A CERTIFICATE PRESENTATION CEREMONY WAS HELD FOR STUDENTS WHO RECEIVED SUPPORT FOR TUBITAK 2209 PROJECTS

A certificate presentation ceremony was held at our university for the students and project advisors whose projects were entitled to be supported in the first semester of the TÜBITAK 2209-A and 2209-B University Students Research Projects Support Program 2024.

Our Rector Prof. Erol YAŞAR, Vice Rectors Prof. Mehmet İsmail YAGCI, Prof. Ahmet Hakan OZTURK and Prof. Mehmet Çağrı CETIN, Rector Advisors Prof. Ayla OZER, Prof. Fatih İlker KARA, Prof. Tuğba YANPAR, Assoc. Prof. Erhan ARSLAN, academic and administrative staff and students attended the ceremony held at Prof. Dr. Uğur Oral Cultural Center on Friday, April 25.

Our Rector Prof. Erol YAŞAR, who made the opening speech after the Respectful Silence and the National Anthem, stated that he was happy to be together to celebrate the students whose projects were entitled to receive support at associate and undergraduate level within the scope of TÜBİTAK 2209-A and 2209-B programs and the advisor academicians who guided them. Stating that 47 projects received support last year and 177 projects received support this year, Rector Prof. Dr. YAŞAR said, "This significant increase is not only a quantitative achievement, but also a concrete reflection of the culture of scientific thinking, research-based learning and innovative academic approach that is gradually developing at our University."

Our Rector Prof. Erol YAŞAR stated that scientific research is not only a part of academic production, but also the main pillar of the development of societies, technological progress, social development and a sustainable future and said, "Raising individuals who produce knowledge, question, discover and develop innovative solutions is the most fundamental responsibility of modern universities. In line with this responsibility, it is a strategic goal for us to promote research culture at the associate and undergraduate level. In line with this goal, TÜBİTAK 2209-A and 2209-B projects enable our students to get acquainted with academic life from an early stage, to make original contributions by applying scientific methods, and to gain versatile skills such as teamwork, problem solving and project management. This process will also carry our students to graduate and more advanced scientific levels with a strong preparation."

Prof. Erol YAŞAR, Rector of our University, stated that our university is determinedly moving towards both qualified scientific production and the vision of becoming a research university with the increasing number of projects every year and said, "These supports received from TÜBİTAK contribute not only to the projects but also to the strengthening of the academic profile of our university and its place in national and international rankings. I sincerely believe that these achievements will increase in the coming years and Mersin University will make a name for itself in the fields of research, innovation and entrepreneurship. In line with this vision, we, as the university administration, continue to support our research students and academicians more strongly."

Speaking about the support given to 2209 projects by our University, our Rector Prof. Erol YAŞAR said, "As you know, this year we will transfer 150,000,000 TL to our units that receive support for 10 or more associate and undergraduate student projects from TÜBİTAK 2209 projects. We are not satisfied with this; in addition to the 10 accepted projects, we provide additional support of 50,000 TL for every 5 projects that qualify for support. With this incentive model, we aim to qualitatively diversify the number of projects as well as quantitatively increase and further strengthen our research infrastructure. This support will continue to increase in the coming period."

Our Rector Prof. Erol YAŞAR stated that this success of our students is not just about writing a project; it is also a result of the fact that they have wondered, thought, questioned, and produced solutions. "The effort, time management, patience and desire to learn that you have shown in this process will not only bring you today's success, but also invaluable advantages in your future academic, professional and personal life. Every step of a project, from the idea stage to the writing, implementation and reporting of a project, will provide you with skills such as analytical thinking, teamwork, self-confidence and leadership. This process shapes the scientists, engineers, teachers, healthcare professionals, artists and managers of the future. You are the individuals who shape the scientific future of Mersin University and Turkey. I would like to thank each of you individually for this success you have shown, and I wish your success to increase exponentially."

Prof. Erol YAŞAR, Rector of our University, thanked the academicians who advised the students for their success and said, "You, our academicians, are not only the advisors of our students; you are also academic role models who guide and inspire them on their scientific journey. The dedication you show in this voluntary counseling process makes invaluable contributions to the academic knowledge and reputation of Mersin University. Your efforts, guidance and encouragement play a major role in the success of our students. I sincerely thank each and every one of you for transferring the research culture to our students, strengthening their belief in the project and encouraging them. These achievements are only possible with your guidance and academic support."