Keynote Speakers

Keynote 1

Marilyn Huestis, PhD,
Senior Science and Policy Advisor, Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Cannabinoid and Other CNS-Active Pharmacotherapies, PA, US


Keynote 1: Kratom in Opioid Recovery: Groundbreaking Study Insights

Keynote Title: Kratom and Mitragynine in Opioid Use Disorder: Insights from the Largest Human-Controlled Study


About Keynote Speech

This keynote speech presents groundbreaking findings from the most extensive human-controlled study on the use of kratom and its active compound, mitragynine, in the context of opioid use disorder. Sponsored by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), this research marks a significant stride in understanding the potential of kratom as a harm reduction tool. The speech will delve into the novel data obtained from this comprehensive study, highlighting how kratom and mitragynine can aid in reducing opioid usage and alleviating withdrawal symptoms. It will also address the implications of these findings for future treatments and policies regarding opioid use disorder. By offering a detailed analysis of the study's methodology, results, and their significance, this keynote aims to shed light on a promising, yet often misunderstood, natural remedy in the battle against opioid addiction.

About the Speaker

Marilyn conducted human drug administration studies for 23 years before retiring from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, where she was a tenured senior investigator and chief of the section of Chemistry and Drug Metabolism of the Intramural Research Program She is a senior fellow at the Institute on Emerging Health Professions, Thomas Jefferson University; Honorary Professor at Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London; member of the Smart Approaches to Marijuana Science Advisory Board; and president of Huestis & Smith Toxicology, LLC.

Marilyn has published more than 500 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters, and has had more than 800 abstracts presented at meetings worldwide. Her recent honors include the Distinguished Service to Safety Award, National Safety Council (2021); the American Association of Clinical Chemistry’s Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Award (2021); the Alexander O. Gettler Award, Toxicology Section, American Academy of Forensic Sciences (2021); the Lyons-Voorhees Endowed Lectureship at the University of Colorado Medical School Department of Psychiatry, Aurora, Colo. (2019); the Robert F. Borkenstein Award, National Safety Council (2018); the Marian W. Fischman Lectureship Award, College on Problems of Drug Dependence (2016); and Distinguished Fellow, American Academy of Forensic Sciences (2015).

The journal Clinical Chemistry has featured Marilyn in its “Inspiring Minds” series of essays.

Keynote 2

Prof. Dr. Nebile Dağlıoğlu,
Forensic Sciences Institute, Forensic Toxicology, Ankara University, Türkiye


Keynote 2: Various Facets of Workplace Drug Testing

Keynote Title: Navigating Workplace Drug Testing in Turkiye: Practices, Challenges, and Legal Perspectives


About Keynote Speech

This comprehensive speech provides an in-depth exploration of Workplace Drug Testing (WDT) practices in Turkiye, a crucial aspect in combating drug use in various sectors, including the criminal justice system and sports. Despite its increasing application, WDT in Turkiye is often overlooked. Participants will gain insights into the legal framework governing substance testing in the workplace, with a focus on both alcohol and illegal substance detection in road traffic. The speech will delve into the practical aspects of implementing these tests, highlighting the unique challenges and limitations encountered in Turkiye. Through interactive sessions, case studies, and expert talks, attendees will learn about effective strategies for navigating the complexities of WDT, ensuring compliance with legal standards, and addressing ethical considerations. This speech is designed for professionals involved in workplace safety, legal practitioners, human resources personnel, and anyone interested in understanding the landscape of drug testing in Turkiye.

About the Speaker

Nebile DAGLIOGLU is a distinguished Professor of Forensic Toxicology at Ankara University, where she is part of the Department of Forensic Toxicology, Institute of Forensic Sciences. Her expertise spans forensic, clinical, and environmental toxicology. With a prolific academic career, she has authored over 50 peer-reviewed articles in prestigious SCI-indexed journals, contributed to 13 book chapters, and her work has garnered more than 301 citations. Additionally, she has presented over 90 abstracts at various national and international conferences. Professor Daglioglu is an active member of several notable organizations, including The International Association of Forensic Toxicologists (TIAFT), The International Forum for Drug and Alcohol Testing (IFDAT), and The European Workplace Drug Testing Society (EWDTS). She continues to make significant contributions to the field, currently holding positions as Vice President and Board Member of the Forensic and Clinical Toxicology Association.



