Prof. Dr. Ceyda Açılan Ayhan was selected for the IWF Leadership Fellows Program with a full scholarship.

Koç University School of Medicine faculty member and cancer biologist Prof. Dr. Ceyda Açılan Ayhan has been accepted with a full scholarship to the 2025–2026 Global Leadership Fellows Program, run by the International Women's Forum (IWF), which recognizes female leaders from around the world. Nominated by IWF Turkey, Prof. Dr. Açılan Ayhan was selected to participate in this prestigious leadership program after a rigorous international jury process.

Professor Ceyda Açılan Ayhan, one of 39 female leaders elected from Türkiye, Canada, Costa Rica, Jamaica, Mexico, Singapore, South Africa, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Kyrgyzstan, is drawing attention with her internationally recognized scientific work and her social impact project, "From Ruins to Research." The "From Ruins to Science" project aims to connect young women in earthquake-affected regions with the transformative and healing power of science.

Collaboration with leading universities

The IWF Global Leadership Fellows Program, which has been running for over 30 years and is held at leading international universities such as Harvard University, Cambridge, Harvard, and INSEAD, offers participants an intensive development process encompassing leadership development, vision building, access to global networks, and one-on-one mentoring.

Turkish graduates and internationally notable names

Its alumni include global leaders such as Chanel CEO Leena Nair, NASA Johnson Space Center Director Vanessa Wyche, as well as Song Service Practice-Accenture EMA Lead Dilnişin Bayel and Ashoka Global Community & Resources Co-Director Zeynep Meydanoğlu Ertan.

Selection criteria: Leadership potential, social impact and responsibility

Participation in the IWF Global Fellows Leadership Program requires evaluation not only on professional achievements but also on a candidate's leadership potential, capacity for social impact, and ethical values. Candidates are selected based on their commitment to their leadership journey, the impact they have made in their field, their vision, and their experience. Applicants are also expected to be 3–5 years away from senior roles.

Candidates and funding for the 2025–2026 term

More than 180 interviews were conducted with 61 candidates nominated by 27 IWF Forums from 11 countries for participation in this year's program. Following a rigorous evaluation process, 39 leaders were selected for participation in the program. The Leadership Fellows Legacy Scholarship fund was established to provide scholarships to selected leadership candidates for this valuable program.

Prof. Dr. Ceyda Açılan Ayhan: Being selected for the IWF Global Leadership Fellows Program means a great deal to me, both personally and in terms of my social responsibilities. This program will give me the opportunity to connect with inspiring women leaders from around the world and join a global leadership network. It will also give me the opportunity to bring the "From Rubble to Science" project to a wider audience. Enabling young women in earthquake-ravaged regions to learn about the healing power of science is more than just a career goal; it's a lifelong commitment I believe in. The vision and support offered by the IWF will further strengthen the steps I take toward this goal.

Attorney Dr. Çiğdem Ayözger Öngün, President of IWF Turkey: In a world where women are empowered by learning from each other and through solidarity, IWF Turkey is proud to support Prof. Dr. Ceyda Açılan Ayhan's leadership journey, which aligns with our vision, with a full scholarship through the IWF Leadership Fellows Program. Her story represents an inspiring journey where the power of science and social impact are intertwined. Prof. Dr. Ceyda Açılan's representation of Turkey on the international stage is both a source of scientific pride and an important message demonstrating the transformative power of Turkish women to the entire world. As IWF Turkey, we are committed to developing and expanding women's leadership.

Prof. Dr. Funda Sivrikaya: IWF Global Board Member: “IWF's global vision is built on strengthening women's leadership and supporting stories that create social transformation. It is a source of great pleasure and pride for us that a Turkish woman scientist has been accepted into this distinguished program, with her academic expertise and visionary, transformative, and human-touching leadership approach. Prof. Dr. Ceyda Açılan Ayhan's leadership model, centered on science and social responsibility, is further strengthened by the values ​​IWF is proud to represent.”