Koç University (KU), with its research infrastructure and internationally recognized transplant surgeons and scientists is well-suited to take a leading role in Transplantation Immunology research in the country and the region. Transplant Immunology Research Centre of Excellence (TIREX) is designed to capitalize on these strengths and to create a hub for translational research to improve the lives of transplant recipients. This idea of creating a hub in Istanbul, where the West meets the East, stems from the fact that there is considerable unexploited potential in South-Eastern Europe in the field of Transplantation Immunology. Well-structured organ transplant centres performing high number of successful organ transplantations exist not only in Türkiye but also in surrounding countries, offering numerous possibilities for clinical as well as basic research. TIREX is ideally located to tap into this potential and connect it with the well-established international research and clinical communities in Middle-East and Asia. In short, TIREX, once reached its full potential, will be a key centre linking local and regional research capacities with the main European Centres of Excellence.

Dr. Ihsan Solaroğlu took a leading role in the TIREX project by securing a 2.5M EUR HORIZON2020 grant from the European Union (EU). Over the past decade, Dr. Solaroğlu significantly transformed the research landscape at KU by bringing together talented scientists from all over the world, cultivating a collaborative and visionary research culture, and securing over 11M EUR in funding from national and international sources. As the Founding Director of the KU Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Director of the Graduate School of Health Sciences, Vice-Dean for Research, and head of the KU Clinical Trials Unit, his efforts have been instrumental in driving innovative laboratory and clinical approaches that will benefit patients across the EU.

As TIREX continues to develop its infrastructure and build its team, we encourage you to stay informed about our progress by visiting our website regularly.

Caner Süsal

ERA Chair Holder – TIREX