The "Outstanding Young Scientist Awards Annual Scientific Evaluation Meeting and Young Academy Conference" was hosted by Atatürk University and featured Prof. Dr. Muzaffer Şeker, President of the Turkish Academy of Sciences (TÜBA). The purpose of this event was to recognize the accomplishments of youthful scientists and to provide support for their scientific contributions. It was attended by prominent figures from the scientific community.

The program's inaugural ceremony, scheduled for July 5-7, 2024, commenced with a meeting at the National Will Hall on July 15. TÜBA President Prof. Dr.  Muzaffer Şeker, TÜBA Principal Member and CBRT Bank Council Member Prof. Dr. Muhsin Kar, Lokman Hekim University Rector Prof. Dr. Fatih Gültekin, Istanbul University Rector Prof. Dr. Bülent Zülfikar, Iğdır University Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Hakkı Alma, Gebze Technical University Rector Prof. Dr. Hacı Ali Mantar, and numerous academics, in addition to Rector Prof. Dr. Ömer Çomaklı, who served as the host, were in attendance.

"Welcome to Erzurum, the city that served as the birthplace of our Republic."

The event commenced with the opening remark of Atatürk University Rector Prof. Dr. Ömer Çomaklı and continued with the release of the promotional film after the National Anthem and the moment of silence, followed by the musical performance of Turkish Music State Conservatory lecturer Derya Eroğlu. Çomaklı expressed his pride and joy in hosting the 2024 TÜBA-GEBİP Annual Scientific Evaluation Meeting in Erzurum, one of the most exceptional cities in Turkey, due to its history, culture, and distinctive natural features. He stated, "By promoting research and science, which is one of the most esteemed award programs in our country, the 2024 TÜBA-GEBİP Annual Scientific Evaluation Meeting serves a critical role in guiding young people toward the scientific and research fields." I would like to begin by emphasizing that we are honored to be hosting the Traditional TÜBA-GEBİP Annual Scientific Evaluation Meeting for the second time since 2001. This event will feature the presentation and evaluation of the academic accomplishments of exceptional young scientists. I would like to express my gratitude to Mr. Muzaffer Şeker, the President of TÜBA, for his support in facilitating the organization of this meeting at our university.

"We are a research university with a science production ecosystem."

Atatürk University, according to Rector Çomaklı, is a research university that is at the forefront of universal science, works problem-oriented, and can produce scientific solutions to social problems. The university has a strong R&D and innovation infrastructure and science production ecosystem. "As the management, I personally, my colleagues, and all of our university continue our duty in the light of science and technological production awareness and responsibility that will carry Turkey into the new century, with a perspective that includes scientists and scientific fields." The power and support that our state provides to our university provide us with a significant potential for research and development in the field of science. Proper utilization of this potential is our primary objective. I am of the opinion that the quality and success of the science and, as a result, the technology that will be produced within the context of our universities in our country will continue to progress on a daily basis.

"We are honored to be the host of such a significant event."

Rector Çomaklı declared that the management team, guided by this vision, is continuing to strive to elevate the institution to the status of a universal world university by virtue of its regional status. He also expressed his gratitude to the academy members, scientists, and colleagues who assisted in the organization of the 2024 TÜBA-GEBİP Annual Scientific Evaluation Meeting. I express my gratitude to my peers. I am optimistic that this meeting will be fruitful and produce advantageous outcomes for our nation, as it promotes science and research. I am delighted to extend a warm welcome to Erzurum, the city that was the birthplace of our Republic, and to our University. On behalf of the Atatürk University family, I extend my most sincere reverence and affection to each and every one of you.

