Background
Faculty of Pharmacy

Deans Message

Dear Students,

Rapid advances in science and technology are transforming every profession, and pharmacy is among the fields undergoing the most profound change. Alongside traditional pharmacy practice, innovative, interdisciplinary areas—such as artificial intelligence, digital health, biotechnology, and nanotechnology—are redefining the role of the modern pharmacist. As indispensable members of the healthcare system, pharmacists are now expected not only to dispense medications but also to analyze data, support personalized therapies, and contribute to innovation and decision-making.

Biruni University, guided by its dynamic and forward-thinking vision, places strong emphasis on modern, science-based education. In line with this vision, our rapidly developing campus has been equipped with new academic buildings, classrooms, and state-of-the-art laboratories, creating an inspiring, technologically advanced learning environment for students.

The Faculty of Pharmacy has accredited and developed a renewed educational program aligned with international quality standards and shaped by the profession’s evolving needs. We aim to graduate pharmacists who are highly competent in both emerging and core areas, including new and generic drug development, pharmacokinetics, molecular modeling, structure–activity relationships, biotechnological and nanotechnological drugs, clinical pharmacy, traditional herbal products, and—most importantly—robotics and artificial intelligence applications in pharmacy.

These include AI-supported drug discovery and design, data-driven optimization of pharmacotherapy, intelligent manufacturing systems, quantum dots and related technologies, and decision-support tools for clinical practice. Beyond scientific knowledge, we seek to educate pharmacists who are fast, accurate decision-makers, effective communicators, educators, managers, lifelong learners, leaders, and researchers—professionals who can adapt to technological change and actively contribute to advancing public health. To support this vision, comprehensive and innovative theoretical and practical course plans have been developed.

As a world-first initiative, the Biruni University Faculty of Pharmacy has introduced the “Air and Space Pharmacy” course into its curriculum, underscoring our commitment to pioneering education and future-oriented pharmaceutical sciences. By emphasizing strong university–industry collaboration, our faculty encourages students to pursue industrial internships, research projects, and innovation-focused activities, and to engage with leading professionals from academia, industry, and regulatory bodies. Our experienced academic staff, supported by extensive international collaborations, provide a rich environment for education and research.

We seek motivated, curious, and hardworking students who aspire to make a meaningful difference in their profession and society. Students contribute to faculty-led scientific projects through scholarship-supported research, gaining firsthand experience in how advanced science and emerging technologies—such as artificial intelligence—are translated into real-world pharmaceutical applications.

We also place great importance on maintaining strong connections with our graduates through alumni–student meetings and post-graduation events. Learning and innovation do not end at graduation. We look forward to continuing this journey together—advancing education and training, contributing to our country and profession, exploring new knowledge, developing innovative projects, and sharing the lasting satisfaction of success.

We are proud to shape the future of pharmacy together with you.

Warm regards,

Prof. Dr. İsmail Tuncer Değim
Dean

Deans Message

Departments

Department of Pharmaceutical Technology +
Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology +
Department of Pharmacognosy +
Department of Biochemistry +
Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry +
Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology +
Department of Analytical Chemistry +
Department of Pharmaceutical Botany +
Department of Pharmacology +
Departments

