Dr. Ayşe Köse

Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Center (SBE), PROMETHEUS, KU Leuven

Keynote Title: Engineering the Future of Osteochondral Tissue Regeneration: The bridge between hydrogel technology and organ on chip models

Short Bio: Ayşe Köse holds a PhD in Bioengineering from Ege University, where she gained extensive expertise in bioprocess engineering and bioreactor design during her tenure as a research assistant in the Department of Bioengineering. During her time as a research assistant at Ege University, she worked on numerous projects that deepened her understanding of engineering principles applied to biological systems, honing her skills in developing and optimizing bioprocesses for biomedical applications. She is currently a postdoctoral researcher at the Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Center (SBE) and a member of PROMETHEUS a leading research group in skeletal tissue and ATMP development at KU Leuven. Her research focuses on addressing osteochondral defects and osteoarthritis, with a particular emphasis on developing bio-piezoelectric hydrogels for large bone defects. She aims to mimic native bone structure for osteochondral defects by combining biological compatibility with electrical properties that can enhance tissue regeneration. In parallel, Dr. Köse is working with in vitro models to develop novel cartilage-on-chip technologies. These microengineered platforms are designed to replicate the complex biomechanical environment of cartilage, enabling her to study the early mechanisms driving osteoarthritis onset in unprecedented detail. By leveraging these technologies, she and her colleagues aims to build computational models that not only deepen our understanding of disease progression but also pave the way for more effective and personalized therapeutic strategies. Through her interdisciplinary work, Dr. Köse is contributing significantly to the field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, bridging the gap between bioengineering, materials science, and (pre)clinical applications.

Dr. Amara Tariq

Mayo Clinic Arizona, USA

Dr. Esra Aycan Beyazıt

Senior Researcher at IDLab, Ghent University, Belgium

Dr. Ömer Öztürkoğlu

Birmingham City University, Birmingham, UK

Keynote Title: Engineering the Future of Warehousing: Aisle Innovation to Sustainable Digitalization

Short Bio: 

Omer Ozturkoglu, an BSc, MSc, and PhD in Industrial and Systems Engineering, is currently serving as the Associate Professor (Reader) in Digital Transformation and the Academic Subject Lead for International Business at the Graduate School of Management, Birmingham City University, UK. He brings over 20 years of international experience in teaching and research, having led projects on optimizing distribution center operations and digital transformation initiatives for logistics systems. He has coordinated industry-focused projects, such as improving production operations, simulation of production and material handling systems, and developing innovative warehousing solutions, which have had significant real-world impact. Dr. Ozturkoglu’s research spans diverse areas such as warehouse and logistics optimization, and the application of new technologies in sustainable supply chain processes. Notably, he has successfully secured six external grants serving as either the Principal Investigator or Co-Investigator on these projects, including AI applications in logistics operations, logistics network optimization, innovative warehouse designs, and workforce scheduling and routing in home-healthcare. Dr. Ozturkoglu has emphasized aligning educational strategies with industry demands and developing critical skills for future supply chain professionals. He has also integrated research to address specific industry challenges and fostered collaboration across borders. His teaching and research approach integrates real-world problem-solving with technological advancements, aiming to prepare students for leadership roles in a globally connected business environment. He also focuses on contributing to the industry and broader society through innovative practices and collaboration. He is a member of The Operational Research Society, the Chartered Management Institute, and a recognised professional innovator certified by the Institute of Innovation and Knowledge Exchange, UK.