Prof. Dr. Yusuf Baran was born on December 11, 1977. In 1998, he graduated from Dicle University, Faculty of Education, Department of Biology Teaching. He earned his Master’s degree in 2002 and his Ph.D. in 2006 from METU (Middle East Technical University). During his doctoral studies, he worked as a visiting researcher at the Medical University of South Carolina with a NATO scholarship (July 2005-July 2006).

Prof. Dr. Yusuf Baran has over 40 scientific research projects supported by various institutions, with over 500 published scientific articles, presentations at national and international conferences, and a book on Cancer Molecular Biology.

He has given over 700 conferences at national and international meetings, conferences, and forums on science, technology, and diplomacy. He has been invited to, participated in, and given conferences at significant events such as the United Nations, European Parliament, World Science Forum, Baku Forum, World Economic Forum, World Life Sciences Forum, Science Diplomacy, Science Leadership, Global Innovation Summit, Global Higher Education Summit, and G20 Research and Digital Ministers Summit.

Dr. Baran has received over 100 awards from national and international institutions.

Some of these awards include:

– “Thesis of the Year Award” from Middle East Technical University in 2007 for his doctoral thesis.

– “Outstanding Young Scientist Award” from the Turkish Academy of Sciences in 2010.

– “2013 Young Scientist” award by the World Economic Forum (WEF), conferred annually to 40 scientists under the age of 40 who “actively play a transformational role in integrating scientific knowledge into society for the public good.”

– “Outstanding Young Scientist of the Year Award” from the Science Heroes Association in 2014.

– “Most Outstanding Young Scientific Leader of Turkey” from the International Young Leaders and Entrepreneurs in 2014.

– “Young Member Honor” from the World Academy of Sciences in 2015, awarded to 25 young scientists under 40 selected worldwide.

– “Young Scientist of the Year Award” from the Experimental Hematology Association in 2016.

– “Honor of Election to Science Diplomacy Course” as one of 30 individuals selected worldwide by the World Academy of Sciences and the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 2016.

– “Encouragement of Science Award” from the Turkish Pharmaceutical Academy in 2017.

-“Science and Diplomacy Program Selection Honor” from the American Association for the Advancement of Science in 2018.

-“2021 Science Leader Award” within the Turkey Innovation and Success Awards scope.

– “2021 Honor Award” from the “Crystal Deer Awards” organized by Hacettepe University Rectorate, Student Representatives Council, and nine student communities addressing a broad student audience.

– “Innovative and Enterpreneur Academican Award” from the Aegean Development Association in 2021.

– “2023 First Place Award” in the University Research Laboratory’s Student Satisfaction Survey.”

– “Gold Award” in the Rector Performance Evaluation Category in the 2023 University Research Laboratory Student Satisfaction Survey.

– “2023 Education Award” from the Federation of All Bureaucrats and Businessmen.

In 2023, Prof. Dr. Yusuf Baran received the “Science Diplomacy Award” within the regional awards presented to five individuals worldwide by the World Academy of Sciences, established by the United Nations.

Prof. Dr. Yusuf Baran served as a member of the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) Advisory Board for Basic Sciences Research Group between 2010 and 2015 and as a Board Member of the Global Young Academy from 2014 to 2017. Since 2013, he has been a member of the World Economic Forum’s Young Scientist Program, a member of the World Young Scientists Organization since 2015, a Board Member of the World Academy of Sciences Young Affiliates Network since 2016, a founding member of the Academy of Engineering and Technology for Developing Countries established to implement the development principles of the United Nations, and a member of the advisory board for the Turkey Academic and Scientific Cooperation Program.

As of November 28, 2018, Dr. Baran is the Rector of Izmir Institute of Technology and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Izmir Technology Development Zone. Additionally, since June 21, 2022, he has been a member of the Board of Directors of the Interuniversity Board, and as of April 27, 2023, he serves as a member of the Board of Directors of Bilişim Vadisi (IT Valley) A.Ş.

Prof. Dr. Yusuf Baran’s research areas focus on science and technology policies and science diplomacy.