Isil KURNAZ has a BSc in Molecular Biology and Genetics from Bogazici University in Turkey; a PhD in Biochemistry from London University; and postdoctoral research experience at Manchester University. She helped set up the Department of Genetics and Bioengineering at Yeditepe University, Turkey, in 2003, where she served as the Vice Dean of Faculty of Engineering and Architecture (2004-2007).  For 11 years, she has led the Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory (AxanLab) as PI, working with over 10 graduate students (mostly female). In 2014, she relocated her laboratory to Gebze Technical University, where she is currently the Director of the Institute of Biotechnology, the first institute in Turkey to offer bioentrepreneurship modules.   Isil received a L’Oreal Turkey For Women in Science scholarship in 2006, and in 2007 was selected for the Young Investigator Award of Turkish Academy of Sciences.  She has organized several meetings towards the establishment of a Turkish Young Academy.  In 2016, Isil was elected a member of the Global Young Academy and is currently the co-chair of the working group on Science Education for Youth.