Faculty Team

Prof. Dr.  İsmail Tuncer DEĞİM
Prof. Dr. İsmail Tuncer DEĞİM
Dean
Research Areas
  • Nanotechnology and advanced drug delivery systems
  • Quantum dots and nanoparticle-based pharmaceutical applications
  • Innovative pharmaceutical technologies and translational research
Summary
Prof. Dr. İsmail Tuncer Değim is a leading academic in pharmaceutical technology, with a strong focus on nanotechnology-based drug delivery and innovative formulation approaches. His research integrates advanced materials, pharmaceutical sciences, and emerging technologies to support future-oriented and translational pharmacy education. As Dean, he plays a key role in shaping the faculty’s research-driven and innovative academic vision.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ecem Fatma KARAMAN
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ecem Fatma KARAMAN
Vice Dean
Research Areas
  • Pharmaceutical toxicology and drug safety
  • Risk assessment and toxicological evaluation of pharmaceuticals
  • Pharmacological and toxicological mechanisms of drugs
Summary
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ecem Fatma Karaman specializes in pharmaceutical toxicology, focusing on the safety, toxic effects, and risk assessment of medicinal substances. Her academic work supports evidence-based pharmaceutical practice and contributes to strengthening safety-oriented education and research within the Faculty of Pharmacy.
Asst. Prof. Gamze ÇAMLIK
Asst. Prof. Gamze ÇAMLIK
Vice Dean
Research Areas
  • Pharmaceutical technology and formulation development
  • Nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems
  • Innovative pharmaceutical materials and dosage forms
Summary
Assist. Prof. Dr. Gamze Çamlık’s research focuses on pharmaceutical technology with an emphasis on innovative formulations and nanotechnology-based delivery systems. She actively contributes to research-oriented education by combining engineering perspectives with pharmaceutical sciences, supporting the faculty’s applied and innovation-driven academic structure.
Prof. Dr. Afife Mat
Prof. Dr. Afife Mat
Head of the Department of Pharmacognosy
Research Areas
Summary +
Prof. Dr. Zelihagül Değim
Prof. Dr. Zelihagül Değim
Department of Pharmaceutical Technology
Research Areas
Summary +
Prof. Dr. Mehmet Şenel
Prof. Dr. Mehmet Şenel
Department of Biochemistry
Research Areas
Summary +
Prof. Dr. Helen Sheridan Kelleher
Prof. Dr. Helen Sheridan Kelleher
Department of Pharmacognosy
Research Areas
Summary +
Prof. Dr. Bedia Kaymakçıoğlu
Prof. Dr. Bedia Kaymakçıoğlu
Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry
Research Areas
  • Drug Design and discovery
  • Organic synthesis
  • Anticancer activity
  • Antidiabetic activity
  • İn vivo and in vitro Drug Metabolism
Summary +
Prof. Dr. Bedia Kaymakçıoğlu is the Chair of the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Biruni University, and is an experienced academic who has been working in the field of drug design and development for many years. Her academic research focuses primarily on drug design and discovery, as well as the synthesis and structural characterization of heterocyclic compounds. She conducts research on the biological activity of compounds targeting anticancer, antidiabetic, antimicrobial, analgesic, and neurodegenerative diseases; she plays an active role in multidisciplinary projects that integrate in silico, in vitro, and in vivo approaches.
Prof. Dr. Recep Keşli
Prof. Dr. Recep Keşli
Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology
Research Areas
Summary +
Prof. Dr. Ayşe Zehra Aroğuz
Prof. Dr. Ayşe Zehra Aroğuz
Department of Analytical Chemistry
Research Areas
  • Polymeric Hydrogels
  • Polymeric Blends and Scaffolds
  • Adsorption
  • Quantum Dots
  • Patterned Polymeric Materials
Summary +
Prof. Dr. Ayşe Zehra AROĞUZ graduated in Chemical Engineering from Istanbul Technical University, earned her MBA from Bosporus University, and PhD from Istanbul University. She also holds degrees in English Literature, Pedagogy, and Computer Programming. She worked with Prof. Karasz at UMass Amherst (USA) and was regular visiting professor. She has led many research projects and published extensively. She was the Founding Chairperson of the Marmara branch of The Chemists’ Society (Kimyagerler Derneği). She is the first woman Chairperson at the Council of the Federation of Asian Polymer Societies and has served as the Head Chairperson between 2021-2023. She was the recipient of the IUPAC Distinguished Women in Chemistry Award (dedicated to Marie Curie) in Puerto Rico, in 2011. Her research includes polymer hydrogels, blends, scaffolds, patterned polymeric materials, adsorption, and quantum dots.
Prof. Dr. Abdulilah Ece
Prof. Dr. Abdulilah Ece
Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry
Research Areas
