Near East University hosted the 2015 Nobel Chemistry Award Holder Scientist, Biochemist and Molecular-Biologist Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar; who is well known for his work on 'DNA repair and cell cycle' and his invention on ‘rhythmic clock’ used in cancer treatment.

According to the press release issued by the Directorate of Press and Public Relations of Near East University, Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar came to the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) as an honour guest of Near East University. Prior to his conference, Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar visited the President of the TRNC and then Founding Rector of Near East University Dr. Suat I. Günsel. Subsequently, Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar made observations at the Near East University Grand Library, and Innovation and Information Technologies Centre.

Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar informed Akıncı about his studies...
Prof. Dr. Sancar informed the President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Mustafa Akıncı about his studies and research. The visiting committee to the TRNC President included the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Near East University Assoc. Prof. Dr. İrfan S.Günsel and Near East University Faculty of Medicine Department of Medical Genetics; and NEU Faculty of Arts and Sciences Head of Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics Prof. Dr. Nedime Serakıncı assisted Prof. Dr. Sancar during the visit. Later, the same committee made a visit to the Founding Rector of Near East University Dr. Suat İ. Günsel.

Dr. Günsel: “Those who lead the world change the world, and those who change the world lead the world, Educational Institutions and the Researches Conducted”
Making a speech, Founding Rector of Near East University Dr. Suat Günsel stated how proud and happy he was to host Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar.

Dr. Günsel said: “It is such a great honour to host you here. In fact, hosting you gives the same feeling as someone who is about to touch the finishing line at a marathon. In other words, this is what I have been running for; to see this moment, to touch this finishing rope! Hosting a figure like you is also a reflection of how rooted we are as a university. I believe that those who rule the world change it and those who change the world rule it; thus changes are made by educational institutions and the researches carried out. Every time a new research is carried out, it brings about change and development. Therefore, I believe that rather than what you will tell the attendants at the conference today, it is having you before the students that really matters. In fact, it is really significant is for them to know that a highly respectable person like yourself has come here; as I believe that this alone is enough for a spark to be lit up for change. We have become so determined to make a contribution to science and to development. We are centred at our university; as at the heart of everything we do is the purpose to create an opportunity for those who were born here and in Turkey to put down roots in this country. Welcome, and welcome once again.”

Prof. Dr. Sancar: “Cyprus has a special place in every Turkish citizen’s heart!”
Also making a speech, Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar expressed that science was not only necessary for the sake of it, but also necessary for the development and continuation of a country. He added that he was not a politician but knowing all about the suffering encountered in Cyprus, Cyprus had a special place in every Turkish citizen’s heart. He said that this was why he was very excited and happy to be in Cyprus and that he was really impressed with everything he saw here.

Prof. Dr. Sancar wrote in the Memorial Book of NEU Grand Library...
Prof. Dr. Sancar was taken on a tour around the Near East University campus. He was presented a membership to the Near East University Grand Library and he wrote in the Library Memorial Book. He wrote: “I am extremely pleased with the hospitality shown by the staff and authorities of the NEU Grand Library. I convey many thanks to them all. Your library is magnificent and I sincerely hope that in time it will be a source at an international level.”

He made observations at the NEU Innovation and Information Technologies Centre...
Later, Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar was taken to NEU Innovation and Information Technologies Centre where he was shown the Super Computer, the 3-D Printing Team and the Robotic Football Team developers. During this visit, Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar was accompanied by Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Near East University Assoc. Prof. Dr. İrfan S.Günsel and Prof. Dr. Nedime Serakıncı. At the end of this visit, Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar took a memory photograph with the NEU Robotic Football Team.

There was a major crowd at the conference...
Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar gave a conference titled as “Photolyase and Excision Nuclease and DNA Repair Mechanisms” where he provided information on his study involving how DNA’s of damaged cells were repaired and how the genetic information is preserved; which brought the 2015 Nobel Chemistry Award to him. Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar pointed out that he gave details on his current study which he has not mentioned anywhere else before.

