Near East University will provide face-to-face education to students who can come to Cyprus and distance education to students who cannot. Near East University announced that due to the COVID-19 pandemic, students who can come to Cyprus in the 2020-2021 Academic Fall semester will be given face-to-face education and distance education will be provided to students who cannot come to Cyprus. Fall semester courses, which will start on Monday, October 5, 2020, will be held simultaneously in face-to-face and distance education methods. According to the statement made by the Press and Public Relations Directorate of Near East University, Near East University, which will continue education by using both face-to-face education and distance education methods, has arranged which courses will be given in the form of distance education and which courses will be given face-to-face on the basis of faculty and program. In the courses to be carried out face to face, the lessons will be held in the classes with reduced number of students. Distance education will be provided through the UZEBİM platform and all the materials of the courses will be shared with the students on this platform. In programs where applied trainings are compulsory, the courses will be carried out within the specified calendar and in accordance with the measures to be taken at the end of the Fall or Spring terms. Classes Prepared for Face-to-Face Education within the Framework of Health Precautions… In order to ensure a safe face-to-face education, the number of students in classes were reduced in accordance with the health measures determined by the University, taking into account social distance and hygiene criteria. All necessary health measures were also taken to conduct face-to-face internship/workshop/laboratory practices. The areas where students are in contact on the campus were disinfected in line with the necessary hygiene rules. Hand sanitizers were placed at the entrances of the buildings and in suitable places. All of the people in the school will wear masks, according to the rules. Classrooms will be ventilated every day, cleaning and disinfection will be frequently carried out. Masks, thermometers, disinfectants, and social distancing agents will always be used in every area within the campus. Students who prefer online education must fill in the application form… In the statement, which states that all courses will be conducted online for students who cannot come to Cyprus due to the pandemic, it was reminded that students who will participate in the classes online must fill in the application form provided at https://forms.gle/39UNSTZ4raVBJBn36. Arrangements will be made in accordance with the course of the outbreak… Near East University, which will continue education in the 2020-2021 Academic Year by conducting both face-to-face education and distance education methods simultaneously, will do the best during this extraordinary situation we are in, and new measures will be taken in accordance with the course of the pandemic and with the decisions of the TRNC Council of Ministers to be taken in the future.

The product, which is being worked on by Near East University within the framework of the protective “Nasal Spray” project, which can be hope in the fight against the new type of coronavirus and in preventing the spread of the virus, received the “Best Product in the Fight Against COVID” award at the European Biotechnology Congress 2020 held in Prague. According to the information given by the Press and Public Relations Directorate of Near East University, at the European Biotechnology Congress 2020 award ceremony, the protective “Nasal Spray” project, which has been conducted jointly by Near East University, Perugia University, Erciyes University, and MAGI Group from Italy and of which the development process is in the final stage and expected to neutralize the contamination of the human cells by SARS-Cov-2, has received the “Best Product in the Fight Against COVID” award. At the European Biotechnology Congress, which has been held every year since 2011 and held at Vienna House Diplomat Hotel as a hybrid congress with 300 participants this year due to the pandemic, Italian MAGI Group Director Dr. Matteo Bertelli, one of the project partners, received the “Best Product in the Fight Against COVID” award given for the protective Nasa Spray Project conducted with the project partnership of Near East University. Dr. Matteo Bertelli: “I am proud on behalf of my partners…” Italian MAGI Group representative Dr. Matteo Bertelli stated in his speech during the presentation of the award that he received the award on behalf of all project partners and that he is very proud of this. Dr. Bertelli: “We are extremely pleased that the protective nasal spray project developed against COVID-19, which we carry out with our partner Near East University and other partners, was awarded in such a congress that focuses on various important disciplines of biotechnology and its applications for the improvement of health and life quality worldwide. We are proud on behalf of all our project partners for developing such a project and achieving such a success”. Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel: “Such an achievement gives happiness on behalf of our country and university…” Near East University Chairman of the Board of Trustees Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel said that it is a pride for the country and the university to be awarded the “Best Product in the Fight Against COVID” for the project they have developed with their partners. Stating that they are delighted as a project partner, Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel said, “We are proud to take part in the congress where scientific studies on genetics, stem cell, plant and animal biotechnology, nanobiotechnology, bioinformatics, tissue engineering, vaccine development, environmental biotechnology are presented with the participation of Near East University and our project partners. The international award of the protective Nasal Spray project we initiated against COVID-19 is an important indicator of the accuracy and success of our work with the mission to produce solutions to the problems arising due to the coronavirus pandemic. I would like to thank all our project partners and colleagues who are a part of the solution. As Near East University, we will continue to produce projects that provide benefit to humanity both scientifically and academically ”.

