Examining, evaluating and planning the future of Atatürk University Eastern Anatolia Observatory (DAG), which is among Turkey's 2023 Vision Projects and one of the important goals of the National Space Program; Mehmet Fatih Kacır, Deputy Minister of Industry and Technology, President of TÜBİTAK Prof. Dr. Hasan Mandal, Deputy Chairman of YÖK Prof. Dr. Safa Kapıcıoğlu, Member of YÖK Prof. Dr. Muammer Yaylalı and Zekeriya Çoştu, General Manager of National Technology were given a warm welcome by Atatürk University.

The 6550 Regulation and Evaluation Committee, which was formed within the scope of the Law No. 6550 on Supporting Research Infrastructures, came to Erzurum to examine the studies carried out at Atatürk University. The Organizing and Evaluation Committee, which was established under the Ministry of Industry and Technology and continues its investigations in this direction, visited the city's civil and administrative authorities and made examinations at the Eastern Anatolia Observatory (DAG), which is among Turkey's 2023 vision projects and is the largest basic science project. In addition to  Ataturk University Rector Prof. Dr. Ömer Çomaklı , Vice Rectors and Director of the Astrophysics Research and Application Center (ATASAM) Prof. Dr. Cahit Yeşilyaprak accompanied the comittee during the visit.

Rector Çomaklı: “DAG will Provide an Opportunity to Make Great Leaps”

Noting that Atatürk University Astrophysics Research and Application Center (ATASAM) successfully carried out both administrative and financial as well as scientific and technical processes for the completion and acceleration of DAG and OPAL R&D infrastructures, Atatürk University Rector Prof. Dr. Ömer Çomaklı said that the works at the Eastern Anatolia Observatory (DAG) have come to an end, which was also emphasized by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in the National Space Program, where Turkey's 10-year vision, strategy, goals and projects in the field of space policies were determined.

Rector Çomaklı stated that DAG will provide an opportunity to make great breakthroughs not only in space sciences, but also in space technologies and atmospheric sciences, both with its own features and technologies, with the innovations and differences it brings, and with its location. He also stated that he contributed to the trained manpower working within the scope of projects carried out in different disciplines and also specializing by making an academic career.

Deputy Minister Kacır: “We will continue to provide the necessary support”

Noting that the Eastern Anatolia Observatory will make a significant contribution to both scientific studies and defense power of our country, Deputy Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır stated that DAG will fill an important observational gap in the world: “As the Ministry, we continue to support the scientific and technological studies of our country. In this context, our state and Atatürk University continue to provide the necessary support, both financially and administratively, in terms of team-equipment and infrastructure, uninterruptedly since the start of the project. The Eastern Anatolia Observatory is of great importance in order to closely follow the developments in the world and even to take a step forward. On this occasion, we will get the first light as soon as possible by continuing to work in unity and integrity.

After DAG, the delegation visited the Eastern Anatolia High Technology Application and Research Center (DAYTAM) and showed great interest in the presentations of students who will attend TEKNOFEST 2021 by going to ATA Teknokent. The delegation made last their last visit to Atatürk University Astrophysics Research and Application Center (ATASAM).

CORPORATE COMMUNICATION DIRECTORATE – 18.06.2021