Soner BİLEN

Soner BİLEN is an Assistant Professor at Kastamonu University's Faculty of Fisheries, Department of Basic Fisheries Sciences. With over two decades of academic experience, he has established himself as a leading researcher in aquaculture, particularly in fish immunology and health management. His work bridges traditional aquaculture practices with modern scientific approaches to enhance fish production sustainability.

Education:

• PhD in Fisheries, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Institute of Science (2004-2009)
• Master's in Aquatic Products, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Institute of Science (2002-2004)
• Bachelor's in Fisheries, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Faculty of Fisheries (1997-2001)

Dr. BİLEN's research program centers on developing natural alternatives to antibiotics in aquaculture through plant-based immunostimulants. His laboratory investigates how various medicinal plants, herbs, and natural compounds affect fish immune responses, growth performance, and disease resistance. This work is particularly focused on rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax), and gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata), with significant implications for sustainable aquaculture practices globally. His innovative approach combines immunology, pharmacology, and nutrition to address critical challenges in modern fish farming.

Analysis of his extensive publication record (114 publications) reveals a clear trajectory toward more sophisticated understanding of plant-fish interactions. Recent work increasingly focuses on molecular mechanisms of immune response, gene expression changes, and precise pharmacokinetic modeling of both therapeutic compounds and natural supplements. This evolution reflects both technological advances in the field and Dr. BİLEN's growing expertise in integrating multiple scientific disciplines.

Dr. BİLEN has successfully supervised 17 graduate students through their thesis research, establishing a strong mentorship legacy in Turkish aquaculture science. His research has been supported by 27 projects from diverse funding sources, including international collaborations and national research councils, demonstrating the broad relevance and applicability of his work to both academic and commercial aquaculture sectors.