Sarah Khamis, Ph.D. student and research assistant at Near East University Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, received a scholarship from the International Pharmaceutical Federation with the research project proposal titled “The effect of simulated continuous professional development courses on the protection of the mental and physical health of pharmacy students in the COVID-19 process”. According to the information given by the Press and Public Relations Directorate of Near East University, Sarah Khamis, who won the research scholarship on “Education and Mental Health in Low and Middle-Income Countries During the COVID19 Pandemic” supported by the Academic Pharmacy Unit of the International Pharmaceutical Federation, will investigate the effectiveness and usefulness of the continuous professional development simulation course in developing lifelong learning skills as well as the competencies of pharmacy students in maintaining mental and physical health in similar crisis situations. The project will be conducted as a Continuous Professional Development Simulation Course… Continuous Professional Development Simulation Course will be given as an interactive orientation lesson to a group of 5th-year students of Near East University Faculty of Pharmacy during the 2020-2021 academic year. The effectiveness of the course, which will be conducted by a mental health expert and a person trained in developing continuous professional development skills, will be observed during the internships of the students. Validated questionnaires and scales will be administered to the students at the beginning and at the end of the study. The continuous professional development simulation course will provide students with the opportunity to develop and apply their mental and physical health protection skills and prepare them for continuous professional development.

The waste accumulated in the recycling waste and collection bins placed in different points of the campus, which was initiated with the aim of introducing recycling to Near East University students, making this a habit among the students, ensuring its sustainability and creating environmental awareness, is sent to the recycling factory and brought back to the economy. According to the information given by the Press and Public Relations Directorate of Near East University, the plastic bottles and papers collected in the bins with the slogan “Every waste is not a waste” by the Near East University Great Library staff were sent to the recycling facility in Alayköy to be recycled and brought them back into the economy. Raising environmentally sensitive individuals respecting all living creatures is intended… Sharing information about the study they initiated to raise awareness and create resources with the slogan of “Every waste is not a waste”, Near East University Grand Library Director Gülten Sala Lay said that they aim to raise awareness with this social awareness project among individuals who are sensitive to the environment and respectful to all living creatures. Stating that wastes should be recycled and disposed of without harming the environment in order to preserve natural resources, which are the prerequisites of a healthy life, in a livable and sustainable way, Sala Lay said that they will continue their study on recycling in the new academic period. Gülten Sala Lay said, “We would like to thank the staff and students of the Great Library Directorate for their contribution, and we invite our students to set an example to other people in this issue and carry out similar activities and to support this campaign within the scope of social awareness.”

