Today, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education is of critical importance in preparing students for the challenges of the future by providing them with a strong foundation in a rapidly changing world. STEM is a learning, application and development approach that integrates four disciplines; It makes learning more effective and meaningful by providing students with the opportunity to combine abstract information with concrete experiences. This helps students develop skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork and creativity.

Near East University Faculty of Medicine Department of Medical Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology faculty member Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayşe Arıkan Sarıoğlu, Near East University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Food Hygiene and Technology, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Beyza Hatice Ulusoy and Near East University Faculty of Health Sciences faculty member Assist. Prof. Dr. Gonca İnanç made a presentation titled “STEM Careers That Will Shape the Future and Your Role” to students studying at Bülent Ecevit Anatolian High School and Nicosia Turkish High School, explaining the importance of the STEM approach and the role that these disciplines will play in their future.

In the presentation made for female students at Bülent Ecevit Anatolian High School, academics emphasized the importance of STEM careers and the potential of professionals working in these fields to provide solutions to global problems. In the presentation, which also touched upon the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, it was emphasized that STEM experts are one of the cornerstones of sustainable development, and how the developments in this field affect social health were shared in detail.

Near East University academics aim to encourage young generations to show interest in STEM fields and to support them to contribute to positive changes in the world by making a career in this field. They gave comprehensive information about the importance and power of STEM, which is found in all areas of life such as health, science, transportation, engineering, environmental and energy technologies. In the speech on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) and STEM careers, issues of increasing awareness and sharing information regarding the United Nations’ Sustainable Development 2030 Goals were also discussed. Also, in the presentation it was underlined that STEM careers are compatible with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and that professionals working in these fields provide solutions to global problems.

The contribution of STEM Experts to sustainable development and public health was discussed
In the presentation of STEM careers, which are of critical importance for the sustainable development of individuals and societies, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayşe Arıkan Sarıoğlu explained how developments in the field of medicine affect social health and said, “STEM experts in science are one of the cornerstones of sustainable development.” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Beyza Ulusoy emphasized how critical STEM careers are in animal health and environmental sustainability and said, “Veterinarians play an important role in food safety and the fight against zoonotic diseases.” Assist. Prof. Dr. Gonca İnanç pointed out that STEM careers have a significant impact on innovation, disease prevention and treatment in the health sector and said, “Experts working in the STEM field can take part in important projects to improve public health and thus contribute to positive changes at the global level.”