The recipients of the Turkish Academy Awards, which are presented in three distinct categories and occur every two years, were inducted into the Science Dissemination Foundation at its 50th Anniversary Presentation Award Ceremony, which was attended by President Recep Tayyip Erdoan.

The Grand Prize was divided among three categories—Social Sciences, Natural and Health Sciences, and Engineering—Nature and Health Sciences. Prof. Dr. İlhami Gülçin was awarded the Engineering, Natural and Health Sciences prize, which was considered meritorious.

At the award ceremony conducted at the Atatürk Cultural Center, the President of the Turkish Grand National Assembly, Numan Kurtulmuş, presented the award to Prof. Dr. İlhami Gülçin. He demonstrated that the antioxidant properties and mechanisms of action of certain natural ingredient are safer and more effective alternatives to synthetic antioxidants utilized in food production, which are notorious for their numerous side effects. Furthermore, Gülçin's investigations led to the development and synthesis of inhibitors targeting metabolic enzymes implicated in numerous diseases. His groundbreaking research, which had deep-reaching implications across various industries, particularly pharmacology, earned him the honorific.

Additionally, the professor holds the esteemed title of Full Member of the Turkish Academy of Sciences (TÜBA). Prof. Dr. Gülçin emphasized the resistance in Gaza during her address and presented her honor to Abu Ubeydes, the Palestinian resistance symbol, as well as young scholars engaged in academic endeavors within Turkey.

Prof. Dr. Gülçin stated, "A scientist ought to consistently resist oppression and injustice. Our opposition extends beyond the persecution in Palestine to encompass all forms of oppression worldwide. As of October 7, however, it has become abundantly clear that the brutality of the subjugation in Gaza is unprecedented in the history of humanity. Greetings to all Abu Ubeydes who advocate for the Palestinian cause; I also wish to honor all Palestinian resistance combatants with the award I have been bestowed. "We are scientists and it is our duty to react to the persecution no matter what it is."

The Grand Prize of the Turkish Academy Awards was presented to Istanbul Technical University faculty member Prof. Dr. İbrahim Akduman by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. The Minister of National Education, Yusuf Tekin, presented the Social Sciences Award to Fatih Sultan Mehmet Foundation University faculty member Prof. Dr. Zekeriya Kurşun.

Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar is the recipient of the Science Dissemination Foundation 50th Anniversary Special Award. The honor was presented to the President of the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK), Prof. Dr. Hasan Mandal, on behalf of Sancar.

Prof. Dr. Ömer Çomaklı, the rector of Atatürk University, conveyed his elation over the accolade bestowed upon the institution and emphasized that such honors serve as a model for emerging scholars and inspire great pride within them. Prof. Dr. Çomaklı congratulated Gülçin for his receiving this prestigious honor and wished him continued success.

Directorate of Corporate Communications – December 25, 2023