I would like to share my feelings and thoughts. During the presidential election process, the right to express my thoughts is not a right of me due to my efforts I have been making for 42 years for the future of my country, for taking the place we deserve in the World, for strengthening our roots in our country. First of all, as a citizen, I am hereby fulfilling the right and duty to express my thoughts. All institutions, organizations and individuals should share their opinions and demands without hesitation in such a process. As you know, both the international conjuncture, the place of our state in this complicated process and the multi-dimensional meaning of the Presidential election indicate that this time is the “right time” to share my thoughts. We must take the person who will defend our wishes to the office of the President. I will deal with the conceptual and legal dimensions later, however, I must first and foremost touch upon a fundamental issue on which my thoughts and feelings are focused; it is our standpoint and approach towards our motherland Turkey, our understanding of the existence of the Republic of Turkey. All the different ideas, all kinds of arguments, contrasts and conflicts, even our “political fights” are essentially the forms of our internal affairs. In the final analysis, there is no doubt that all these are related to Turkey. The relevance of this fact stands out as a historical fact even beyond the position of Turkey as a guarantor state. However, we should not centralize our political debates on Turkey. Turkey’s quarterback position, experience and ability in developing strategies are our greatest chances. The mistakes made in terms of political, administrative and election issues stand out, unfortunately, not just as the mistakes when Turkey is concerned. The constitutional and political future should be based on good neighborly relations. This is certain; “We want half of what our neighbor wants.” I would also like to express my thoughts on the basis of law, the concept of the Republic, the international ground, the basic identity of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, how the dynamics coincide with the principles of the existence of our state for our people, and how the Presidential Election is based on this historical synthesis. I would like to share my views on our present and future, too. The historical meaning of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus is directly stated in its definition; Our country and our state is a “Turkish Republic”. What we are living in today is the result of a struggle for existence and a life embodied by the dynamics of history. In other words, this is a conception of identity, belonging, patriotism, cultural and material kinship. The republic, as you know, is, first of all, a form of state; It is about the regulation of the state’s existence, its functions and functioning. However, throughout the organization of the society in its own context, the concept of Republic includes a de facto devotion manifested by historical accumulation and loyalty as well as the legal formation of the administration. In summary, the legal character and the responsibility, which is at the roots of the social consciousness, have a meaning with its historical foundations. The freedom gates are only opened in this way. A cross-sectional and agenda-oriented responsibility remains a conception that is contented with the power of administration, not sovereignty. Regarding the terms of state, its officials in every field and level predicate the happiness of its people upon everything. I would like to say that it is obvious that our thoughts at the principal level shed light on the chaos of international relations and consequently overlap with them. It is undoubted that all the basic issues regarding the Turkish Republic of Cyprus are intertwined with all the fundamental issues in the Eastern Mediterranean surrounding our country, and that our rights and interests are inseparable from our national interests. And, the fact that our State forms a focal point in the middle of our social existence reveals itself indisputably. In the Mediterranean, the Eastern Mediterranean, and also in the Aegean Sea, which also means Mediterranean, it is necessary to prevent irrational practices and fatalities from wearing legal guise and all factors should be based on equity. This is the focus, the big picture. The issues of energy, “gas” and oil, territorial waters, and continental shelf problems should be resolved and will be resolved on the basis of equity that I have mentioned. Democracy means concretizing the idea that lies at the core of Human Rights theory and definitions, and taking its place at the political level. In line with the main idea of the concept of “freedom”, democratic elements starting with the fundamental rights and freedoms, and emerging throughout a democratic process, and finally elections, undoubtedly as an important element of existence and indication of freedom and democracy, take their places in pluralist life. However, as I have noted before, the political and social preferences, the “Republic”, the “State” must be reached by walking along the historically laid paths. Dr. Suat İrfan GÜNSEL

In the study, which will be carried out in cooperation with the Near East University Faculty of Medicine Department of Medical Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology, Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Department of Internal Diseases and DESAM Institute, the importance of plasma donation will be emphasized as well as determining SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity and related risk factors. With the research project titled “Determination of SARS-CoV-2 Seropositivity and Related Risk Factors in Persons Applying for COVID-19 Antibody Test”, SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in blood samples of people who applied to Near East University Hospital for COVID-19 antibody test will be carried out through ELISA test and SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity in the community will be investigated. People who agree to participate in the study will be asked to fill in a questionnaire after a blood sample is given. The responses of the participants in the questionnaire will be evaluated together with the ELISA test results and risk factors that may be associated with SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity will be determined. Volunteers can donate plasma… According to the information given by the Press and Public Relations Directorate of Near East University, the participants who have a high IgG level in their serum and whose COVID-19 PCR result have been confirmed as negative will be informed about plasma donation and the volunteers will be invited to the Near East University Hospital to donate plasma. A Research Team of 8 experts rounded up… In the research to be carried out under the responsibility of Assoc Prof. Dr. Umut Gazi, a member of Near East University Faculty of Medicine Department of Medical Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology, Near East University DESAM Institute Director Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ, Head of the Department of Medical Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology Prof. Dr. Nedim Çakır, faculty member of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology Department Prof. Dr. Kaya Süer, faculty member of Internal Diseases Department Prof. Dr. Turgay Ulaş, faculty member of the Department of Medical Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology Assoc. Prof. Dr. Emrah Ruh and Ph.D. students M.Sc. Ayşegül Bostancı and M.Sc. Ulaş Hürdoğanoğlu will take place. Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ: “We are starting Plasma Treatment at Near East University Hospital…” Near East University Vice-Rector, DESAM Institute Director and Microbiology Specialist Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ stated that the necessary infrastructure preparations for Convalescence Plasma Treatment, which was previously announced to be carried out in cooperation with the Ministry of Health, have been completed, but the project could not be started, and that they will implement the project as a university with the start of antibody tests at the Near East University Hospital. Stating that in their previous studies, it has been determined that plasma treatment is one of the alternatives to be preferred in the treatment of COVID-19 disease and that the research results are also shared with the scientific world. Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ also pointed out that Near East University Hospital is ready to apply plasma treatment, one of the treatment methods applied in the world.

The scientific articles published by Near East University researchers on the new type of coronavirus SARS-COV-2, which has been declared a pandemic in the world, were included in the database of the World Health Organization (WHO). According to the statement made by the Press and Public Relations Directorate of Near East University, 16 articles about SARS-COV-2 and COVID-19 prepared by Near East University researchers and published in international journals, were published by WHO’s Global Research on Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19). Articles compiling the results of scientific research conducted by Near East University researchers are available on the official website of WHO https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/global-research-on-novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov/ Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ: “We are on the WHO List with our scientific research…” Near East University Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ stated that the inclusion of the articles of Near East University researchers about SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 on the official website of WHO is the result of the devoted work of Near East employees, and he said it was a tantalizing success. Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ stated that it is of great importance that the scientific studies they produce as Near East University are included in the scientific studies list of WHO. Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ stated that as a university, they will always continue to contribute to universal science.

Near East University Pharmacy Student Association has become a member of IPSF (International Pharmaceutical Students Federation), one of the world’s oldest international volunteer student organizations, representing 500,000 pharmacy faculty students and graduates in 90 countries around the world. According to the information given by the Press and Public Relations Directorate of Near East University, the Near East University Pharmacy Student Association received the votes of 46 countries at the World Congress held online by the International Pharmacy Students Federation (IPSF) with the participation of 48 countries and became an official member of the Federation. With this membership, Near East University will be able to exchange students and faculty members between pharmacy faculties around the world and initiate internship exchange programs. Internationally operational Pharmacy Students Organization… IPSF, an internationally active pharmacy faculty-student organization that supports developing public health through information, education and social networks, as well as publications and professional initiatives, is operational within the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). It has Consultative Status within the United Nations Economic Social Council (UN ECOSOC). Sara Ajabashirchi Osgouei: “We are delighted to be represented between International Pharmacy Faculty Students…” Sara Ajabashirchi Osgouei, the President of the Near East University Pharmacy Student Association, who carries out membership studies to the International Pharmacy Students Federation, said that membership is pleasing in order to ensure the representation of the Faculty of Pharmacy students through the union, to meet their needs and to have a say in finding appropriate solutions to their problems. Stating that they want to be a competent representative in all respects on behalf of Near East University and Faculty of Pharmacy, Osgouei said, “We aim to create a bridge between other pharmacy students in the world and around us by organizing conferences, seminars and congresses in the field of Pharmacy Sciences, and to improve pharmacy education, to raise awareness about public health, and to implement student exchange programs” “Prof. Dr. İhsan Çalış: “We are delighted to participate in an environment where the latest developments and changes in the