Assoc. Prof. Dr. İshak Özel Tekin is immunologist currently serving as the Head of the Department of Immunology at Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University, School of Medicine. Born in Sinop, Turkey, in 1969, he completed his Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree at Gazi University, Ankara, in 1993 and later earned his PhD in Immunology from the same university in 1999. In 2000, he played a pivotal role in the establishment of Turkey’s second Department of Immunology at Zonguldak Karaelmas University (now Bülent Ecevit University). His research primarily focuses on inflammation, oxidative stress, wound healing, and aging. He is an active member of the Turkish Immunology Society, Turkish Thorax Society, and Turkish Association of Wound Care and Repair. Additionally, Dr. Tekin serves as the Scientific Director of the Immune-Aging Division of the ReGenera Research Group, contributing to cutting-edge research in immune system aging and regenerative medicine. Throughout his career, he has been dedicated to advancing immunology research, fostering academic collaborations, and mentoring future scientists in the field.