Hosted by Düzce University, the Science&Future European Researchers’ Night Science Festival took place as part of the "Science for Stronger Societies" (SCIENCE&FUTURE) project. This initiative is carried out under the Horizon Europe MSCA&CITIZENS program, coordinated by Sakarya University in partnership with Düzce University, Kocaeli University, and the Sakarya Governorate. (FULL STORY ON PAGE 4)
The event, organized by the Düzce University Research Deanery, brought together a notable crowd, including Düzce Governor Selçuk Aslan, AFAD President Okay Memiş, Düzce University Rector Prof. Dr. Nedim Sözbir, and Düzce Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Erdoğan Bıyık. Protocol members, institutional representatives, researchers, academics, and students were also in attendance. As a component of the EU Green Deal Strategy, the project focuses on building resilient cities to strengthen infrastructure and buildings against climate change and natural disasters. Partners include the Düzce Governorate, Kocaeli Provincial Directorate of National Education, and Türkiye Vakıflar Bankası TAO.
During the opening, Project Coordinator and Düzce University Research Dean Prof. Dr. Emine Tekin highlighted that the project’s core goal is to raise awareness about adapting to climate change and natural disasters. "While we cannot stop climate change, we can take precautions against the disasters it triggers," she noted. "We all have a responsibility to live in harmony with nature and ensure a cleaner world. Our goal is to foster a more conscious society."
Düzce TSO President Erdoğan Bıyık praised Düzce University for its role in shaping the future of science and contributing to local industry through academic knowledge. Rector Prof. Dr. Nedim Sözbir added that global challenges like climate change are not just environmental issues but global realities affecting our quality of life. He thanked all stakeholders for their efforts in creating more resilient cities through this project.
AFAD President Okay Memiş emphasized that Türkiye is a world leader in disaster response and recovery but stressed the need for further progress in risk reduction and building on solid ground. He also called on young people over 18 to join AFAD as volunteers. Governor Selçuk Aslan reinforced this, stating that while the state is highly capable in recovery efforts, public costs are significantly lowered through risk reduction. He urged everyone to listen to science and take individual responsibility in building resilient cities.
The festival featured a wide array of activities, including science talks, drama performances, music recitals, and folk dances. In the "Science Talks" session led by Prof. Dr. Emine Tekin, AFAD President Okay Memiş discussed the massive recovery efforts following the February 6, 2023, earthquakes, highlighting the historic scale of permanent housing construction and updated building regulations.
Other speakers included Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Hafize Öksüz from Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University, Prof. Dr. Cumali Kınacı from ITU, Prof. Dr. Ali Bilgili from Ankara University, Asst. Prof. Zeliha Şahin Çağlı from Ostim Technical University, and Göksel Korkmaz, President of the Turkish Forest Products Industrialists and Businessmen Association. They shared insights on climate resilience and disaster management.
The day continued with a performance by the Düzce University Choir and DJ Tolga Yılmaz. Attendees visited booths from various academic units, student clubs, and organizations like TÜBİTAK-MAM, Kızılay, and Düzce Municipality. Hands-on "try-and-do" workshops covered practical topics like wastewater treatment, composting food waste, recycling crayons and paper, and analyzing drinking water.
By gathering experts and the public, Düzce University fostered a collaborative environment for sharing knowledge and developing new perspectives on the scientific world.