"These Awards Enhance the Motivation of Our Young Scientists"

Subsequently, TÜBA President Prof. Dr. Muzaffer Şeker underscored the significance of motivating youthful scientists to enhance Turkey's scientific potential. Prof. Dr. Şeker stated in his speech that the TÜBA-GEBİP Annual Evaluation Meetings are intended to increase regional awareness and advocate for science awards. He further stated that the Outstanding Young Scientist Awards are a critical platform for recognizing the scientific contributions of young researchers and guiding them toward greater success. The objective of these awards is to enhance the motivation of our youthful scientists, thereby enhancing our country's competitiveness in the field of science and technology. The chain of meetings is a source of critical data for a variety of disciplines, including social sciences and fundamental sciences. Academicians or students are also welcome to attend the meetings, which are open to external stakeholders. They are encouraged to share their opinions and suggestions with scientists in an environment that fosters the exchange of innovative ideas.

"Those who reflect on their past transgressions also contribute to future transgressions."

President Şeker stated that he attended the 8th Science20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, organized by the Brazilian Academy of Sciences, prior to Erzurum. He stated, "At this summit, a variety of academic topics were discussed, including the food chain, climate change, and the decrease in energy resources." We also brought the genocide in Palestine, which is approaching a year old, to the forefront of the agenda in order to draw attention to the atrocities committed by Israel. At the meeting, we underscored the fact that individuals who refrain from discussing their past transgressions are also complicit in new transgressions. We also recorded that the academy's failure to act as a warning in such circumstances is a matter of inquiry as to when it will. I would like to emphasize that there are valuable lessons to be learned for our country in this regard. "These processes, which serve as a reminder of the significance of being a self-sufficient nation, have once again demonstrated the necessity of increased effort."

"We must have confidence in the strategy of our state."

President Şeker emphasized the necessity of standing united and in solidarity against the entire world, without being distracted by the games played on our country or the perceptions formed on social media. Turkey has made significant strides in various sectors, including attracting investors, expanding its industrial range, and securing a substantial portion of the tourism industry. Xenophobia is the most significant obstacle to this vision of development. We should not be enslaved by social media; immigrants are present in every region of the globe, with the United States being the largest immigrant homeland. We must have confidence in the strategy of our state. We must prevent the unity and solidarity of our nation from being consumed by the flames of ignited matches. We must remain steadfast in our commitment to this stunning nation. We should persist in our efforts to work more assiduously and patiently for the future. The presentations that our young scientists will deliver tomorrow are open to all of our academicians and students. I am confident that the interactive activities will be beneficial. "I am confident that the presentations delivered by our experts in the field of artificial intelligence will be equally successful," he concluded.

Awards for Outstanding Young Scientists

Outstanding Young Scientist Awards are presented to young scientists who demonstrate exceptional scientific research on a national and international scale. The recipients of this year's awards are selected for their exceptional scientific contributions and accomplishments in a variety of fields. The research infrastructure in a variety of disciplines, including biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, social sciences, and medicine, is expanding as a result of the studies conducted, and young scientists are able to discuss their work and future objectives at award ceremonies.

Young Academy Conference...

A significant platform for scientific discussions and knowledge sharing was established by the Young Academy Conference, which was conducted subsequent to the opening speeches. Young scientists presented their own research projects and engaged in information exchanges with their peers at the conference. The conference's primary theme was "Artificial Intelligence," and participants presented their innovative research and projects in a variety of sessions.

The findings and research conducted in various fields were discussed.

Prof. Dr. Muhsin Kar's "The Global Economy: What Is It?" The scientific sessions that were conducted during the program, which continued with the conference, focused on the findings and research conducted in various disciplines. In this context, Prof. Dr. Hacı Ali Mantar delivered his presentation titled "The Effect of Artificial Intelligence on Economic Added Value," Prof. Dr. Bahadır Kürşat Güntürk delivered his presentation titled "Current Status and Future Expectations in Artificial Intelligence," and Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Şeker delivered his presentation titled "The Power of Data and What It Empowers." Leading experts in the pertinent field moderated each session, and young researchers responded to inquiries by providing a detailed account of their research. These sessions facilitated the interaction between youthful scientists and experienced academics, as well as the enhancement of collaboration among them.

The program will proceed with the TÜBA-GEBİP Scientific Field Evaluation Meetings on July 6 and 7.

CORPORATE COMMUNICATION DIRECTORATE – 05.07.2024