From September 16-18, 2024, Professor Henry Houlden and Dr Francesca Magrinelli from University College London (UCL) visited NDAL for an academic meeting and knowledge exchange. Over three intensive days, the visiting professors examined a total of 18 families.
The first group of families included cases with known genetic causes, leading to functional analysis to better understand disease mechanisms. From the second day onward, families with multiple affected members and clear genetic inheritance—yet unresolved despite current methodologies—were examined, and Long Read Sequencing (LRS) was proposed for further study.
In addition to neurological evaluations, the team addressed all inquiries from the families and collected various samples for further research. Turkish clinicians working with the patients were also present during parts of the meetings. The highly productive discussions and collaborations provided an excellent model for future engagements.
Two exhibitions currently on view at Pera Museum—"Much Is to Be Done", focusing on Samih Rifat, and Dancing with the Moon, featuring Marcel Dzama—are accompanied by two comprehensive publications that enrich and deepen the exhibition experience beyond the visual encounter.
Suna’s Daughters has partnered with UNICEF Türkiye to strengthen safe spaces for adolescent girls. Through a cooperation protocol signed by the two organizations, the initiative aims to expand access to physical and digital environments where girls can feel safe, valued, and empowered.
As part of its 20th-anniversary celebrations, the Suna and İnan Kıraç Foundation Pera Museum proudly presents two significant exhibitions: MARCEL DZAMA: Dancing with the Moon - With a Little Help From His Friend Raymond Pettibon and SAMİH RİFAT: "Much Is to Be Done" - photographs, films, drawings, poems, notebooks, books, and music… These exhibitions invite visitors to explore the distinct artistic and intellectual worlds of Marcel Dzama and Samih Rifat, offering a captivating journey through contemporary art and cultural heritage.