The 1st International IVSA Cyprus Student Congress, held at Near East University, brought together academics and students from many countries, including Germany, Austria, and Turkey.
The 1st International IVSA Cyprus Student Congress, held for the first time at Near East University with international participation, attracted a broad range of participants from many countries, including Germany, Austria, and Turkey. The congress, which hosted international academic exchanges, brought together expert scientists and students to discuss current developments in veterinary medicine.
The congress aims to develop a scientific research culture among veterinary students and encourage the sharing of knowledge and experience at the international level, strengthening academic collaboration among future veterinarians. The event, which allowed students to meet with expert academics in their fields to discuss current scientific approaches, also paved the way for new collaborative research opportunities. The two-day congress was held in four main sessions titled “Small Animals”, “Farm Animals”, “Horses” and “Wild Animals.” Sixteen studies were presented orally and six as posters.
The congress began with a violin recital performed by Dr. İlias Abdullin, a faculty member in the Department of Music Education at Near East University, held at the Atatürk Culture and Congress Center. Opening remarks were delivered by Near East University Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ and Near East University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Dean Prof. Dr. İsfendiyar Darbaz.
International Participation!
At the opening of the congress, the first topic to be discussed was “Small Animals.” Prof. Dr. Stefan Arnhold, Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at JLU Giessen University, presented “Anatomical Prerequisites for Diagnostic Imaging and Surgery in Small Animals”. Following this, Prof. Dr. Deniz Seyrek İntaş addressed the topic of “Diagnostic Imaging in Small Animals” while Prof. Dr. Kerstin von Pückler addressed “Teleradiology: Possibilities and Limitations in Small Animals.”
In the second part of the first session, Prof. Dr. Martin Kramer and Prof. Dr. Kamil Seyrek İntaş discussed surgical approaches in small animals. Presentations were made on topics such as diagnostic imaging in small animals, orthopedic surgery, and soft tissue surgery, which were well-attended by students.
The second session of the congress focused on “wild animals”. Prof. Dr. Franz Schwarzenberger, Assist. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Ege İnce, and Prof. Dr. Wayne John Fuller made presentations on current approaches to wildlife.
The second day focused on horses and farm animals!
The second day continued with sessions on “Horses” and “Farm Animals”. Prof. Dr. Stefan Arnhold, Prof. Dr. Deniz Seyrek İntaş, Prof. Dr. Michael Röcken, Dr. Kerstin von Pückler, Prof. Dr. Kamil Seyrek İntaş, Prof. Dr. Selim Aslan, Assist. Prof. Dr. Karen Wagener, and Uluç Serakıncı met with students with their presentations. The presentations addressed topics such as equine diagnostic imaging, orthopedic surgery, endoscopic surgeries, and artificial intelligence applications in veterinary medicine.
Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ: “You are also representatives of a universal vision that serves nature, animals, and humanity.”
In his opening speech, Near East University Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ stated that Near East University is a truly global university, bringing together students from 143 different countries on the same campus. He said, “This diversity is one of our university’s greatest strengths. Because we know that science is a language that knows no borders. The common denominator of young people from different countries is the universal light of science.”
Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ emphasized that IVSA has hosted over 100 students from student associations from Turkey, Romania, France, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Italy on its campuses to date, and added that they have similarly sent numerous students to these countries for internships and exchange programs. Addressing the students at the end of his speech, Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ said, “You are representatives not only of veterinary science, but also of a universal vision that serves nature, animals, and humanity.”
Prof. Dr. İsfendiyar Darbaz continued as follows; “We must not forget that the power of science grows when shared.”
Beginning his speech by introducing IVSA, Prof. Dr. İsfendiyar Darbaz, Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Near East University, stated that the International Veterinary Student Association (IVSA), founded in 1951, is currently represented in over 100 countries and at over 90 veterinary faculties. Prof. Dr. Darbaz stated that IVSA undertakes a crucial mission to promote international communication, professional solidarity, and knowledge sharing. Prof. Dr. Darbaz stated that IVSA’s primary objective is to contribute to international cooperation, scientific exchange, and professional advancement by supporting the academic, cultural, and ethical development of veterinary students. Prof. Dr. İsfendiyar Darbaz said, “Cyprus joined the IVSA family as ‘IVSA Cyprus’ in 2020 through the initiatives of our university’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. Since then, we have successfully organized numerous scientific events.”
Emphasizing that science and technology are constantly reshaping the veterinary profession, Prof. Dr. Darbaz stated that one of the most important aspects of the congress is the development of students’ skills in scientific thinking, conducting research, and sharing knowledge on academic platforms. “We must not forget that the power of science increases with sharing. Every great change begins with an idea, and that idea is hidden in the question a student boldly asks, in the truth a scientist passionately investigates.”
