Symposium on Rare Diseases from A to Z was held at Üsküdar University

The "Symposium on Rare Diseases from A to Z", organized by Üsküdar University Rare Diseases Club on May 14, 2025 under the coordination of the Department of Health, Culture and Sports and with the support of the UNIDES Program of the Ministry of Youth and Sports of the Republic of Turkey, was remembered for its human touch as well as its scientific content.

The symposium, organized to raise awareness about rare diseases, strengthen social responsibility awareness and encourage scientific curiosity, attracted attention with its speakers from different disciplines and special sessions.

🎙️ The event started with the inspiring opening speech of Üsküdar University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Muhsin Konuk. Afterwards, the biological, psychological and social aspects of rare diseases were discussed in a multifaceted way in the sessions held throughout the day.

📚 Important topics in the program were as follows:

• Prof. Dr. Lecturer. Prof. Dr. Oğuzcan Işık and Mustafa Şanverdi evaluated the role of artificial intelligence in rare diseases and offered predictions for the future in health.

• Prof. Dr. Huban Atilla drew a general framework on rare eye diseases.

• Prof. Dr. Lecturer. Prof. Dr. Cihan Taştan shared the latest points of genetic research in Retinitis Pigmentosa treatments.

• Prof. Dr. Lecturer. Prof. Dr. İdil Arasan Doğan moderated the panel, Mert Öz and Rana Durgut shared their patient experiences and inspired young participants.

• Beyza Aydın contributed to the symposium with the scientific content she presented on Aniridia and Nystagmus within the scope of the projects carried out with the Genextrem Team.

🧠 The event also contributed to the development of technical skills. Participants took an active part in digital competency workshops such as Introduction to Bioinformatics with Python and Introduction to Programming with R.

🎁 With the support of sponsors in the fields of health and cosmetics, participants were presented with informative content as well as various materials and gifts.

💍 And... The symposium also witnessed an emotional and unforgettable moment.
Mert Öz, one of the panelists, made his marriage proposal to his life partner, who accompanied him during his struggle with rare diseases, in the presence of the participants in the hall, signing a meaningful moment where science meets love.

🌱 This symposium, where science, empathy and solidarity flowed from heart to heart, was not only an event but also a strong call for social awareness.