The 5th Scientific and Academic Research Congress (SCAR), held at Near East University, brought together academics from Albania, Philippines, India, Iran, Canada, Kyrgyzstan, Northern Cyprus, Poland, Taiwan, Turkey, Ukraine, and Yemen. An academic cooperation protocol was also signed between Near East University and Karamanoğlu Mehmetbey University, which collaborated in organizing the congress.

Near East University, ranked among the top 500 universities in the world, hosted the 5th Scientific and Academic Research Congress (SCAR), bringing together academics from different countries in Northern Cyprus. Organized in collaboration with Karamanoğlu Mehmetbey University, the congress created a significant platform for international scientific interaction with its broad academic participation. An academic cooperation protocol was also signed between Near East University and Karamanoğlu Mehmetbey University.

The opening speeches of the congress were given by Near East University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Umut Aksoy and Karamanoğlu Mehmetbey University Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Gavgalı and co-chairs Assoc. Prof. Dr. Alper Yusuf Köroğlu and Prof. Dr. Candan Öztürk.

The congress, which lasted two days, hosted academics from Turkey and the TRNC, as well as Albania, Taiwan, Kyrgyzstan, Ukraine, Yemen, Poland, Philippines, Canada, India, and Iran. Numerous academics and students, in addition to researchers, participated in the congress, throughout which presentations were given in many fields such as artificial intelligence, health sciences, nursing, education, psychology, sustainability, economics, and engineering. Participants came together in two different panels; scientific studies were shared in 14 face-to-face sessions and 10 parallel online sessions, with a total of 133 presentations.

An academic cooperation protocol was signed between the two universities…

An academic cooperation protocol was also signed between Near East University and Karamanoğlu Mehmetbey University, which collaborated in organizing the congress. The protocol, signed by Near East University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kurt and Karamanoğlu Mehmetbey University Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Gavgalı, aims to facilitate joint scientific research between the two universities, support academic publication activities, develop student and academic exchange programs, and implement joint projects and events.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Kurt emphasized that inter-university collaborations are one of the most important factors in increasing scientific production and research capacity, saying, “Our goal is to work harder, produce more, and offer what we produce for the benefit of humanity and society.” Prof. Dr. Kurt added that the cooperation protocol will significantly contribute to this goal and expressed his belief that this collaboration will strengthen both institutions.

He noted that the protocol has a deeper meaning, particularly in terms of increasing scientific production. Mehmet Gavgalı emphasized the high performance of the academics, saying, “We truly have a productive and strong academic staff. We believe that this potential will be further advanced through the right collaborations. This agreement is a step that plans not only for today but also for the future. We aim to make this collaboration continuous and sustainable through joint projects, academic exchanges, and scientific studies.”

Prof. Dr. Umut Aksoy: “Science is a dynamic process that questions, develops, and transforms knowledge into social benefit.”

In his speech at the opening of the congress, Near East University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Umut Aksoy stated that scientific research is not limited to accessing information, adding, “Science is a dynamic process that questions, develops, and transforms knowledge into social benefit.” Prof. Dr. Aksoy stated that the global problems affecting the world today can only be overcome through interdisciplinary collaborations, critical thinking, and high-quality scientific production. Thus, he said, science is not only an academic activity but also a strategic responsibility that shapes the future of societies.

Emphasizing that Near East University has operated with a science-centered approach since its establishment, Prof. Dr. Aksoy said, “We aimed to develop a vision that produces knowledge and transforms it into social benefit. Our ranking among the top 500 universities in the world according to the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026 demonstrates that this determined academic vision has found international recognition.”

Prof. Dr. Mehmet Gavgalı added: “Science is the courage to ask questions about the unknown.”

Karamanoğlu Mehmetbey University Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Gavgalı stated that the congress is not only a platform for presenting scientific studies, but also an important academic gathering where different disciplines come together to generate new ideas. Prof. Dr. Gavgalı noted that scientific studies often progress in the depths of their areas of expertise, but emphasized that in today’s world, true progress can only be achieved through contact with different disciplines. Prof. Dr. Gavgalı said, “This broad spectrum, ranging from health sciences to social sciences, from natural sciences to fine arts, shows us that true development is hidden where boundaries are crossed and knowledge converges.”

Stating that the congress is an important meeting point that encourages transcending academic boundaries, Prof. Dr. Gavgalı said that bringing together researchers from different fields under one roof will greatly contribute to scientific production. He also emphasized that science is not merely about repeating existing knowledge, adding, “Science is the courage to ask questions about the unknown.”

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Alper Yusuf Köroğlu: “Our main goal is to bring together scientists from different fields in a shared vision and to open new horizons with the unifying power of science.”

Stating that we are living in an era where information is consumed very quickly, Congress Co-Chair Assoc. Prof. Dr. Alper Yusuf Köroğlu emphasized that high-quality research based on scientific principles is more important than ever. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Köroğlu said, “Today, more than ever, we need studies based on scientific literature and with high validity and reliability, rather than popular discourse.” Expressing that the main goal of the congress is to bring together researchers from different disciplines on a common ground, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Köroğlu said, “The main goal of this congress is to bring together scientists from different fields in a shared vision and to open new horizons with the unifying power of science.”

Prof. Dr. Candan Öztürk: “This meaningful organization is one of the best examples of inter-university cooperation and a culture of collaborative production.”

Emphasizing the unifying power of science and the boundless nature of collective intelligence, Congress Co-Chair Prof. Dr. Candan Öztürk said, “Today, we are gathered here to experience together the unifying power of science and the boundless nature of collective intelligence.” Reminding that the congress was prepared in collaboration with Karamanoğlu Mehmetbey University, Prof. Dr. Öztürk added, “This meaningful organization is one of the finest examples of inter-university cooperation and a culture of collaborative production.”

Prof. Dr. Öztürk stressed that science is not merely about producing knowledge, but also about carrying the responsibility of producing solutions for humanity. Stating that the congress should not be considered solely an academic event, Prof. Dr. Öztürk said, “Every contact established here today, every piece of information shared, and every idea discussed is an important step in shaping the world of tomorrow.”