Önder Akyün

Through NARDO Biotechnology, which I founded in 2019, I work to advance the adoption of third-generation long-read DNA and RNA sequencing technologies in Türkiye’s research and applied ecosystem, particularly Oxford Nanopore Technologies platforms.

NARDO Biotechnology’s areas of work include the establishment of fixed and portable genomics laboratories, development of mobile systems for field research, real-time data generation and analysis, ancient DNA, environmental DNA, forensic DNA analysis, microbial genomics, metagenomics, microbiome research, personalised medicine and conservation biology projects.

Through field genomics, mobile laboratory systems and real-time sequencing applications, I prioritise the ability to generate biological data not only in central laboratories, but also under the natural and operational conditions in which the research question arises.

A pangenomic perspective that moves beyond single-reference genome analysis is central to my scientific approach. I focus on advancing pangenome methodologies within research and applied infrastructures to represent intraspecific genomic diversity, structural variation, copy-number variation, haplotype differences and population-level genomic patterns more accurately.

I also treat the holobiont framework as one of the principal conceptual axes of my work, evaluating an organism not solely through its own genome, but together with its host genome, microbiome, metabolic interactions, immune responses, environmental exposures and ecological relationships.

I regard the integration of genomic, metagenomic, transcriptomic and other multi-omics data layers as a shared methodological foundation for personalised medicine, public health, One Health, conservation biology and ecosystem health research.

Within the DNA Academy Multi-Omics & Bioinformatics Learning Ecosystem, the scientific education unit of NARDO Biotechnology, I design and coordinate applied genomics, bioinformatics and multi-omics education programmes for researchers, students and life-science professionals.

DNA Academy’s educational architecture treats wet-lab processes and dry-lab data analysis not as independent stages, but as an integrated decision chain extending from sampling and experimental design to data generation, quality control, bioinformatics analysis and biological interpretation.

The programmes focus not only on the use of specific software or commands, but on accurate definition of the research question, technology selection, critical assessment of data quality, understanding the effects of analytical decisions on results, and establishing reproducible workflows.

I began my professional career at Düzen Laboratories Group, Türkiye’s first accredited clinical laboratory. This period established my professional foundation in clinical laboratory workflows, analytical quality, standardisation, sample management and result reliability.

I subsequently held roles in life-sciences regional management, forensic genetics sales management and project coordination at companies representing Thermo Fisher Scientific brands, including Applied Biosystems, Invitrogen and Ion Torrent, as well as Hamilton Robotics technologies in Türkiye.

I contributed to the installation of Sanger and second-generation sequencing systems, laboratory automation, protocol validation, user training and research-infrastructure development across Türkiye. My project experience includes the Aziz Sancar Research Center and Phase I of the Türkiye Genome Project, as well as projects involving universities, genetic diagnostic centres, forensic and criminal laboratories, veterinary institutions and agricultural research institutes.

Throughout my work at EYS and NARDO, I contributed directly to TUBITAK, TUSEB, TAGEM, ERC, European Union, university Scientific Research Projects (BAP) and institutional R&D projects across multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary life-science fields, including material selection, methodology, experimental design, platform selection, workflow establishment, validation and application training. I also managed the domestic and international procurement of the instruments, kits, reagents and consumables required by these projects.

Separately from this funded and institutional project portfolio, throughout my work at EYS and NARDO I provided direct methodological, technological and operational contributions to hundreds of master’s and doctoral theses conducted at universities across Türkiye in multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary life-science fields. The principal components of this contribution included translating research questions into implementable methodological architectures; defining material and sampling strategies; establishing methodology and experimental design; selecting technologies, platforms and instruments; structuring analytical workflows; validating protocols; and delivering hands-on researcher training. I also managed the domestic and international procurement of the instruments, kits, reagents and consumables required by these thesis projects.

In December 2025, I was appointed to the COST Association expert pool in genomics and bioinformatics as an External COST Expert. In this capacity, I serve as an independent external reviewer within the international research ecosystem, contributing to the evaluation of research-network proposals submitted under the COST Open Call across scientific quality, methodological coherence, international network structure, impact and feasibility. Through this role, I continue to expand my international academic and industry collaboration networks.

Today, I continue my work to develop sustainable research infrastructures that support scientific production, strengthen researchers’ access to advanced technical knowledge and technologies, and connect the genomics and bioinformatics capacity developed in Türkiye with international networks in science, technology and entrepreneurship.

I aim to develop research infrastructures aligned with global standards, grounded in open science and reproducibility, and open to multicentre and interdisciplinary collaboration; and to help Türkiye become an international actor that not only uses biotechnology, but also produces knowledge, methods and solutions.