Summary +
Asst. Prof. Nilay Beğiç
Asst. Prof. Nilay Beğiç
Department of Analytical Chemistry
Research Areas
  • Antioxidant Capacity/Activity Determination Methods
  • Green Synthesis
  • HPLC
  • Spectrophotometry
  • Silver and Gold Nanoparticles
Summary +
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nilay Beğiç is an academic at the Analytical Chemistry Department at Faculty of Pharmacy, Biruni University. She obtained her bachelor’s in chemistry, post-graduation and master’s in analytical chemistry in Istanbul University. She worked in the pharmaceuticals about 2 years. Her master's thesis focused on determining the antioxidant capacities of thiol groups using the CUPRAC method. Her PhD thesis focused on developing nanoparticle-based antioxidant capacity determination methods. Following her PhD, she continues to work on nanoparticle synthesis and its application areas using green synthesis (using plant extracts such as carob and quince seed mucilage).
Dr. Enver Çıracı
Dr. Enver Çıracı
Department of Biochemistry
Research Areas
  • Nutritional Biochemistry and Metabolic Regulation
  • Inflammation, Cytokines and Immune Response
  • Gut Microbiota and Probiotics
  • Chronic Diseases and Metabolic Disorders (Obesity, Diabetes)
  • Functional Nutrition and Longevity
Summary +
Dr. Enver Çıracı is a biochemistry PhD dietitian and academic at Biruni University Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Biochemistry. His research focuses on the interplay between nutrition, inflammation, and metabolic health, with particular emphasis on cytokine dynamics, oxidative stress, and immune responses in chronic diseases. He has contributed to studies on obesity, diabetes, infertility, and gastrointestinal disorders, as well as probiotic and polyphenol-based interventions. His work integrates molecular mechanisms with clinical nutrition, aiming to develop personalized and functional approaches for improving metabolic health and promoting healthy aging.
Dr. Ezgi Ersoy
Dr. Ezgi Ersoy
Department of Pharmacognosy
Research Areas
Summary +
Dr. Mine Çağlayan
Dr. Mine Çağlayan
Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology
Research Areas
  • Toxicology
  • Chemical carcinogenesis
  • Epigenetic
  • Endoplasmic reticulum stress (UPR)
  • In vitro molecular techniques
  • In silico toxicogenomics
Summary +
I completed my PhD research on the topic of ‘Investigation of the effects of bisphenol A and its analogues on endoplasmic reticulum stress signalling pathways in prostate cell cultures’ at the Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology, Pharmaceutical Toxicology Laboratory, Istanbul University. I am currently working as a Lecturer and Researcher at the Faculty of Pharmacy, Biruni University. During my Master’s and PhD studies, I worked on various projects. I gained experience in a range of techniques, including cell culture, cytotoxicity assays, proliferation assays, ELISA tests, bisulphite modifications, alkaline comet assay, standard PCR, qPCR, protein isolation, oxidative stress, apoptosis and western blot. In both my Master’s and PhD research, I worked with a wide range of cell types, primarily prostate cells. I have experience in the fields of epigenetic signalling pathways, endoplasmic reticulum signalling pathway (UPR) mechanism, in silico toxicogenomics, and ecotoxicology (using Allium cepa and Artemia salina toxicity models).
Dr. Nilüfer Koçyiğit
Dr. Nilüfer Koçyiğit
Department of Analytical Chemistry
Research Areas
Summary +
Dr. Onur Esen
Dr. Onur Esen
Head of the Department of Pharmaceutical Botany
Research Areas
Summary +
Dr. Şevval Maral Özcan Akyol
Dr. Şevval Maral Özcan Akyol
Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology
Research Areas
Summary +
Dr. Tambay Taşkın
Dr. Tambay Taşkın
Department of Pharmacology
Research Areas
Summary +
Dr. Ceren Aktürk
Dr. Ceren Aktürk
Department of Pharmaceutical Botany
Research Areas
Summary +
Dr. Aysu Arman
Dr. Aysu Arman
Department of Analytical Chemistry
Research Areas
  • Energetic
  • Materials
  • Antioxidants
  • Voltammetry
  • Spectroscopy
  • Electrochemistry
Summary +
Aysu Arman received her master’s degree from the Analytical Chemistry Division of the Department of Chemistry at Istanbul University’s Faculty of Engineering in 2017. She completed her doctoral studies in the field of “Energetic Materials Technologies” at the Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa Graduate Education Institute in 2023, where she conducted her research within the scope of the YÖK 100/2000 Doctoral Scholarship Program. Her research interests focus on the development of electroanalytical methods (for the determination of energetic materials, as well as environmentally and biologically significant compounds) and spectroscopy.
Dr. Müzeyyen Nazlı Şencan
Dr. Müzeyyen Nazlı Şencan