Keynote 3

Prof. Dr. Kültegin Ögel

Prof. Dr. Kültegin Ögel, MD, Psychiatrist
Istanbul Kent University, Istanbul, Türkiye


Keynote 3: Clinical Advances in Addiction Treatment

Keynote Title: Clinical Advances in Addiction Treatment: Integrating Psychosocial Strategies for Holistic Care


About Keynote Speech

The landscape of addiction treatment is continually evolving, presenting new challenges and opportunities for healthcare professionals. Prof. Dr. Kültegin Ögel’s keynote will delve into the latest clinical advancements in the field of addiction psychiatry, focusing on the integration of psychosocial strategies with conventional medical approaches. This talk will explore how holistic care models, which consider the patient's psychological, social, and biological aspects, can significantly enhance treatment outcomes. Prof. Dr. Ögel will draw upon his extensive experience in treating substance abuse, particularly in vulnerable populations such as adolescents and prison inmates, to provide insights into effective, compassionate care. The keynote will also address the importance of innovative treatment methodologies and the necessity of personalized care plans in the realm of addiction treatment.

About the Speaker

Prof. Dr. Kültegin Ögel is a renowned psychiatrist specializing in addiction medicine and mental health. Born in 1964 in Ankara, he completed his medical education at Gazi University Faculty of Medicine and his psychiatric training at Bakırköy Psychiatric Hospital. With a career spanning over three decades, Prof. Dr. Ögel has made significant contributions to addiction psychiatry, particularly in adolescent substance abuse treatment. As the founder of the Re-Health and Education Association and author of numerous books and articles on substance use, addiction, and depression, his work has profoundly impacted both public health policy and clinical practice. Prof. Dr. Ögel’s accolades include five prestigious awards and a strong reputation as a leader in his field. His unique perspective, derived from his experiences in various clinical settings, enriches his approach to addressing addiction and mental health challenges.

Keynote 4

Prof. Dr. Kaya Süer, Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Specialist
Near East University, Near East Hospital, Cyprus


Keynote 4: Drug Use, Addiction & Infectious Disease Links

Keynote Title: Intersecting Risks: The Nexus of Drug Use, Addiction, and Infectious Diseases


About Keynote Speech

This keynote speech by Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Kaya Süer will delve into the multifaceted risks associated with drug use, addiction, and the spread of infectious diseases. He will explore the ways in which drug abuse can amplify the spread of blood-borne diseases, impact the immune system, and increase the vulnerability to infectious diseases. The talk will also highlight the challenges in accessing healthcare and the general health deterioration associated with drug use.

About the Speaker

Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Kaya Süer is a distinguished specialist in Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology at the Near East University Hospital. He is recognized for his groundbreaking work in diagnosing and treating the first cases of West Nile Virus in Nicosia, as reported by the Ministry of Health. His expertise lies in managing complex infectious diseases, contributing significantly to public health through his clinical, research, and educational efforts. Prof. Süer's work is instrumental in advancing the understanding and treatment of infectious diseases, particularly in the context of public health challenges.




Keynote 5

Serap Annette AKGÜR, Prof. Dr.,
Ege University Institute on Drug Abuse, Toxicology and Pharmaceutical Science


Keynote 5: Workplace Substance Testing in Turkey: Legal Insights

Keynote Title: Analyzes of Abused Drugs & Substances: Differences in Clinical and Forensic Application


About Keynote Speech

Drug abuse and addiction are not only a public health problem, they also affect public security, and are evaluated together. In this context, toxicological analyzes (biological materials, drug panel, analytical method, cut-offs, chain of custody, interpretation and reporting) and relevant legal regulations for prevention, monitoring and security should be defined for these cases. In this session, briefly summarized the research that explains the worldwide scope of the  abused drugs analysis in clinical and forensic aproach.


About the Speaker

Professor Dr. Serap Annette Akgur is a renowned figure in the field of medical pharmacology, particularly focusing on drug abuse and drug testing. She has over two decades of experience in this domain, working primarily at Ege University. Notably, Professor Akgur is a founding member of the Institute on Drug Abuse, Toxicology and Pharmaceutical Sciences at Ege University, where she also serves as a professor. Her contributions extend to her role as the President of the Society of Forensic and Clinical Toxicology in Turkey. Additionally, she is involved in international efforts against drug abuse, being a member of IFDAT and the Turkish representative of TIAFT. Her work includes authoring several articles and delivering plenary lectures at national and international scientific meetings.