The "Science from Nature to Table" initiative, an annual event held on the last Friday of September across European Union countries, aims to foster collaboration among researchers and other societal stakeholders while promoting scientific engagement among young persons. This year's event started at Atatürk University.
The opening programme of the event titled "Researchers' Night" was attended by various distinguished individuals including Atatürk University Rector Prof. Dr. Ömer Çomaklı, Erzurum Governor Mustafa Çiftçi, Erzurum Metropolitan Municipality Deputy Mayor Fevzi Polat, Aziziye Mayor M. Cevdet Orhan, Palandöken Mayor Muhammet Sunar, Yakutiye Mayor Mahmut Uçar, provincial directors, institution representatives, deans, vocational school directors, academicians, teachers, and numerous students. This event, organized by the Project Development and Coordination Office, is being held for the second consecutive year on the same dates as the previous year.
The program seeks to promote the engagement of young individuals in the field of research, challenge existing biases against scientists, and foster a sense of familiarity with researchers as relatable individuals. This initiative will be conducted in parallel with 25 European countries and will involve the participation of university academics who will organize a total of 68 activities. These activities aim to provide the local community, including children, with opportunities to engage in scientific experiences within a festive environment.
Professor Dr. Cırık emphasizes that scientific activities will be effectively conveyed to students in an engaging and enjoyable way.
Professor Dr. Selda Örs Cırık, acting as the event coordinator under the auspices of the Atatürk University Project Support and Coordination Office, delivered the inaugural address, highlighting the purpose of the European Researchers' Night. This annual research festival, celebrated on the final Friday of September, aims to foster collaboration between scientists and society at large, while also inspiring young individuals to pursue careers in scientific fields.
According to Prof. Dr. Örs Cırık, the primary objective of the event is to enhance awareness among students. This will be achieved by the implementation of various scientific activities, such as experiments, in an engaging and enjoyable manner. According to Prof. Dr. Örs Cırık, the progression of food obtained from plants and animals, until it reaches the dining table, involves a multitude of activities, presentations, and demonstrations. These include kitchen workshops focused on plant breeding, animal breeding, and cooking. Over the course of two days, scientists from various disciplines will be conducting these events, which will be accessible to the general public. I would like to express my gratitude to all of my fellow team members who played a significant role in the successful execution of this significant event. Additionally, I extend my appreciation to our esteemed Rector, Prof. Dr. Ömer Çomaklı, for his unwavering support, provision of resources, and adept problem-solving abilities. Lastly, I hope that the forthcoming two-day festivities will be filled with immense delight.
Deputy Mayor Polat: "Our children's exposure to science and art will shape our future."
Highlighting the significance of coordinating a significant event that unites scientific endeavors with the younger generation in Erzurum, a city renowned for its academic institutions, Fevzi Polat, the Deputy Mayor of Erzurum Metropolitan Municipality, delivered a speech directed at the youth. Polat underscored the significance of engaging young individuals, who will shape the future of our nation, in scientific endeavors, stating, "The forthcoming days of this society will be contingent upon your contributions." The convergence of your passion for science and art will play a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of our civilization in the future. The global population is increasingly facing a significant demand for food. There is a substantial increase in the demand for food. The most appropriate approach to address this problem is to employ scientific methodologies in the analysis of agricultural commodities derived from natural resources. By using this approach, there will be a substantial increase in agricultural production, resulting in the fulfillment of people's dietary requirements. Therefore, it is imperative for the future of our nation that individuals establish an early engagement with the field of science. I extend my sincere greetings to those present. I kindly request that you allocate a duration of two complete days dedicated to the pursuit of scientific endeavors. Furthermore, I extend my utmost admiration and regard to all those involved in this endeavor.
Rector Çomaklı "Our greatest desire is for our children to pursue scientific studies."
The opening speech of Prof. Dr. Ömer Çomaklı, the Rector of Ataturk University, commenced by acknowledging the significant turnout at last year's event. He warmly welcomed attendees to the Nature to Table Science Festival, a prominent scientific gathering in our nation. This festival aims to showcase the scientific aspects of various stages involved in the production and consumption of plant and animal-based food items, including experiments and related activities, through a fair-like format. The significance of the Science Festival scheduled to take place today extends beyond our institution, including the city of Erzurum and even our nation as a whole. A total of 42 organizations from our nation submitted applications to the 2022 call for projects within the domain of scientific activity, as part of the European Union's initiatives. Out of the several proposals submitted, the project named "Science from Nature to Table," with Atatürk University as the coordinating institution and sole executor, was the only one deemed eligible for funding.
Our primary objective is to ensure that science is both educational and enjoyable.
Rector Çomaklı underscored that the populace of the region, as well as children, will have the opportunity to partake in scientific endeavors within a festive ambiance, facilitated by 68 initiatives organized by the esteemed faculty members of Atatürk University. He further emphasized that through these activities, researchers and the general public will converge, thereby fostering an enhanced understanding of the practical implications of research and innovation in our everyday existence. The project team has dedicated significant effort and time to establish recognition of researchers within society, demonstrate the tangible effects of research on our everyday lives, and foster enthusiasm among young individuals for pursuing careers in research. This has involved extensive work over an extended period, with the aim of creating an informative and enjoyable experience that effectively bridges the gap between society and the realm of science. I would like to use this opportunity to convey my gratitude to the Project Office Coordinator, the project coordinator, and the academic researchers from various faculties of our institution who have made valuable contributions to the project's preparation. Additionally, I extend my appreciation to all individuals involved in this endeavor.
Governor Çiftçi "We aim to create a mindset that is aware of environmental problems"
In his speech, Mustafa Çiftçi, the Governor of Erzurum, underscored the fundamental connection between human beings and their environment, highlighting that individuals are primarily shaped by the soil. He further highlighted that the smooth journey of agricultural products from the soil to consumers, ensuring their healthiness, high quality, and reliability, serves as a tangible indicator of the attainment of food safety.
Governor Çiftçi articulated that the primary objective of the Erzurum Governorship is to foster a populace that possesses a heightened consciousness regarding environmental issues, exhibits genuine care for their ramifications, and possesses the requisite information, competencies, and inclination, both individually and collectively, to effectively address extant challenges and proactively avert the creation of novel predicaments. Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) has significant importance in comprehending and interpreting these objectives in relation to students' recognition of their own obligations in shaping their forthcoming endeavors. The Nature to Table Project conducted at our institution holds significant relevance as it offers a platform to showcase the wide range of scientific disciplines and their influence on the everyday lives of individuals. Moreover, it serves as a catalyst for generating interest in research-oriented professions, particularly among the youth.
Governor Çiftçi expressed his appreciation for the project, emphasizing its significance in fostering community engagement and highlighting the city's prominence. He extended his congratulations to all individuals involved in the project and conveyed his well wishes for the students and academic staff as they embark on the upcoming academic year.
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