The Near East University Science Awards ceremony, where 76 academicians received awards in 7 categories, together with the Dr. Suat Günsel Honor Award Gold Medal, was held at the Near East University Atatürk Culture and Congress Center with the participation of President Ersin Tatar, Minister of Labor and Social Security Hasan Taçoy and YODAK President Turgay Avcı.
The 6th Near East University Science Awards ceremony, organized by the Near East University to support and honor scientific productivity this year, was attended by President Ersin Tatar, Minister of Labor and Social Security Hasan Taçoy and YODAK President Prof. Dr. Turgay Avcı and held at the Near East University Atatürk Culture and Congress Center.
At the Near East University Science Awards ceremony, which took place with intense participation; Publication Award, Publication Honorary Award, Young Researcher Award, Young Researcher Encouragement Award, Most Influential Researcher Award, Best Academic Performance Award and the second time in the field of science, Dr. Suat Günsel Honor Award Gold Medal were given to 76 scientists in 7 categories. Awarded for the second time in the Science category, the owner of the Dr. Suat Günsel Honor Award Gold Medal became Prof. Dr. Evren Hincal.
In the ceremony, a certificate of appreciation was also presented to the academicians representing the Near East University at scientific events such as congresses, conferences and symposiums held on international platforms.
In the ceremony, which started with a moment of silence and the National Anthem, respectively; Near East University Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Near East Enterprises Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel, YODAK President Prof. Dr. Turgay Avcı and President Ersin Tatar made speeches.
Before the speeches, Erkan Sülün, İrada Melikova and İmge Dinçer from the Near East University Atatürk Education Faculty Music Teaching Department gave a concert to the participants.
President Ersin Tatar: “Thanks to your efforts, all obstacles are overcome.”
President Ersin Tatar, who said he was happy to be at the 6th Near East University Science Awards, said, “The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus continues to make its name known to the world with its universities, education and the work of our successful academics who conduct research.”
Stating that Near East University has achieved great success in world rankings with its studies in science, art, technology, health and many other fields, President Tatar said that Near East University has put great effort in this way.
Mentioning the political difficulties experienced by the TRNC, President Ersin Tatar stated that education and science can overcome all obstacles: As Near East University, I appreciate all the projects you carry out with your commitment to each other and successful teamwork. Your success also means the success of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.”
Stating that the world is developing and progressing rapidly, President Tatar said, “We are in an age where technology, artificial intelligence and space technologies are rapidly entering our lives. Especially in this age, to be a scientist, to keep up with this change and development, to achieve these successes is a great wealth.”
Pointing out that the TRNC has developed in many respects in recent years, President Tatar emphasized that our country is now an island of education in real terms. President Tatar continued: “With all these achievements, there will be a flow of students from the world to our country and Near East University. We will have many students carrying out both master’s and doctorate. The TRNC has now passed this exam as an education island and has been registered as an education island.”
YODAK President Prof. Dr. Turgay Avcı: “In addition to a management with a world vision for success, the existence of valuable academicians who research, produce and reveal with a world vision is necessary. Near East University has both.”
Starting his speech by reminding that he attended the Near East University Science Awards ceremony last year, the Chairman of the Higher Education Planning, Supervision, Accreditation and Coordination Board (YODAK) Prof. Dr. Turgay Avcı said, “I am happy to be here with you once again at the Near East University Science Awards ceremony.”
Speaking about the importance of higher education, Prof. Dr. Turgay Avcı, emphasized that Near East University brought the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus to the same level with the world in the field of education, science and art. Stating that success requires teamwork and that all components must meet on a common ground for success, Prof. Dr. Turgay Avcı said, “In addition to management with a world vision for success, the existence of esteemed academicians who conduct research, produce science and reveal results with a world vision is necessary. Near East University has both.”
Stating that climbing the academic ladder is difficult and challenging, Prof. Dr. Turgay Avcı congratulated all academics who achieved success within the scope of the Near East University Science Awards.
Stating that Near East University is not only successful in the fields of education, health, technology, science and art, Prof. Dr. Turgay Avcı said, “The Near East University has achieved great success in many fields and continues to do so. I congratulate the Near East University and Günsel Family, who continue on their way with their unending energy.”
Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel: “Our priority is to increase the contribution of science to society, to encourage discoveries and to encourage future scientists. This is the aim of the Near East University Science Awards, which is the most important symbol of the value we attach to scientific production.”
Near East Enterprises Chairman of the Board of Trustees Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel, in his speech emphasizing that science is one of the greatest treasures of humanity, said, “Thanks to science, we understand, explain and change nature. We make many inventions, discoveries and innovations that make our lives easier. Thanks to science, we protect our health, fight diseases and extend our lifespan. We are improving our education, enriching our culture and advancing our civilization.”
Stating that the Near East University is advancing with the vision of scientific productivity, Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel said, “With this wisdom, to contribute to the scientific world and humanity, to represent the TRNC in scientific events we host or participate in, to strengthen the integrity of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus with the Turkish world, especially with Turkey, by leading social progress in science, art and technology is our primary goal.
“For people, countries and societies, there is only a thin line between courage and captivity,” saying Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel further added, “If we cannot take bold steps in science and technology in today’s world, it is the end of it in the age of global competition; unfortunately the end is captivity. For this reason, advancing in science and technology is first and foremost a matter of national interest and is the most important requirement for the development of our country. Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel, “In the pandemic period, every step we took, from launching the protective nasal spray Olirin to producing our country’s local PCR kit, from developing respiratory equipment to developing and producing basic usage products such as disinfectants, masks and face shields, was a product of this necessity and motivation.”
Speaking about the domestic and national car GÜNSEL, Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel said, “From R&D to design and engineering; Our 100% electric GÜNSEL, which we developed with our own means on the campus I live in, is the biggest result of this motivation. Because, the fact that GÜNSEL, which will change the fate of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, starts mass production and appears on the roads of the world, is invaluable in terms of the economic development it will provide, as well as the self-confidence it will bring to our people.
Reminding that Near East University is at the top of the rankings published by many international higher education rating institutions, Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel said, “Our priority is-; to increase the contribution of science to society, to encourage discoveries and to encourage future scientists. This is the aim of the Near East University Science Awards, which is the most important symbol of the value we attach to scientific production. Because this journey will never end.”
Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ: “We conduct research, develop, produce and share the knowledge arising from all these studies with the world on scientific grounds.”
Starting his speech at the award ceremony by saying “Academicism is a long journey”, Near East University Rector Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ said, “I would like to say proudly and happily; we continue to walk on our way, working with all our strength to achieve the big goals set. We conduct research, develop, produce and share the knowledge arising from all these studies with the world on scientific grounds.
Recalling the achievements of Near East University by many international higher education rating agencies in 2022, Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ said; “The Near East University is among about 2 thousand universities from 104 countries in the world’s best universities ranking announced by Times Higher Education (THE) in October 2022, in the 601-800 band; in the 251-300 band in the world young universities rankings; In the impact ranking, it was in the 401-600 band. While being among the top 250 universities in the world in the fields of Computer Science and Engineering, we continued our rise and ranked among the top 175 universities in the world in the field of Computer Science and among the top 200 universities in the world in the field of Engineering.”
Speaking about the success of Near East University in the “Best Global Universities 2022-2023″ field ranking published by US News & World Report, Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ said, “Near East University was the only TRNC university to be included in the list in the field of physics. In addition, we were ranked 436th in the world in the field of engineering in this ranking, and we were shown as the best foundation university in Cyprus and the best foundation university in Turkey in this field. We repeated similar achievements in the listings of many rating institutions such as AD Scientific Index, ODTÜ URAP, and Shangai Ranking.”
Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ also underlined that Near East University academicians published nearly 1700 articles that were scanned in international indexes in 2022 and said, “The main goal for us is to realize the goal of the research, development, transformation into a project, production and scientific publication, and to continue on our way by putting it on every year. Our place in these rankings is just an indicator for us.”
Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ, “Near East University Science Awards are a mark of our respect and gratitude to you, our esteemed scientists, who have succeeded in maintaining their collaboration with each other, with their institution, with their country and with the world of science. I congratulate all of you and thank you for your companionship.”
