Topic:
Prevention and Preparedness
Control

Cooperation Interest:
We are actively seeking to join international research consortia (Horizon Europe, COST Actions, or similar frameworks) as a project partner or work package leader. Our primary goal is to contribute our expertise to collaborative projects focused on understanding, preventing, and controlling viral diseases in livestock and poultry.

We Offer:
Expertise: Proven experience in veterinary virology, molecular diagnostics, vaccine development, and field epidemiology.

Infrastructure: Access to well-equipped BSL laboratories, cell culture facilities, molecular biology platforms (real-time PCR, sequencing), and serological testing units.

Biological Resources: Access to well-characterized viral strains, field isolates, and serum banks from previous and ongoing national surveillance studies.
Collaborative Network: Established connections with veterinary authorities, diagnostic laboratories, and livestock producers across different regions of Türkiye, facilitating field sampling and epidemiological studies.
Trained Personnel: A dedicated team of academic staff, PhD candidates, and research assistants experienced in experimental design, laboratory work, and data analysis.

We Are Looking For:

Partners with complementary expertise in bioinformatics, advanced imaging, immunology, or mathematical modeling of disease transmission.
Consortia developing innovative diagnostic tools (e.g., point-of-care tests, next-generation sequencing applications), novel vaccine platforms (e.g., mRNA, viral vectors), or integrated control strategies for endemic or emerging viral diseases.
Opportunities to participate in training and knowledge exchange programs (workshops, secondments) to enhance our team's skills and foster long-term collaborations.
Specific Areas for Collaboration:
Joint research projects on the molecular epidemiology and evolution of priority livestock viruses (e.g., PPRV, BVDV, Bluetongue virus, Avian Influenza Virus).
Development and validation of new diagnostic assays (including multiplex and pen-side tests) for rapid pathogen detection and differentiation.
Preclinical testing and evaluation of vaccine candidates (efficacy, safety, duration of immunity) in relevant target species.
Comparative studies on host-pathogen interactions and immune responses to viral infections.
Surveillance studies to map the distribution and impact of viral diseases in different livestock production systems, including risk factor analysis.
We are flexible regarding our role in a consortium and are eager to discuss how our expertise and resources can contribute to the success of your project. We respond promptly to all inquiries.

Erciyes University is one of the leading research universities in Türkiye, with a strong commitment to international collaboration and excellence in veterinary education and research. The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, established in 1995, is a well-recognized institution accredited by the Association for Evaluation and Accreditation of Veterinary Medical Education (VEDEK), ensuring compliance with high educational and research standards.

The Department of Virology, where our research group is based, is dedicated to the study of viral diseases affecting livestock and poultry. The department is equipped with modern infrastructure to support cutting-edge research, including:

Laboratories: Fully equipped laboratories for safe handling of viral pathogens.

Cell Culture Facilities: Dedicated facilities for virus isolation, propagation, titration, and in vitro assays.

Molecular Biology Laboratory: State-of-the-art equipment for nucleic acid extraction, conventional and real-time PCR (including RT-PCR and digital PCR capabilities), and sequencing sample preparation.

Serology and Immunology Unit: Facilities for performing various immunoassays such as ELISA, virus neutralization tests (VNT), and other serological techniques for antibody detection and quantification.

Experimental Animal Facilities: Access to controlled experimental animal units for vaccine efficacy, challenge, and pathogenesis studies under ethical guidelines.

Our team consists of experienced virologists, molecular biologists, and veterinarians with a proven track record of publications in international peer-reviewed journals and successful completion of nationally funded research projects. We have established collaborative networks with other veterinary faculties and research institutes within Türkiye.

We are looking for opportunities to contribute our expertise and infrastructure to international consortia aimed at combating viral threats in animal agriculture.