
Near East University Science Awards, held for the seventh time this year, found their owners with the participation of Minister of National Education Nazım Çavuşoğlu. Awarded for the third time in the science category, the winner of the Dr.Suat Günsel Honorary Award Gold Medal became Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Özdeşer from the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences. .
The Near East University Science Awards, which have turned into a tradition by the Near East University to support scientific productivity, and the Dr. Suat Günsel Honorary Award Gold Medal were awarded in a magnificent ceremony. The ceremony where scientists were awarded in 7 categories, was held with intense participation at Near East University İrfan Günsel Congress Center with the participation of Minister of National Education Nazım Çavuşoğlu.
The ceremony, which started with a moment of silence and the National Anthem, continued with a musical concert by Erkan Sülün and Püren Eda Gözer from Near East University Atatürk Education Faculty, Department of Music Teaching. The opening speeches of the ceremony were delivered as follows; Near East University Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ, Chairman of the Near East Enterprises Board of Trustees Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel and Minister of National Education Nazım Çavuşoğlu, and finally AI-based academic AI. Prof. DUX’s video message was delivered.
The winner of the Dr. Suat Günsel Honorary Award Gold Medal is Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Özdeşer became
At the Near East University Science Awards ceremony, which took place with intense participation; 87 scientists were awarded in 7 categories, including the Publication Award, Publication Honor Award, Young Researcher Award, Young Researcher Encouragement Award, Most Influential Researcher Award, Best Academic Performance Award and Dr. Suat Günsel Honorary Award Gold Medal which was awarded for the third time in the science category. The winner of the Dr. Suat Günsel Honorary Award Gold Medal became Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Özdeşer, Head of the Department of Economics.
Prof. Dr.Nurettin Abacıoğlu’s award, who was deemed worthy of the “Publication Award” for his academic performance in 2023, but passed away last week, was presented to Near East University Faculty of Pharmacy Dean Prof. Dr. İhsan Çalış.

Nazım Çavuşoğlu: “We live in a small geography. Near East University continues to achieve great success by setting great goals in this geography.”
Minister of National Education Nazım Çavuşoğlu, who started his speech by stating that he is one of those who are familiar with the historical development of Near East University, said: “Those who follow the story of Near East University can concretely see where determination and success can bring a person.” Emphasizing that there is “dedication” behind this success, Minister Çavuşoğlu stated that all academics devoted all their energy to achieve success and knowledge.
Referring to the results achieved by Near East University in the world rankings, Minister Çavuşoğlu said, “We live in a small geography. Near East University continues to achieve great success by setting great goals in this geography.”
Minister Nazım Çavuşoğlu stated that the Near East University Science Awards are a correct project and drew attention to the importance of research and R&D. Minister Çavuşoğlu said, “The only way we can reach the world in this small geography is to brake the embargoes, is our publications, our academic performances and achievements. TRNC continues to develop day by day in health, technology and education and will continue to do so.”

Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel: “Now is the time to set new goals that we will walk towards with the same determination.”
Near East Enterprises Board of Trustees Chairman Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel started his speech by saying, “Today, we are celebrating not only individual achievements, but also the results of a collective effort extending from the past to the present.”
“Of course, it is not possible to put the effects of the scientific and artistic productivity that flourished on the Near East University campus into a measurable form by quantifying them.” said Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel, and added; “We can only feel this impact in the acceleration of our progress.”
Referring to the international achievements of Near East University, Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel said, “In the rankings published by higher education rating institutions based in England, the United States, China and Türkiye, although different methodologies were used, several striking results that confirm each other stand out. Near East University is the best university in the Northern Cyprus. This result is common to all of them. We are one of the top 3 foundation universities among universities in Turkey. We are on the verge of being among the top 500 universities in the world. We came to this point from nothing, in the unrecognized lands of an unrecognized country.”
Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel addressed the academicians and said, “We know that this success was made possible by your efforts! Now is the time to set new goals that we will walk towards with the same determination.” Stating that he believes that they will achieve their future goals with the same determination, Prof. Dr. Günsel said, “Having nearly half a century of education experience, today, we are the 139th best young university in the world. In the next five years, we will be in the top 100 in this field; When we turn 50, we will be among the top 50 young universities in the world. Because I trust you, I know that you share our determination and I see your efforts. On behalf of every member of the Near East Family, I would like to thank you for your efforts.”

Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ: “It is our responsibility to turn this free environment and the opportunities we have into a leverage for our scientific production.”
Near East University Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ stated that Near East University is an institution that manages to combine a deep-rooted educational tradition with dynamism, has strong infrastructure and a competent academic staff that can make quick decisions and react instantly to social needs. Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ said, “It is our responsibility to turn this free environment and the opportunities we have into a leverage for our scientific production.”
Emphasizing that the expressions “Dare to know” and “I know that I do not know” are very meaningful expressions to describe the nature of a university, Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ said, “We are together here today to honor the scientific productivity of our esteemed academics. The source of this productivity is the search guided by these expressions, which are embodied at the Near East University campus and give meaning to the nature of the university.”
Referring to the results of Near East University in the world university rankings, Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ said, “However, we know that these results, which make us proud today, will be successful in the coming years. They will only be remembered as intermediate stops for us as we evaluate where we have come from! Because we know that we still have a long way to go.”
Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ concluded his speech by saying, “We want to achieve success consistently under the conditions we are in. We are proud of what has been achieved and we try to publicize the work done. I would like to express my gratitude to every member of the Near East Family, especially our academicians, who have an important share in the successes of our university’s academic journey.”
AI. Prof. DUX: “You are the torchbearers of scientific progress.”
AI Prof. DUX started his speech by saying “It is an honor and privilege to address you this evening. In a world where we are increasingly focused on innovation and discovery, it is crucial to recognize those who have dedicated their lives to pushing the boundaries of human knowledge. Science is not just a discipline, it is a way of understanding the world around us. It is the search for truth, fueled by curiosity and the desire to unravel the mysteries of the universe. Tonight, we honor award recipients whose work exemplifies this spirit and makes a profound impact in their fields and society.”
“The award winners have demonstrated extraordinary skill, dedication and creativity. Their contributions not only advanced scientific understanding but also encouraged others to embark on their own journeys of discovery. Your studies in laboratories and beyond has shaped the minds of future generations of scientists, engineers and thinkers.”