Gamze Turan | Seaweeds | Best Scholar Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gamze Turan | Seaweeds | Best Scholar Award

Academician at Ege University, Turkey

Doç. Dr. Gamze Turan is a distinguished academic and researcher in the field of aquaculture and marine sciences, with a strong focus on seaweed biotechnology, integrated aquaculture systems, and sustainable seafood production. Over the course of her career, she has combined extensive academic expertise with applied industry experience, contributing significantly to the advancement of aquaculture practices, marine biotechnology, and environmental sustainability. Her interdisciplinary research bridges the gap between marine biology, aquaculture, biotechnology, and environmental sciences, making her a recognized leader in the study of seaweeds, algae-based applications, and sustainable aquaculture technologies.

Professional Profile

Scopus Profile | ORCID

Education

Dr. Turan has pursued an extensive and multidisciplinary education, beginning with her undergraduate studies in Fisheries Engineering at Ege University, where she built a strong foundation in aquaculture sciences. She expanded her expertise through postgraduate studies in the United States, completing a Master’s degree at the University of Maine in Marine Resources with a focus on aquatic and veterinary sciences. Her doctoral research at Ege University’s Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences centered on seaweeds and their applications in thalassotherapy, demonstrating an early commitment to innovative marine biotechnology. Additionally, she specialized in pharmaceutical botany during her advanced studies at the Faculty of Pharmacy, where her thesis explored the medical and pharmaceutical uses of algae. This unique educational pathway has equipped her with expertise spanning aquaculture, marine biotechnology, and pharmaceutical sciences.

Experience

Dr. Gamze Turan is a long-standing faculty member at Ege University’s Faculty of Fisheries, where she teaches, supervises research, and trains students in aquaculture and aquatic plant systems. She also gained industry experience in the United States with Southland Fisheries Corporation and Island Fresh Seafood Inc., strengthening her ability to connect academic research with practical applications. Actively leading and contributing to numerous national and international projects, including EU-funded programs like ANTIFOUL, MICROFEED, MAREX, and Horizon 2020 COST Actions, as well as TÜBİTAK initiatives in Turkey, she has advanced global collaboration in aquaculture, algal biotechnology, and marine sustainability.

Research Focus

Dr. Gamze Turan’s research focuses on aquaculture systems, seaweed cultivation, and marine biotechnology, with a particular emphasis on Ulva species in integrated multitrophic aquaculture. She explores algae’s potential in health, nutrition, and environmental management, including their applications in antimicrobial, pharmaceutical, and nutraceutical fields. Her work highlights the extraction of bioactive compounds for thalassotherapy, biodiesel, eco-friendly antifouling agents, and functional food ingredients, while also addressing nutrient control, water purification, and sustainable resource management. By bridging experimental cultivation with applied biotechnology, she has advanced knowledge on algae’s role in sustainability and human well-being.

Awards and Honors

Throughout her career, Dr. Turan has been recognized for her academic excellence and impactful contributions to aquaculture and biotechnology. Her research outputs, widely cited in international scientific databases, reflect her influence in advancing marine and aquaculture sciences. She has collaborated with international partners across Europe, South America, and Asia, strengthening global networks in marine biotechnology. Her involvement in high-profile projects and invitations to present at international conferences further underscore her standing as a leading expert in her field.

Publication Top Notes

Title: Seaweed Ulva lactuca in Tilapia Diets
Author: Gamze Turan
Summary: Showed that Ulva lactuca improves growth and feed efficiency in juvenile tilapia, supporting sustainable aquaculture.

Title: Boosting Biomass & Lipids in Haematococcus pluvialis
Author: Gamze Turan
Summary: Optimized cultivation strategies to enhance biomass and lipid yields for biofuels and nutraceutical applications.

Title: Co-Cultivation of Ulva lactuca with Shrimp
Author: Gamze Turan
Summary: Demonstrated that co-cultivating Ulva lactuca improves biofloc quality and water management in shrimp systems.

Title: Depth Effects on Ulva lactuca Growth
Author: Gamze Turan
Summary: Found that cultivation depth affects biomass yield of Ulva lactuca in integrated aquaculture systems.

Title: Suspended Solids & Ulva lactuca in Biofloc
Author: Gamze Turan
Summary: Identified ideal solids levels that support Ulva lactuca growth and enhance sustainability in shrimp culture.

Title: Bioplastics from Seaweeds
Author: Gamze Turan
Summary: Created biodegradable seaweed-based plastics as green alternatives to synthetic packaging materials.

Conclusion

Doç. Dr. Gamze Turan stands out as a pioneering figure in aquaculture and marine biotechnology, whose research has significantly advanced the sustainable cultivation and utilization of seaweeds and algae. Her work bridges aquaculture, biotechnology, and environmental management, offering innovative solutions for global challenges such as sustainable food production, renewable energy, and marine ecosystem conservation. With a distinguished academic record, extensive international collaborations, and impactful scientific contributions, she exemplifies the qualities of an outstanding researcher and educator. Her career achievements make her an exceptional nominee for recognition and awards in the fields of aquaculture, biotechnology, and environmental sciences.