Learning from Nature: Photonic Interfaces for Tissue Engineering, Cancer Diagnosis, and Biosensing - Istanbul, Turkey
9-11 June 2026

COST Working Group meeting, Action CA21159, Understanding interaction light – biological surfaces: possibility for new electronic materials and devices (PhoBioS).

Various biological surfaces are known to be covered by elaborated micro- and nano-structures, serving a number of functions (e.g. anti-reflective, structural coloration, anti-fouling, pro- or anti-adhesive, etc.) and inspiring numerous industrial applications. Recent years have witnessed a remarkable boost in research in this field. To a large extent, this boost owes to the increasing interdisciplinary of approaches being applied to the study of structured biosurfaces. Sciences as different as classical zoology and botany are inseminated with the advances in genetics and molecular biology; biologists collaborate more and more with nanotechnologists, materials scientists and engineers – all these contribute to the widening of the horizons of research on micro- and nano-structured biological surfaces, and to biomimetic and bioengineering applications of these surfaces in industry. We aim at ‘riding the wave’ of these developments with our proposal. The main goal of the COST Action “Understanding interaction light – biological surfaces: possibility for new electronic materials and devices” is to bring together scientists coming from distinct disciplines into this vibrant field of research, focusing on the photonic effects of nano-and micro-structuring of biological surfaces and their bionic applications. Our consortium will ensure cross-inspiration among the different participants coming from different research fields and will boost innovation in research and eventual industrial developments.

Training School

Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa currently serves 33,387 students with a workforce comprising 2,313 academic staff members and 4,481 administrative personnel, totaling 6,794 employees. The University conducts its activities across nine campuses located in Avcılar, Bahçeköy, Bakırköy, Büyükçekmece, Cerrahpaşa, Yeşilköy, Haseki, Sultangazi, and Şişli. At present, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa comprises 12 faculties, 6 institutes, 1 school, 5 vocational schools, and 17 application and research centers.

Institute of Nanotechnology and Biotechnology aims to educate the qualified human resources required by our country for employment in nearly every field of life where interdisciplinary, high-technology-based studies are needed, and to become a center of research, development, and application that generates innovations adding value to the national economy. Designed to serve in the fields of Basic Sciences, Engineering, and Medical Sciences, the Institute initially commenced its activities with two graduate programs in Nanotechnology and Biotechnology.

With the vision of becoming the first and only institute in our country operating in a truly interdisciplinary framework, Institute of Nanotechnology and Biotechnology will serve as a common meeting point for scientists and graduate students from diverse disciplines. The Institute houses advanced technological infrastructure, including thin-film fabrication systems, electrical, optical, and structural characterization instruments, high-resolution imaging and profiling systems, lithographic patterning technologies, as well as infrared and Raman Spectroscopy analysis equipment, thereby enabling the execution of world-class research projects.

Accordingly, an environment will be established to promote high value-added and innovative R&D activities based on Nanotechnology and Biotechnology; to educate well-equipped academics and researchers capable of contributing to such studies; and to foster collaboration among universities, the healthcare sector, and industry in order to develop economically valuable organic, inorganic, and biocompatible products.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqS43AfDns0

Venue D1 (09.06.2026)

Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa Avcılar Campus, 34320  Avcılar/İstanbul

Oğuz Çetinkale Conference Hall

Transportation to Avcilar Campus

*All metrobus lines going towards Beylikduzu direction and stop at Avcilar Merkez Universite Kampus station comes to IUC Avcilar Campus.

From Istanbul Airport:

İST-15 numbered Havaist shuttle bus comes directly from Istanbul Airport to Avcilar Campus.

From Sabiha Gökçen Airport

First, take the E-11 bus from Sabiha Gokçen Airport to Uzunçayir Metrobus station. From Uzunçayir Metrobus station, get on to a 34AS numbered metrobus towards Beylikduzu direction. Get off from metrobus at Avcilar Merkez Universite Kampus station, Avcilar Campus entrance is on the right side of the escalator.

From Taksim

Take 76D Bahcesehir/Esenkent IETT bus from Taksim Square and get off at İ.Ü Avcilar Universite Kampus station.

From Eminönü

First, take T1 Kabatas-Bagcilar tram line from Eminonu to Cevizlibag-Ataturk Ogrenci Yurdu station. Then, change to one of the 34/34AS/34BZ metrobus lines towards Beylikduzu direction. Get off from metrobus at Avcilar Merkez Universite Kampus station, Avcilar Campus entrance is on the right side of the escalator.

From Esenler Otogarı (Bus Terminal)

First, take the M1A metro line from Otogar station towards Ataturk Airport direction and get off at Atakoy station. At Atakoy station, change to one of the 34/34AS/34BZ metrobus lines towards Beylikduzu direction. Get off from metrobus at Avcilar Merkez Universite Kampus station, Avcilar Campus entrance is on the right side of the escalator.

Venue D 2 and 3 ( 10.06.2026-11.06.2026 )

Buyukcekmece Campus

Istanbul Üniversitesi-Cerrahpaşa Büyükçekmece Campus, Alkent 2000 Mah. Yiğittürk Cad. No:5/9/1 Büyükçekmece/İstanbul Institute of Nanotechnology and Biotechnology Seminar Hall and research Labs

https://nanobite.iuc.edu.tr/tr/_

Application Form:
https://forms.gle/vNto28H22umHrRu1A