Ms. Ajna Bihorac, Worldwide Clinical Trials, Serbia

Ajna Bihorac, is a passionate researcher with a strong background in molecular biology, applied biochemistry, and genetics. She holds a diploma equivalent to an MSc from the University of Belgrade, where she specialized in molecular biology and physiology. Bihorac has gained significant research experience during her Ph.D. studies at the Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology in Poland and at Yeditepe University in Turkey. Her work primarily focuses on cancer research, particularly the role of tissue transglutaminase in renal cell carcinoma and tumor cell migration. She has contributed to several publications in renowned journals and participated in various international conferences. In addition to her academic achievements, Bihorac is fluent in Serbian, English, French, and German. Outside of her academic career, she enjoys tutoring high school students, playing the piano, practicing yoga, and traveling.

Professional Profile:

Summary of Suitability for the Research for Women Researcher Award: Ajna Bihorac

Background and Qualifications: Ajna Bihorac has a strong foundation in molecular biology and applied biochemistry, having earned a diploma equivalent to an MSc from the University of Belgrade. Her career spans diverse research roles and academic institutions across Europe, including Yeditepe University (Turkey), the Polish Academy of Sciences, and the Institute for Biological Research in Serbia.

Education:

Diploma (equivalent to MSc), University of Belgrade, Faculty of Biology, Department of Molecular Biology and Physiology, Applied Biochemistry, Belgrade, Serbia
October 2001 — January 2011

Work Experience:

Assistant Editor, MDPI, Belgrade, Serbia
October 2020 — December 2020
Responsibilities included learning basic tools for editing scientific papers.
PhD Student, Institute of Genetics and Animal Biotechnology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Jastrzebiec, Poland
November 2018 — July 2020
Responsible for performing experiments during the duration of the project.
Intern, Department of Medical Genetics, “Prof. Dr. Slavka Moric-Petrovic”, Institute of Mental Health, Belgrade, Serbia
December 2017 — October 2018
PhD Student, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Turkey
September 2012 — October 2015
Responsible for learning, presenting data, and performing experiments during the project.
University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
November 2013 — March 2014
Secondment during the project at Yeditepe University.
Intern, Institute for Biological Research “Sinisa Stankovic”, Belgrade, Serbia
May 2011 — February 2012

Publication top Notes:

Role of tissue transglutaminase catalytic and guanosine triphosphate-binding domains in renal cell carcinoma progression

Characterization of rabbit embryo-derived cells grown under conditions promoting naïve mouse pluripotency

Role of Transglutaminase 2 in Migration of Tumor Cells and How Mouse Models Fit

Tissue transglutaminase expression is necessary for adhesion, metastatic potential and cancer stemness of renal cell carcinoma

Prof Dr. Nuri Faruk Aykan | Cell signaling Award | Best Researcher Award

Prof Dr. Nuri Faruk Aykan, Istinye University, Turkey

N. Faruk Aykan, born in 1953 in Kahramanmaraş, Turkey, is a distinguished Professor of Medical Oncology at Istinye University Medical School in Istanbul. He earned his medical degree and specialty in Internal Medicine from Ankara University Medical School in 1976 and 1981, respectively, and later became a Medical Oncologist at Istanbul University’s Institute of Oncology in 1991. Prof. Aykan’s primary research focus is on gastrointestinal cancers, with additional training in Paris under Prof. J-P Marie at Hotel-Dieu in 1991. He has contributed to numerous international clinical trials, including PETACC-1, CRYSTAL, RADIANT-2, and others. A member of prominent organizations such as ASCO, ESMO, and the Medical Oncology Association of Turkey, Prof. Aykan has published 58 scientific papers, 28 textbook chapters, and 128 abstracts in multiple languages. His H-index is 20, with 5,741 citations as of May 2024. He also serves on the editorial boards of journals like the World Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology and Turkish Journal of Cancer. Additionally, Prof. Aykan has a notable interest in theoretical biology, particularly intercellular communication, and has been recognized with awards such as the 2013 Turkish Cancer Research Prize for his work on the KOLONTURK trial.

Professional Profile:

ORCID

Summary of Suitability for Best Researcher Award:

Prof. N. Faruk Aykan’s distinguished career in medical oncology, particularly focusing on gastrointestinal cancers, positions him as a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award. His extensive clinical and research background, complemented by his participation in several international trials, such as PETACC-1, Pfizer SUTENT, and CRYSTAL, highlights his global impact in oncology.

Education

1976: Medical Degree, Ankara University Medical School, Ankara, Turkey
1981: Specialty in Internal Medicine, Ankara University Medical School, Ankara, Turkey
1991: Medical Oncology Training, Istanbul University, Institute of Oncology, Istanbul, Turkey
1991: Medical Oncology Training, Hotel-Dieu, Paris, France (under Pr. J-P Marie)

Work Experience

Current Position: Professor of Medical Oncology, Istinye University Medical School, Department of Medical Oncology, Istanbul, Turkey
1991–Present: Medical Oncologist, Istanbul University, Institute of Oncology, Istanbul, Turkey
1991: Medical Oncology Training, Hotel-Dieu, Paris, France
Participated in international clinical trials, including PETACC-1, CPT-CMA 202, Aventis V-306, V-307, Pfizer SUTENT, CRYSTAL, RADIANT-2, CORRECT, RILOMET, REGARD, Roche MODUL, and Servier PRECONNECT trials.

Ms. Ajna Bihorac | Signal Transduction Awards | Women Researcher Award