Sibel Elif Gultekin | Stem Cell Research | Best Researcher Award

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Prof. Dr. Sibel Elif Gultekin | Stem Cell Research | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr. Sibel Elif Gultekin, Gazi University Faculty of Dentistry, Turkey

Prof. Dr. Sibel Elif Gültekin is a renowned academic and clinician in Oral Pathology and Periodontology at Gazi University Faculty of Dentistry, Türkiye. With over two decades of experience, she has significantly advanced molecular understanding of odontogenic tumors, HPV-induced oral lesions, and periodontal regeneration. Holding both DDS and Ph.D. degrees, she has led her department as Chair for 10 years and contributed globally as a visiting researcher and advisor. Her collaborations with institutions like the University of Cologne and UCSF reflect her international impact. She has published extensively in high-impact journals, authored books, and mentored numerous young researchers. Her dedication has been recognized through editorial appointments and professional society memberships. Prof. Gültekin’s translational research bridges pathology and clinical dentistry, making her a pioneer in the diagnosis and treatment of oral diseases.

Publication Profile: 

Orcid

✅ Strengths for the Award:

  1. Dual Specialization & Academic Leadership: Prof. Gültekin’s rare dual Ph.D. in Oral Pathology and Periodontology, along with her decade-long leadership as department chair, highlights deep academic and organizational expertise.

  2. High Research Output & Impact: With 96 publications, 50+ research projects, and citations exceeding 1300 (Google Scholar), her scholarly productivity and influence are clear. Her h-index across databases (14–17) confirms consistent academic contribution.

  3. Global Collaborations: Active collaborations with international centers like UCSF and University of Cologne underscore her role in global scientific advancement.

  4. Innovative Research Areas: She works at the forefront of molecular oncology, focusing on HPV-associated oral cancers, odontogenic tumors, and biomarkers like P16, VIM3, and PDCD4.

  5. Educational & Editorial Leadership: Served on scientific and editorial boards, symposiums, and advisory panels; she also authored 2 academic books and guided national congresses.

  6. Professional Societies: Active member of multiple esteemed societies (IAOP, ESP, EHNS, IADR), reflecting recognition in the international scientific community.

⚙️ Areas for Improvement:

  1. Clinical Translation Scaling: While her biomarker discoveries are notable, increasing efforts to lead translational clinical trials could accelerate therapeutic application.

  2. Policy Advocacy: Engaging more in international oral health policy or WHO-affiliated programs could amplify her impact beyond academia.

  3. Mentorship on Global Scale: Expanding formal international mentorship programs or fellowships could further cement her influence and legacy.

🎓 Education:

Prof. Dr. Sibel Elif Gültekin holds both DDS and Ph.D. degrees, specializing in Oral Pathology and Periodontology. She completed her undergraduate dental studies at Gazi University Faculty of Dentistry, where she later pursued her doctoral studies. Her academic training extended beyond Türkiye through international fellowships and research placements, including the prestigious Department of Medicine and Stomatology at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) and the Institute for Pathology at the University of Cologne. Her educational journey is marked by an interdisciplinary approach, blending basic sciences and clinical applications. These robust academic foundations have positioned her as a global expert in oral cancer biomarkers, regenerative periodontology, and molecular pathology, nurturing future dentists and researchers through an integrative, evidence-based curriculum and global research exposure.

💼 Experience:

Prof. Dr. Gültekin has over 25 years of experience in dentistry, oral pathology, and periodontology. She has served as Professor and Chair of the Department of Oral Pathology at Gazi University, shaping both academic curricula and national diagnostic standards. Internationally, she collaborated with UCSF and the University of Cologne on pioneering projects in oral cancer and HPV research. Her clinical and academic background spans over 50 funded research projects, with 96 published papers in prestigious journals indexed by SCI, Scopus, and PubMed. She has contributed to oral health policy through editorial and advisory roles, including at journals like Journal of Oral Health Frontiers. Her expertise has guided scientific boards and symposia in Türkiye and beyond, particularly in head and neck pathology. She remains a sought-after consultant and reviewer, advocating for personalized medicine and molecular diagnostics in oral health.

🔬 Research Focus:

Prof. Dr. Sibel Elif Gültekin’s research centers on the molecular mechanisms of oral diseases, particularly odontogenic tumors, oral epithelial dysplasia, and HPV-induced carcinomas. She has made key contributions in identifying biomarkers such as P16, PDCD4, VIM3, and CD8+ T-cell infiltrates, enhancing early diagnosis and prognosis of oral and oropharyngeal cancers. Her research also explores microsatellite instability and loss of heterozygosity in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Additionally, she has contributed to periodontal tissue regeneration studies and the development of personalized therapeutic strategies. With over 1,300 citations and an h-index of 17 on Google Scholar, her impactful work bridges molecular science and clinical application. Collaborating with global experts in pathology, oncology, and molecular biology, Prof. Gültekin’s research not only contributes to academic literature but also informs clinical protocols and treatment pathways in modern dentistry and oral oncology.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

  • 🧬 Microsatellite Instability and Loss of Heterozygosity as Prognostic Markers in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (Genes, Chromosomes and Cancer, 2024)

  • 🧪 Efficiency of B-RAF-/MEK-inhibitors in B-RAF Mutated Ameloblastoma: Case Report and Review (Heliyon, 2023)

  • 🦷 Kişiselleştirilmiş Diş Hekimliği (ADO Klinik Bilimler Dergisi, 2023)

  • 🔍 Apoptosis Related PDCD4: Promising Novel Biomarker for Early Detection of Oral Cancer (ADO Klinik Bilimler Dergisi, 2022)

  • 🛡️ PD-L1 Expression and High CD8+ Lymphocyte Infiltrate Predict Outcome in Oropharyngeal SCC (International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2020)

🧾 Conclusion:

Prof. Dr. Sibel Elif Gültekin is a highly deserving nominee for the Best Researcher Award. Her pioneering contributions in oral pathology, particularly in molecular diagnostics and HPV-related oral oncology, place her at the forefront of dental research. Her exceptional academic record, leadership, and dedication to collaborative and translational science make her a standout candidate who embodies the spirit of innovation, mentorship, and global impact.