Post by Yasemin Afacan

It is a great honor to present three papers with Begüm Çonka Banuş , Meghánn Catherine Ward, Ph.D, and the scientific advisory committee at the 15th Gerontechnology Conference International Society for Gerontechnology (ISG), alongside our team, in Vancouver, Canada. We are also proud that the ISG Gerontechnology Turkey Chapter has finally been established under the leadership of İsmail Tufan. Special thanks to Helianthe Kort Gloria Gutman Building and sustaining my research lab has taken years of dedication, persistence, and collective effort. While the people in my team have changed over time, the spirit of collaboration and shared purpose has remained constant. At Afacan Lab, strong institutional support from Bilkent University Technology Transfer Office, Bilkent University, motivated students, and committed mentorship have all played a crucial role in shaping what we have today. Our super productive PhD candidate, Vedia Durmaz, played a major role in establishing the lab. We cannot do science alone—but with a supportive and dedicated team, we can achieve meaningful and impactful work, just as we did together with Burcu Ayşen Ürgen collaboration, trust, and shared effort truly make all the difference. Grateful for the journey so far—and excited for what lies ahead. Beyza Yazıcı Betül Gündoğdu Hacer Dulger Sameen Yasin Şevval Düş Zekiye Ş. Helya Footvat