular discuss corks and plugs, which are small
fundamental pieces floating in smooth 4-manifolds determining their smooth
structure (twisting along them changes smooth structure), and talk about
exotic structures on complex Stein surfaces.
Date - Time: 05.12.2012 / 15:40-17:00
Place: Bilkent University SBZ-14
Dr. Mehmet Özgür Oktel
The 2012 Nobel prize in physics was awarded to Serge Haroche
(ENS, Paris, France) and David J. Wineland (JILA, CO, USA) for
their contributions to " ground-breaking experimental methods
that enable measuring and manipulation of individual quantum
systems". These two groups spearheaded the effort to probe quantum
mechanics by examining physics of single atoms or single photons.
I will review some of the milestones of their achievements such as
quantum non-demolition measurements, creation of Schrödinger Cat states,
and the controlled quantum-not gate. The emphasis of the talk will be
on these key results and what they teach us about basic quantum mechanics,
rather than on the experimental techniques. Finally, I will discuss the
potential applications of these results, such as improved frequency
standards and quantum computers.
Date - Time: 07.11.2012 / 15:40-17:00
Place: Bilkent University SBZ-14
