An important cooperation protocol covering the field of "Medicinal and Aromatic Plants" was signed between Atatürk University, Artvin Çoruh University, Iğdır University, Karadeniz Technical University and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University.

The signing ceremony hosted by Karadeniz Technical University was attended by Atatürk University Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hacımüftüoğlu, Artvin Çoruh University Rector Prof. Dr. Mustafa Sıtkı Bilgin, Iğdır University Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Hakkı Alma, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan University Rector Prof. Dr. Yusuf Yılmaz and Karadeniz Technical University (KTÜ) Rector Prof. Dr. Hamdullah Çuvalcı.

Within the scope of the protocol, it is aimed to analyze medicinal and aromatic plant species naturally growing in the provinces where the five universities are located, to investigate their biological activities and to conduct pre-clinical and clinical studies of metabolites with potential biological activity. This cooperation aims to identify plant species with therapeutic potential, especially for serious health problems such as cancer, and to support them with scientific studies. The research will be conducted jointly in the research centers and laboratories of the universities operating in this field.

Rector Hacımüftüoğlu: “We are determined to support all kinds of R&D activities that will contribute to human health”

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Atatürk University Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hacımüftüoğlu emphasized that the cooperation is an important step towards scientifically evaluating the plant richness in the region and contributing to public health. Prof. Dr. Hacımüftüoğlu: “Our Eastern Anatolia and Black Sea regions have a very rich geography in terms of endemic plants. We find this cooperation very valuable in terms of examining this richness in terms of medicinal and aromatic plants with scientific methods, discovering biological activities and bringing to light the potential benefits in this area. As Atatürk University, we are determined to support all kinds of R&D activities that will contribute to human health. Thanks to this protocol, we will conduct joint scientific studies between universities and obtain scientific outputs that will contribute to the health sector of our country.”

Stating that the research to be conducted on medicinal and aromatic plants has significant potential in the field of health, Prof. Dr. Hacımüftüoğlu stated that these studies will also enable the development of new approaches in the treatment processes of diseases; he thanked all stakeholders who contributed to the signing of the protocol, especially KTÜ Rector Prof. Dr. Hamdullah Çuvalcı, who was the host, and expressed his hope that the steps to be taken will contribute to the health sector.

CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTORATE – 14.11.2024