Prof. Dr. Yusuf Baran is a professor in Molecular Biology and Genetics. Dr. Baran has been serving as the President of İzmir Institute of Technology and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the İzmir Technology Development Zone since October 28th, 18.

Dr. Yusuf Baran has been involved in more than 40 scientific research projects supported by national and international organizations. He has more than 500 published scientific articles and conference papers and has published one book. He also presented at over 700 national and international conferences, meetings and forums on science, technology and diplomacy.

Dr. Baran’s scientific achievements have been recognized by national and international accredited institutions, and he has received more than 100 awards; including "2013 Young Scientist" award by the World Economic Forum (WEF),  “Most Outstanding Young Scientific Leader of Turkey” by International Young Leaders and Entrepreneurs in 2014,  “Outstanding Young Scientist Award” by the Turkish Pharmaceutical Academy in 2017, “Science Leader of the Year Award” by Turkey Innovation and Outstanding Success Awards, “Science Award” by Hacettepe University and “Innovative and Enterpreneur Acamidican Award” by Aegean Economic Development Association in 2021, and “Science Diplomacy Award” by The World Academy of Sciences in 2023.

In his research, Dr. Baran focuses on the molecular biology of cancer, science policies and science diplomacy.