Significant Achievement in the International Scientific Community
Atlas University has achieved another significant success that strengthens its international academic visibility. Prof. Dr. Cemal Turan, a faculty member in the Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics at the Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, has been selected as a member of the Species Survival Commission (SSC) Shark Specialist Group, operating under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), for the 2026–2029 term.
The International Union for the Protection of Nature (IUCN), considered one of the world's most respected scientific organizations in the field of nature conservation and with 186 member countries including Turkey, plays a significant role in global efforts to conserve biodiversity. The Species Survival Commission (SSC) within the IUCN operates as one of the world's largest networks of conservation science experts, comprised of specialists from 186 countries.
SSC contributes to the development of global conservation policies by conducting scientific assessments for species conservation and provides scientific advice to governments and international organizations.
Professor Dr. Cemal Turan's membership is considered not only an individual academic achievement but also a significant development that enhances Atlas University's visibility in the field of international conservation science and contributes to the global representation of scientific knowledge produced in Türkiye.
One of the World's Largest Networks of Conservation Science Experts
Scientific data produced by the Species Survival Commission serves as a crucial scientific reference in international policy and management processes for biodiversity conservation, most notably in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
SSC experts contribute globally to work such as assessing the threat status of species, identifying conservation priorities, and developing science-based conservation policies.
Competent Scientific Expertise in Shark and Ray Conservation
The IUCN Species Survival Commission Shark Specialist Group (SSG), of which Prof. Dr. Cemal Turan is a member, was founded in 1991. Today, the group works as one of the world's leading scientific expert networks in the conservation of sharks, rays, and chimera fish.
The Shark Specialist Group plays an active role in assessing the risk of extinction for endangered species, conducting IUCN Red List studies, developing international conservation strategies, identifying critical habitats, and preparing science-based policy recommendations for governments.
SSG members consist of experts who distinguish themselves not only through research conducted in their own countries, but also through their scientific contributions to global scientific reports, conservation plans, and international conventions. New members are selected by invitation following a rigorous evaluation process conducted every four years.
A Strategic International Representation for Atlas University
With Prof. Dr. Cemal Turan's acceptance into this prestigious membership, Atlas University will be directly represented within the international network of experts where global scientific assessments are conducted on the conservation of sharks and rays.
Through this membership, Atlas University will gain a more visible position in international scientific collaborations conducted in the fields of marine biology, marine conservation biology, biodiversity, and sustainability, while also making academic contributions to scientific assessment and conservation strategies developed on a global scale.
This development also represents a significant achievement that supports Atlas University's vision of integrating with international research networks and contributes to the university's science diplomacy.
Contributing to Türkiye's International Scientific Visibility
Serving on IUCN SSC expert networks is considered a significant indicator of international credibility, expertise, and professional prestige, as well as scientific competence.
With Prof. Dr. Cemal Turan's selection as a member of the Shark Specialist Group, the aim is to contribute to a stronger international representation of shark and marine biodiversity research conducted in Türkiye.
As part of his membership, Prof. Dr. Turan will participate in scientific assessments on species conservation alongside selected experts from different countries, serve in international working groups, and contribute to the development of science-based conservation policies.
This process also presents an important opportunity to transfer scientific knowledge and experience produced in Türkiye to international decision-making mechanisms.
A university that produces science and contributes to the world.
Atlas University continues to strengthen its scientific production capacity and global interaction with its academics who actively participate in international research networks.
Prof. Dr. Cemal Turan's membership in the IUCN Species Survival Commission Shark Specialist Group enhances the international recognition of Atlas University's work in marine sciences, environment, sustainability, and biodiversity. It also strengthens the university's vision of becoming a higher education institution that generates knowledge on a global scale, contributes to international science policies, and successfully represents Türkiye.
