The Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics of the Faculty of Science of Erzurum Technical University (ETU) and the Genetics Club jointly convened the National Molecular Biology and Genetics Student Congress for the second consecutive year on May 2-3, 2025. The event was met with enthusiastic attendance. The congress, which featured posters and oral presentations that showcased the most recent research, was attended by academics and students from various universities in Turkey.

 Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hacımüftüoğlu, the Rector of Atatürk University, emphasized the significance of integrating scientific activities with students during his speech at the opening program of the congress, which was hosted by ETU Rector Prof. Dr. Bülent Çakmak. He stated, "The field of molecular biology and genetics is a strategic field that directly affects many sectors such as health, agriculture, environment, and biotechnology, not only in terms of basic sciences." The contributions of our youthful scientists will enable the advancement of these fields. Rector Hacımüftüoğlu underscored the significant role that student-centered scientific organizations play in influencing the academic future and extended his congratulations to those who assisted in the congress's organization.

 The presentation titled "Are We Prepared for Future Pandemics?" by Prof. Dr. Aykut Özdarendeli, Director of the Erciyes University Vaccine Research Development Application and Research Center (ERAGEM), was one of the most noteworthy aspects of the congress. Özdarendeli, who spearheaded the development of the TURKOVAC vaccine during the Covid-19 pandemic, underscored the critical significance of scientific preparation for future pandemics and the global increase in biological threats. Özdarendeli also encouraged young scientists to assume responsibility for research processes, sharing a variety of current data, including genetic variant monitoring and vaccine technologies.

 The participants were attentive to the presented papers and the invited speeches at the congress, which serves as an illustration of academic solidarity, information exchange, and scientific interaction. Participants were informed that their abstracts would be published as e-books and that their studies could be published as articles in scientific journals following the referee process at the conclusion of the congress.

 02.05.2025 - Corporate Communications Directorate