Research Areas
Summary +
Dr. Ömerül Faruk Tavlı
Dr. Ömerül Faruk Tavlı
Department of Pharmacognosy
Research Areas
Summary +
Dr. Cansu Özal Coşkun
Dr. Cansu Özal Coşkun
Department of Biochemistry
Research Areas
Summary +
Dr. Gökçe Karaotmarlı Güven
Dr. Gökçe Karaotmarlı Güven
Department of Pharmaceutical Technology
Research Areas
Summary +
Research Assistant Dr. Besa Bilkaya
Research Assistant Dr. Besa Bilkaya
Department of Pharmaceutical Technology
Research Areas
Summary +
Research Assistant Meryem Aras
Research Assistant Meryem Aras
Department of Pharmacology
Research Areas
  • Pharmacology
  • Pharmacological Research in Cardiometabolic Diseases
  • Pharmacological Research in Experimental Animal Models
  • Metabolic and Vascular Effects of Drugs and Bioactive Molecules
  • Cardiovascular Pharmacology
Summary +
Meryem Aras graduated from Karadeniz Technical University Faculty of Pharmacy . She is currently working as a research assistant in the Department of Pharmacology and pursuing her PhD at the Institute of Graduate Health Sciences, Istanbul University. Her research focuses on cardiovascular pharmacology, using experimental animal models and in vivo/ in vitro approaches. In particular, she conducts studies on the metabolic and cardiovascular effects of drugs and biologically active molecules in animal models of type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity.
Research Assistant Fatmanur Gürbüzkol Yılmaz
Research Assistant Fatmanur Gürbüzkol Yılmaz
Department of Pharmacognosy
Research Areas
  • Pharmacognosy
  • Medicinal and Aromatic Plants
  • Natural Product Chemistry
  • Anti-inflammatory Activity of Herbal Extracts
  • Phytotherapy and Bioactive Compounds
Summary +
Research Assistant in Pharmacognosy, graduated from Ankara University Faculty of Pharmacy. Completed an MSc in Pharmacognosy at Marmara University and is currently pursuing a PhD in the same field at Marmara University. Her research focuses on medicinal plants, natural products, phytochemical analysis, and the evaluation of biological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and enzyme inhibitory effects. She is particularly interested in identifying bioactive compounds from plant extracts and exploring their therapeutic potential.
Research Assistant Alperen Akpınar
Research Assistant Alperen Akpınar
Department of Analytical Chemistry
Research Areas
Summary +
Research Assistant Şuheda Taştan Bedir
Research Assistant Şuheda Taştan Bedir
Department of Pharmaceutical Toxicology
Research Areas
Summary +
Research Assistant Kübra Nilgün Yıldız Can
Research Assistant Kübra Nilgün Yıldız Can
Department of Pharmacology
Research Areas
  • Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
  • Neuropharmacology
  • Pharmacological Research in Experimental Models of Epilepsy
  • Neuroimmune and Neuroinflammatory Mechanisms in Epilepsy
Summary +
Kübra Nilgün Yıldız Can graduated from Medipol University Faculty of Pharmacy. She is currently pursuing her PhD in the Department of Pharmacology at the Institute of Graduate Health Sciences, Istanbul University. Her research focuses on epilepsy and neuropharmacology, with a particular emphasis on elucidating the mechanisms of epileptogenesis associated with autoimmune encephalitis. In this context, she conducts studies using experimental animal models to investigate seizure generation, neuroimmune interactions, and neuroinflammatory processes. Her work aims to explore the impact of autoantibody-mediated mechanisms on epileptic activity, thereby contributing to the understanding of the immune-mediated pathophysiology of epilepsy and generating translational insights for potential therapeutic targets.
Research Assistant Şevval Ruken Baltacı
Research Assistant Şevval Ruken Baltacı
Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry
Research Areas
Summary +
Research Assistant Serhan Polat
Research Assistant Serhan Polat
Department of Pharmaceutical Technology
Research Areas
Summary +
Prof. Dr. Yusuf Çelik*
Prof. Dr. Yusuf Çelik*
Research Areas
Summary +
Prof. Dr. Adnan Ömerustaoğlu*
Prof. Dr. Adnan Ömerustaoğlu*
Research Areas
Summary +
Dr. Cüneyd Yavaş*
Dr. Cüneyd Yavaş*
Research Areas
Summary +
Dr. Tarık Mecit*
Dr. Tarık Mecit*
Research Areas
Summary +
Dr. Mübeccel Özge Atasayan*
Dr. Mübeccel Özge Atasayan*
Research Areas
Summary +
Lecturer Ayşe Akgül Işık
Lecturer Ayşe Akgül Işık
Research Areas
Summary +
Dr. Abdulkadir Korkmaz*
Dr. Abdulkadir Korkmaz*
Research Areas
Summary +
Dr. Ossama Arafat**
Dr. Ossama Arafat**
Research Areas
Summary +
Dr. Merve Özsoy Durmaz**
Dr. Merve Özsoy Durmaz**
Research Areas
Summary +
Dr. Senanur Can**
Dr. Senanur Can**
Research Areas
Summary +
Lecturer Sinem Altıntop**
Lecturer Sinem Altıntop**
Research Areas
Summary +
Lecturer Ömer Faruk Güney**
Lecturer Ömer Faruk Güney**
Research Areas
Summary +
Partnerships

