This issue is dedicated to P r<strong>of</strong>. Dr. M. At›f fiengün for his invaluable contribution to biology
M. At›f fiengün, Curriculum Vitae M. At›f fiENGÜN was born on the 29 th <strong>of</strong> August, 1915 in Çal/ Denizli. His father, a judge, Mr. Ali R›za <strong>and</strong> his mother Ms. Saliha Feride had moved to Izmir right after it was saved, together with the family members. Hence Mr. fiengün had completed his primary, secondary <strong>and</strong> high school education in Izmir. Having accomplished the exam the Ministry <strong>of</strong> Education organized to send high school graduates abroad, he went to Germany in 1932 for further study. He acquired his title as a “Dr.”, having graduated the Faculty <strong>of</strong> Natural Science, University <strong>of</strong> Berlin, in June 1939. As soon as he came back to Turkey, fiengün started his teaching career in Istanbul Vefa High School as an intern <strong>Biology</strong> teacher. fiengün started his position as an assistant in Istanbul University, Faculty <strong>of</strong> Science, Zoology Institute in 1943 after he had completed his military service. He worked in the Institute <strong>of</strong> Education, Ankara Gazi University in 1944. He proceeded in his academic career in Istanbul University, Institute <strong>of</strong> Zoolgy respectively, as a research assistant, associate pr<strong>of</strong>essor, <strong>and</strong> finally as the head <strong>of</strong> the department. As the Dean <strong>of</strong> Istanbul University, Faculty <strong>of</strong> Science, he started many innovations, between 1960 –1962. For instance, he initiated the construction <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Biology</strong> Building which was then called “New Zoology Building” in 1960. He was in charge <strong>of</strong> Faculty <strong>of</strong> Science first as the Head <strong>of</strong> Radiobiology (which he founded in 1969) as well as the Director <strong>of</strong> Institute <strong>of</strong> Hydrobiology, Istanbul University. With the approval <strong>of</strong> the New Act concerning the universities in 1981, he was honoured as the head <strong>of</strong> General <strong>Biology</strong> subdepartment. Having served the academic circle for years efficiently, fiengün announced his retirement in January 1984. As a participant <strong>of</strong> many international gatherings as well as seminars, Pr<strong>of</strong>. Dr. At›f fiengün had acquired the chance to develop his vision <strong>and</strong> wisdom in international academic arena. Besides, he had both encouraged, organized <strong>and</strong> actualized such academic meetings in Turkey. Among these organizations, one can recall the two NATO courses held in Istanbul in 1964 <strong>and</strong> 1982 owing to his individual efforts. Pr<strong>of</strong>. Dr. At›f fiengün had contributed to the founding <strong>and</strong> development <strong>of</strong> Çekmece, Nuclear Research <strong>and</strong> Training Center as well as TUBITAK. Pr<strong>of</strong>. Dr. At›f fiengün who deceased in 06.10.2002 played a crucial role in the foundation <strong>of</strong> biology as a field <strong>of</strong> science besides his great efforts to introduce many young biologists to the academic circle. Owing to his notable contributions, he was honoured by TUBITAK with “science award”. His area <strong>of</strong> research involved “The Influence <strong>of</strong> Genes on Vitality”, “The Variation <strong>of</strong> Giant Chromozomes According to Tissue” <strong>and</strong> “Anticancerogens”, briefly. He was the author <strong>of</strong> 65 articles in other languages, 63 articles in Turkish, 17 books as well as the director <strong>of</strong> 25 Ph.D. thesis. We feel proud to dedicate this issue to him <strong>and</strong> thank all contributors on his behalf.
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