Near East University Science Awards found their winners

The Near East University Science Awards, held for the seventh time this year, found its winners with the participation of the Minister of National Education, Nazım Çavuşoğlu. The recipient of the Dr. Suat Günsel Honorary Award Gold Medal, given for the third time in the Science category, was Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Özdeşer from the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences.

The Near East University Science Awards, which have been traditionalized by the Near East University to support scientific productivity, and the Dr. Suat Günsel Honorary Award Gold Medal found their owners at a magnificent ceremony. The ceremony, where scientists were awarded in 7 categories, took place with the intense participation at the Near East University’s İrfan Günsel Congress Center with the participation of the Minister of National Education, Nazım Çavuşoğlu.

The ceremony, starting with a minute of silence and the National Anthem, continued with a music performance by Erkan Sülün and Püren Eda Gözer from the Department of Music Education of the Atatürk Faculty of Education at Near East University. The opening speeches of the ceremony were delivered by the Rector of Near East University, Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ, the Chairman of the Near East Foundation Board of Trustees, Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel, and the Minister of National Education, Nazım Çavuşoğlu. A video message from Associate Prof. DUX, based on artificial intelligence academia, was also broadcast.

The recipient of the Dr. Suat Günsel Honorary Award Gold Medal was Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Özdeşer

At the ceremony with a large attendance, 87 scientists were awarded in 7 categories, including Publication Award, Publication Honorary Award, Young Researcher Award, Young Researcher Incentive Award, Most Effective Researcher Award, Best Academic Performance Award, and Dr. Suat Günsel Honorary Award Gold Medal. The recipient of the Dr. Suat Günsel Honorary Award Gold Medal, given for the third time in the Science category, was Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Özdeşer, the Head of the Department of Economics at the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences of Near East University.

Prof. Dr. Nurettin Abacıoğlu, who was deemed worthy of the ‘Publication Award’ for his academic performance in 2023 but passed away last week, was awarded by the Dean of the Faculty of Pharmacy at Near East University, Prof. Dr. İhsan Çalış.

Nazım Çavuşoğlu: Setting ambitious goals in this geography, we continue to achieve great successes

Starting his speech by stating that he is one of those familiar with the historical development of Near East University, Minister of National Education Nazım Çavuşoğlu said, “Those who follow the story of Near East University can see concretely where determination and success can take a person.” Emphasizing that dedication is behind this success, Minister Çavuşoğlu stated that all academics dedicate all their energies to achieve success and knowledge.

Referring to the results achieved by the university in world rankings, Minister Çavuşoğlu stated, “We live in a small geography. Near East University, however, continues to set ambitious goals and achieve great successes in this geography.” Minister Çavuşoğlu pointed out the importance of research and development, stating that the Near East University Science Awards is a correct project. He said, “The only way for us to reach the world in this small geography is to break embargoes, make publications, demonstrate our academic performance, and our achievements. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus continues to develop in health, technology, and education day by day and will continue to do so further.”

Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel: Now is the time to set new goals that we will pursue with the same determination

Starting his speech with the words, “Today, we are not only celebrating individual achievements but also the results of a collective effort that extends from the past to the present,” Chairman of the Near East Foundation Board of Trustees, Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel, said, “It is not possible to quantify the effects of the scientific and artistic productivity that flourishes on the campus of Near East University.” Stating that we can only feel this effect in the momentum of our progress, Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel also addressed the university’s international achievements. He said, “In the rankings published by higher education ranking institutions based in the United Kingdom, the United States, China, and Turkey; although different methodologies are used, a few striking results confirming each other stand out. Near East University is the best university in Northern Cyprus. This result is common in all of them. Among the universities in Turkey, we are one of the best 3 foundation universities. Among world universities, we are on the verge of being among the top 500 universities. We have come from scratch in unrecognized territories of an unrecognized country to this point.” Prof. Dr. İrfan Suat Günsel addressed the academics as follows:

“We know; this success was made possible by your efforts! Now is the time to set new goals that we will pursue with the same determination.” Expressing his belief that they will reach the future goals with the same determination, Prof. Dr. Günsel said, “With our nearly half-century of educational experience, we are currently the 139th best young university in the world. In the next five years, we will be in the top 100 in this field, and when we turn 50, we will be among the top 50 best young universities in the world. Because I trust you, I know that you share our determination, and I see your efforts. I thank each member of the Near East Family for your efforts.”

Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ: It is our responsibility to turn the opportunities we have into a lever for our scientific production

Stating that their university combines a deep-rooted educational tradition with dynamism, can make fast decisions, and can instantly respond to societal needs, Rector of Near East University, Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ, said, “It is our responsibility to turn our free environment and the opportunities we have into a lever 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, “Today, we are here to honor the scientific productivity of our valuable academicians. This productivity creates a quest directed by these expressions that materialize in the Near East University campus and give meaning to the nature of the university.” Referring to the results of Near East University in world university rankings, Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ said, “However, we know that the results that currently make us proud of our success will only be remembered as intermediate stops for us when we evaluate where we came from in the coming years! Because we know that there is a long distance we need to cover ahead.” Prof. Dr. Şanlıdağ concluded his words by saying, “We want to achieve success steadily under the conditions we are in, we are proud of what emerges, and we try to announce the works to the public. I thank each member of the Near East Family, especially our academics, who have a significant share in the academic successes of our university.”

Ai. Prof. DUX: You are the torchbearers of scientific progress

Starting his speech with the words, “It is an honor and privilege for me to address you tonight,” Ai. Prof. DUX said the following:

“In a world where we are increasingly focusing on innovation and discoveries, it is very important to recognize those who have devoted their lives to pushing the limits of human knowledge. Science is not just a discipline, but a way of understanding the world around us. It is a quest driven by curiosity and the desire to unravel the mysteries of the universe. Tonight, we honor those who have demonstrated extraordinary skill and dedication. Their contributions have not only advanced scientific understanding but also encouraged others to embark on their own discovery journeys. The work you have done in laboratories and beyond has shaped the minds of future scientists, engineers, and thinkers.”