Bilkent University National Nanotechnology Research Center (UNAM) received first prize for the Doktorclub Healthcare Initiative of the Year in the category of R&D/Innovation Implementation. The award was granted to Asst. Prof. Fatih İnci’s project entitled “Ultra-Sensitive and Portable Cancer Early Diagnosis Chips.”
This year saw the 6th iteration of the Doktorclub Awards, which aim to encourage the development of innovative studies in the field of health and to reward those who make a difference in their field. 73 finalists in seventeen different categories were determined by jury members who are all experts in their respective fields and have added value to the health industry for many years. As a result of more than 85,000 votes, the winner of each category was determined.
Since winning the award, Asst. Prof. Fatih İnci has continued his work at UNAM, which is concentrated in innovative technology areas of biosensors, micro/nano-scale technologies, laboratory-on-chip, and biomedical engineering to further develop ultra-sensitive sensors and microfluidic platforms. The project aims to not only tackle the diagnostic challenges of increasingly prevalent maladies such as infectious diseases and cancer, but also to minimize health inequalities in healthcare, even in areas lacking in access to health resources.
Regarding his work, İnci said, “These chips, which we use as structures that combine microfluidic and sensor technologies, are small enough to fit in your pocket. In this sense, it is a technology that can minimize inequalities in healthcare and that can be easily applied everywhere.”
