History

The Mersin University Biotechnology Department (Anabilim Dalı) began its activities in 2012 with an interdisciplinary Master's Degree Program.

Subsequently, the Department of Biotechnology was established within the Faculty of Science and Letters in 2016; with the completion of the necessary academic staff, undergraduate education commenced in the Fall Semester of 2018–2019.

As of 2022, the department continues its educational activities under the roof of the Faculty of Science with an academic staff consisting of five faculty members and three research assistants. Accepting an average of thirty undergraduate students each year, the department's research and education activities are conducted in the following laboratories:

• Student Practical Laboratory: This is the teaching laboratory where undergraduate students perform fundamental biotechnology applications.

• Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Research Laboratory: A research environment equipped with modern devices, where experimental studies at the DNA, RNA, and protein levels are carried out.

• Plant Genomics Research Laboratory: Focuses on studies such as genetic variation, tissue culture, and gene transfer in plants.

• Bioinformatics, Metagenomics, and Ancient DNA Research Laboratory:

  • Computational analysis of genomic, transcriptomic, and metagenomic data is performed, and projects focused on microbial ecology and systems biology are conducted.

  • Studies on past ecosystems, microbiomes, and human biology are carried out through the analysis of DNA obtained from archaeological samples.

Since its establishment, the department has continued to conduct high-quality research at both national and international levels, based on scientific research, innovative thinking, and interdisciplinary collaboration.