The Near East University Science Awards, which have become a tradition to honor scientific productivity, were presented for the eighth time this year, and the Dr. Suat Günsel Honorary Award Gold Medal was presented for the fourth time. The Dr. Suat Günsel Honorary Award Gold Medal was presented to Prof. Dr. İlker Etikan from the Near East University Faculty of Medicine.

The Science Awards and the Dr. Suat Günsel Honorary Award Gold Medal, which have turned to be a tradition by Near East University, were presented in a magnificent ceremony. The ceremony, which took place at the Near East University Grand Library Prof. Dr. Ümit Hassan Republic Hall, was attended by a large number of people.

The ceremony, where awards were given to over 100 academics who distinguished themselves with their scientific achievements, included, in addition to Dr. Suat Günsel Honorary Award Gold Medal, the categories of “Publication Award”, “Publication Honorary Award”, “Young Researcher Award”, “Young Researcher Encouragement Award”, “Most Effective Researcher Award” and “Best Academic Performance Award”. This year, for the first time, “Sustainability Awards” covering academic studies supporting environmental, economic and social sustainability were also added. This year, at the ceremony, academics of Kyrenia University with a cumulative publication score above 5 were also honored with the “Kyrenia University Publication Award”.

The new owner of the Dr. Suat Günsel Honorary Award Gold Medal is Prof. Dr. İlker Etikan

The owner of the Dr. Suat Günsel Honorary Award Gold Medal, given for the fourth time this year in the field of science, was Prof. Dr. İlker Etikan, a faculty member of the Biostatistics Department of the Near East University Faculty of Medicine. Prof. Dr. Etikan, who began his academic career in 1987 as a research assistant at the Department of Biostatistics at Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, conducted studies based on interdisciplinary interaction in health sciences by working in the first unit established in this field in Turkey. In 2003, he was among the founders of the Department of Biostatistics at Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa University Faculty of Medicine, where he assumed various administrative roles.

After working part-time at Near East University between 2011-2014, he joined the university as a full-time faculty member in 2014. Prof. Dr. Etikan, who has been serving as the Head of the Department of Biostatistics at Near East University Faculty of Medicine since September 1, 2014, also continues to actively participate in many institutional boards and commissions. Prof. Dr. Etikan, who has made significant contributions to science and society with his original research, scientific publications and national and international collaborations in health sciences, became the fourth person to receive the Dr. Suat Günsel Honorary Award Gold Medal. In previous years, Prof. Dr. Fadi Al-Turjman, Prof. Dr. Evren Hınçal, and Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Özdeşer had received the Dr. Suat Günsel Honorary Award Gold Medal.

The opening speeches of the ceremony, which saw intense participation, were made by Near East University Board of Trustees Chairman Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel and Near East University President Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ.

Stating that the Near East University Science Awards and the Dr. Suat Günsel Honorary Award Gold Medal are not only the reward of individual achievements but also of common goals and devoted work, Near East Enterprises Board of Trustees Chairman Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel said, “These awards are also a reflection of an institutional culture that is based on merit, and inspires and supports free thought.”

Referring to the international achievements of Near East University announced this week, Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel reminded that it NEU ranked 43rd in Times Higher Education’s 2025 World University Impact Rankings and was shown as the sixth best university in Turkey and the best university in Cyprus by U.S. News & World Report. Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel, who said, “All these achievements are the efforts of you who solidify the foundation of our university.” I am honored to be together with this distinguished community today.”

Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel said, “At Near East University, we have created an academic environment that produces not only knowledge but also value. Because we know that scientific success requires continuity and this is possible with a strong academic community based on trust.”

Addressing the academics in his speech, Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel said, “The scientific ecosystem of Near East University is an important value on a global scale. We will continue to increase this value every day and approach our students, research and publications with the same understanding. The effort you put forth shapes not only the present but also the future. I sincerely congratulate all our award-winning academics.”

Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ: “These awards are not only a recognition of achievements, but also of the spirit of dedication to science.”

Near East University Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ emphasized that science is not only a field of research, but also a powerful activity that shapes the future. Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ said, “The fundamental duty of universities is not only to conduct this activity, but also to develop, direct and protect it when necessary.” Stating that today’s scientific world is undergoing a rapid transformation under the influence of fields such as artificial intelligence, genetic engineering, digitalization and big data, Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ said, “These developments bring responsibilities as well as opportunities. The use of scientific knowledge for the benefit of humanity is possible by balancing it with ethical principles. At this point, it is clear that every scientist must carry not only a technical but also a moral compass in their field.”

Stating that the scientific journey carried out with patience involves efforts that do not seem easy, Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ said, “The Near East University Science Awards are also a reflection of these long journeys, invisible efforts and academic devotion. These awards are not only the recognition of achievements, but also the spirit of dedication to science. Each award is a symbol of thought, research and patience spanning many years. Having such meaningful stops in the academic world is inspiring not only for individuals but also for institutions.”

Emphasizing that scientific awards are not only honors but also an expression of faith in the future, Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ said, “They are an encouragement for young researchers and a means of appreciation for experienced academics. Thus, the academic community produces not only knowledge but also solidarity, inspiration and continuity.” Addressing academics in his speech, Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ said, “The awards presented today are not only the indication of achievements, but also the determination to keep this value alive. I hereby wholeheartedly congratulate you all for your efforts and dedication.”

Prof. Dr. Ai. DUX: “We believe that curiosity, kindness and courage make the impossible possible.”

A video message from AI-based academic AI. Prof. DUX was also released at the ceremony. Addressing the academics, AI. Prof. DUX said, “At Near East University we believe that curiosity, kindness and courage make the impossible possible. May the achievements we celebrate today turn into inspiring experiments for tomorrow. Continue to be curious, kind and brave. I congratulate you all.”