Partnerships

Under the Partnerships framework, the Biruni University Faculty of Pharmacy actively strengthens its global and industry-oriented vision through strategic international and sectoral collaborations. Academic partnerships with institutions such as University of Puthisastra, Tashkent Pharmaceutical Institute, Albanian University, and Universitas Sumatera Utara Faculty of Pharmacy support student and staff exchange, joint research activities, and the sharing of educational best practices. In parallel, strong industry collaborations established within the scope of the TÜBİTAK 1505 Project with MEFAR Pharmaceuticals and Onko Koçsel enhance applied research, innovation, and technology transfer. These partnerships play a key role in bridging academic knowledge with real-world pharmaceutical applications, contributing to the faculty’s commitment to research-driven, practice-oriented, and internationally connected pharmacy education.

International Partners

Toshkent
Puthisastra
Albania
Sumatera

Industry Partners

onko
mefar

Alumni

İpek MUTLU
İpek MUTLU
Graduate of Biruni University Faculty of Pharmacy, 2023-2024. She works at MSD Türkiye - Clinical Research Department.
Serhan POLAT
Serhan POLAT
Graduate of Biruni University Faculty of Pharmacy, 2023-2024. Atabay Pharmaceuticals – R&D Assistant Specialist
Özgü BİLER
Özgü BİLER
Graduate of Biruni University Faculty of Pharmacy, 2022-2023. Fulbright Scholar – PhD Program at the University of Cincinnati – Molecular, Cellular, and Biochemical Pharmacology
Edanur Yusuf
Edanur Yusuf
Graduate of Biruni University Faculty of Pharmacy, 2021-2022. Ranked 17th in Turkey in the 2023 Pharmacy Specialty Exam (EUS). Clinical Pharmacy Residency Fellow at Bezmiâlem Vakıf University.