The conference was organised by Near East University Centre of Excellence at theGrand Hall of the Atatürk Culture Centre. Founding Rector of Near East University Dr. Suat Günsel; Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Near East University Assoc Prof Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel; TR Representative of Embassy to Nicosia; Spouse of Commander of Cyprus Turkish Peace Forces; Head of the Civil Defence Organisation; Members of the Public Service Commission; Member of Parliament Ersin Tatar; Rectors, Vice Rectors, Deans, Academic Members, Head of Institutes, guests and students attended the conference.

High interest was shown to the conference and it began subsequent to the one minute silence followed by the national anthem. A mini video regarding Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar’s life was shown. The opening speeches of the conference was made by Head of Department of Medical Genetics of Faculty of Medicine of Near East University, and also Head of Centre of Excellence and Genetic and Cancer Diagnosis-Research Centre Prof. Dr. Nedime Serakıncı; and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Near East University Assoc Prof. Dr. İrfan S. Günsel. Then, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Near East University Assoc Prof. Dr. İrfan S. Günsel presented a Golden Key and Honour Award to Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar.

Prof. Dr. Serakıncı expressed how excited and proud she was to have Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar at the Near East University...
In her speech, Prof. Dr. Nedime Serakıncı stressed how proud and excited she was to have Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar to give a conference at the NEU and expressed gratitude to Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar. Furthermore, Prof. Dr. Serakıncı stated that we consisted of millions of cells and that each cell in her body was in motion due to the pride of hosting Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar. Prof. Dr. Serakıncı addressed Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar as a figure respected world-wide. She ended her words by stating that via science, a chance is created to be respected and recognised. Knowing how to use the mind and intelligence effectively and efficiently through science brings independence and a brighter future.

Assoc Prof. Dr. İrfan Günsel: “Near East University is highly honoured...”
Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Near East University Assoc Prof. Dr. İrfan Günsel stated that Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar was a great Scholar and a tutor of all. Assoc Prof. Dr. İrfan Günsel expressed how proud he was to see Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar at the Near East University and that this was a moment never to be forgotten. He added that Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar ‘s work on preventing DNA damage with medicine and DNA repair was regarded as outstanding. Assoc Prof. Dr. İrfan Günsel pointed out that we should have known about the work of Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar even if he had not received the Nobel Award. He added that his rhythmic clock invention in 2014 was revolutionary. Furthermore, Assoc Prof. Dr. İrfan Günsel thanks to the modern communication technologies, we are lucky enough to find about this revolutionary invention. Otherwise, this would have been only known by figures relative to the field. In this regard, Einsteins Theory of Relativity was revealed as Special Relativity in 1905, General Relativity in 1907 and 1915. However, it was accepted in 1920. He ended his words by stating how proud they, as the Near East University, were to host such a significant figure at the NEU.

Prof. Dr. Sancar was presented a Gold Key and a Honour Award…
Subsequent to the speeches, Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar was presented a Gold Key and an Honour Award by the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Near East University Assoc Prof. Dr. İrfan Günsel. While the Gold Key was being presented, Prof. Dr. Nedime Serkancı expressed her feeling and thoughts. She stated that with the consciousness of universal scientific success, which is always for the purpose of health and happiness of humanity, they were highly honoured and grateful for his contribution to Near East University and therefore, desired to present him the Gold Key and Honour Award as symbols of their gratefulness.

He provided details on Photolyase and Excision Nuclease and DNA Repair Mechanisms...
The conference given by Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar was in English. He gave information on his studies which brought the Nobel Award to him and made his Nobel presentation. Then, for the first time at Near East University, he gave information on studies he has been carrying out subsequent to receiving the Nobel Award. He expressed that the Cisplatin-a drug used in the treatment of cancer- will be used in DNA repair/ repair map and added that this study is to be published next week.

He received a standing ovation…
The conference was followed by a question-answer session and Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar answered one question in Turkish and said “I am Turkish and I have a certain belief. Nobody really cares about Turkish people. I had my own ambitions and my own goal to succeed. However, on the other hand, I had the belief that nobody respects the Turkish people, so we will make them respect us”. His reply to the question received a standing ovation for several minutes. Subsequent to the conference, a reception was given in honour of Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar at the Near East University Hospital Exhibition Hall; where a folk dance show was also performed.