The Miracle of Breast Milk Panel Addressed Through a Scientific and Interdisciplinary Approach
The “Miracle of Breast Milk Panel,” organized under the leadership of Istanbul Aydın University Faculty of Medicine and the Coordination Office of Application and Research Centers, and led by AKEV, was held on February 16, 2026, at the Florya Halit Aydın Campus with broad participation.
The panel was organized in collaboration with the Association of Etkin Pharmacy (Etkin Eczacılık Derneği), İAU TEKMER, İAU TTPYO, İAU Health Services Policy Application and Research Center, İAU Food Application and Research Center, İAU Environment and Human Health Center, KOSGEB, İAU Nutrition Club, İAU Medical Students Association, İAU Pharmacy Club, İAU Health Management Club, İAU Aydın ADEC, İAU Clubs Union, and Bilim Kafe, bringing together academia, civil society, and student communities on a common platform.
As part of the 2nd İAU Research Ecosystem and Scientific Productivity Development Workshop initiative, the panel, intended to foster preliminary collaboration for the project, was organized by Prof. Dr. Berrin ERDAĞ (Head of the Department of Medical Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, and Coordinator of Application and Research Centers at İAU), while the panel was moderated by Dr. Arzu DİNÇ YAVAŞ (Faculty Member, Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, İAU).
Within the panel, expert speakers from different disciplines addressed the health, nutrition, and molecular biology aspects of breast milk in light of scientific data. Pharmacist Asuman ÇAKIROĞLU (Association of Etkin Pharmacy), in her presentation titled “The Miracle Molecules of the Body and the Pharmacist’s Approach on the Parenting Journey,” shared current insights on breast milk awareness and the promotion of breastfeeding. Specialist Pharmacist Burcu ONAY (Association of Etkin Pharmacy) discussed scientific studies and field experiences conducted within the scope of the project “Your Baby’s Health Is Hidden in Your Milk.”
From a child health perspective, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hasret AYYILDIZ CİVAN (Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, İAU) examined breast milk as a functional food, its effects on the immune system, and its role in child development based on scientific evidence. Dr. İbrahim Alper KAYA (Department of Medical Biology, Istanbul Medeniyet University) shared recent molecular-level research and evaluated the potential effects of exosomal miRNAs in breast milk on gut microbiota, based on studies conducted within the university.
Throughout the panel, it was emphasized that breast milk is not only a basic nutritional source but also a critical biological factor for immune development, microbiota formation, long-term health outcomes, and public health. The event, which attracted strong interest from academics, healthcare professionals, and students, made a significant contribution to interdisciplinary knowledge exchange. In the closing evaluations, breast milk was highlighted as strategically important for preventive medicine, sustainable health policies, and strengthening public health. It was also noted that the interdisciplinary scientific approach demonstrated during the event contributed to linking academic knowledge production with societal awareness and may pave the way for future scientific collaborations.