field of Pharmacy are shared…” Near East University Faculty of Pharmacy Dean Prof. Dr. İhsan Çalış said that, as Near East University Pharmacy Student Association (NEUPSANC), they are honored to be accepted as an official member of the International Federation of Pharmacy Students (IPSF). Expressing that with this membership, Near East University Faculty of Pharmacy became a member of the International Pharmacy Students Federation. Prof. Dr. İhsan Çalış said, “On this occasion, I would like to congratulate our student Sara Ajabashirchi Osgouei and her team, who started the initiatives as the president of our association. Our membership means that we can primarily benefit from all of IPSF’s programs around the world. These opportunities will help our students develop new ideas and prepare original projects, as well as helping them develop themselves when they graduate and start their professional life. I congratulate our students and wish them every success”. Stating that students and faculty members can be exchanged between the faculties that are members of the Federation, as well as conducting many joint studies, Prof. Dr. İhsan Çalış stated that they want students to discover their talents and be more active in different fields related to the field of pharmacy, to enable them to get to know the world by meeting different cultures and to help them improve themselves. Near East University students are reaching to the World through exchange programs… Before the Near East University Pharmacy Student Association, Near East University Dentistry Student Association became a member of the International Association of Dental Students (IADS), and the Faculty of Medicine Student Association became a member of the International Federation of Medical Students Associations (IFMSA), Veterinary Faculty Student Association became a member of the International Veterinary Faculty Students Association.

Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel: “We Will Take Our Place In The World With The Protective” Nasal Spray “Project In The Fight Against COVID-19 …” Near East University Chairman of the Board of Trustees Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel announced that they have come to an end in the protective “Nasal Spray” project, which can be a hope in preventing the spread of the virus in the fight against the new type of coronavirus (COVID-19), which affects the world. Making a statement about the project carried out by Near East University, Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel said, “We have developed the protective nasal spray that will neutralize the transmission of SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19 disease, to cells in partnership with Near East University, Perugia University, European Biotechnology Association (EBTNA) and the Italian MAGI Group. We aim to be one of the initiatives that develop innovative solutions and applications in the fight against the virus with the project that we aim to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.” In the statement released by the Press and Public Relations Directorate of Near East University, it was stated that the laboratory studies have been completed in Italy and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, and the virus is targeted to be killed by preventing the respiratory-transmitted SARS-CoV-2 from binding to cells with the protective Nasal Spray project, which was tried on volunteers in Italy. Contains Natural Active Ingredient Combination… Nasal spray, which contains a combination of natural active ingredients and applied through the nose, provides a natural reinforcement and physical defense by creating a shield that will prevent viruses from entering cells. It also inactivates the virus. Reliability Tests Completed… It was stated that the protective nasal spray, of which reliability tests were completed by the Near East University project team, did not have any toxic and side effects. It was noted that a scientific report on the reliability of the nasal spray, which did not have any adverse reactions in laboratory experiments, will be published. It will be used in High-Risk Group and their contacts… The protective nasal spray, which is described as a worldwide project that promises hope in the fight against coronavirus, will be applied on people with high-risk groups in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and those who have contacts with COVID-19 positive people. The tests of the protective nasal spray have already been started on contacts with COVID-19 positive patients in Italy. Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel: “We will write a new success story as a country promising hope in the search for a remedy for COVID-19…” Near East University Chairman of the Board of Trustees Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel said that with the success of the project they will start to get concrete results, and a new success story will be written as a university and country that takes a leading role in the world of science. Drawing attention to the ongoing research for the treatment methods and vaccines to be applied to people suffering from COVID-19 disease in the world, Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel stated that they are excited to be a partner of these promising projects in favor of the humanity. Stating that they will test whether the protective nasal spray, which is a natural combination, will protect from being infected by the coronavirus, Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel stated that they aimed to conclude that the virus could not infect the cells in the human respiratory system or would be locally inhibited, and if this happened, they would register the nasal spray and start production immediately. Stating that the Protective Nasal Spray project has been carried out in Italy and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel noted that the experiments will be made on the volunteers by the project team at certain stages. Expressing that Near East University supports the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic with every possible means, Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel said “With our project partners, we have come to an end in a study that will be considered a discovery for humanity and we are opening the doors of the global science world to our scientists ”.