The "Science for Stronger Societies" (SCIENCE&FUTURE) European Researchers' Night Science Festival was held at Düzce University. The project 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. (DETAILS ON PAGE 6)
The program, organized by the Düzce University Research Deanery, was attended by Düzce Governor Selçuk Aslan, AFAD President Okay Memiş, Düzce University Rector Prof. Dr. Nedim Sözbir, Düzce Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Erdoğan Bıyık, protocol members, representatives of partner institutions, researchers, academics, and students. With the Düzce Governorate, Kocaeli Provincial Directorate of National Education, and Türkiye Vakıflar Bankası TAO among the participating institutions, the project aligns with the EU’s Green Deal Strategy. It focuses on the theme of "resilient cities" to strengthen durable buildings and infrastructure in adapting to climate change and natural disasters.
Delivering the opening speech, Project Coordinator and Düzce University Research Dean Prof. Dr. Emine Tekin explained that the project’s main goal is to raise awareness about adapting to climate change and natural disasters. Expressing her pride in bringing together students, public institutions, and industrial firms, Prof. Dr. Tekin stated, "We cannot prevent climate change, but we can at least take precautions against the disasters it triggers. Everyone has responsibilities to ensure a greener, cleaner world and to live in sturdy housing that is in harmony with nature. In this regard, we are striving to become a more conscious society."
Speaking at the program, Düzce Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Erdoğan Bıyık mentioned that Düzce University shapes the future of science through its scientific studies and contributes greatly to the development of Düzce’s industry. Emphasizing that they place great importance on university-industry cooperation as the Düzce TSO, Bıyık added that they are pleased to see academic knowledge produced at the university reflected in the industry, noting that they have signed numerous cooperation protocols and conducted many projects with Düzce University.
Düzce University Rector Prof. Dr. Nedim Sözbir pointed out in his speech that the world faces challenges like climate change and natural disasters, saying, "These issues are more than just environmental matters; they are a global reality that directly affects the future and quality of life of societies. In this context, the 'Science for Stronger Societies' project, led by Sakarya University, aims to create more resilient cities and infrastructures." Highlighting that such events increase public interest in science and help spread scientific knowledge to wide audiences, Rector Sözbir concluded by thanking all stakeholders who contributed to the project.
AFAD President Okay Memiş began his speech by stating that the Turkish state and nation are among the best in the world in disaster response and post-disaster recovery efforts. Pointing out that progress needs to be made in risk reduction, Okay Memiş emphasized the importance of building sturdy structures on solid ground. Inviting every young person over the age of 18 to become an AFAD volunteer, Okay Memiş said they have always received support from volunteer citizens and non-governmental organizations during disasters.
Invited to the podium to deliver his speech, Düzce Governor Selçuk Aslan stated that our country faces the reality of disasters and evaluated the state's level in the response and recovery phases as being very high. Mentioning that risk reduction efforts significantly lower public costs, Selçuk Aslan strongly emphasized that science must be listened to in order to correctly shape and build the future, resilient cities must be created, and individuals must take responsibility alongside the state on these issues.
The program hosted by Düzce University featured many activities ranging from science talks, drama performances, and music recitals to workshop/experiment activities, folk dances, competitions, and science shows. In the "Science Talks" session chaired by Prof. Dr. Emine Tekin, AFAD President Okay Memiş shared detailed information about the work carried out after the February 6, 2023, earthquakes. Stating that the state responded to the earthquake across an area of 120,000 square kilometers, Okay Memiş emphasized the importance of major projects they implemented, such as the largest permanent housing construction in history and the update of the building earthquake regulation.
In the continuation of the Science Talks; Kahramanmaraş Sütçü İmam University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Hafize Öksüz, Istanbul Technical University Faculty Member Prof. Dr. Cumali Kınacı, Ankara University Faculty Member Prof. Dr. Ali Bilgili, Ostim Technical University Faculty Member Asst. Prof. Zeliha Şahin Çağlı, and Göksel Korkmaz, President of the Turkish Forest Products Industrialists and Businessmen Association, shared enlightening information on various topics such as climate change, fighting natural disasters, and establishing resilient cities.
The program continued with a music recital by the Düzce University Choir, prepared by Prof. Dr. Haluk Yücel of the Düzce University Faculty of Art, Design, and Architecture, and a stage performance by DJ Tolga Yılmaz. Protocol members and participants visited promotional stands from Düzce University academic units, student clubs, and public institutions such as TÜBİTAK-MAM, AFAD, the Red Crescent, Düzce Municipality, the Provincial Directorate of Youth and Sports, Düzce Fire Department, as well as industrial firms, private schools, search and rescue associations, and non-governmental organizations.
As part of the program, several "try-and-do" workshops were held, including titles such as "Wastewater Treatment System Model," "Producing Compost from Our Food Waste," "Making New Pencils from Broken and Shrunken Pastel Crayons," "Developing Correct Waste Sorting Habits," "Making Keychains from Plastic Waste," "Making Bowls from Waste Paper," "Some Microbiological Analyses in Drinking and Utility Water," and "Drinking Water Treatment Filter."
By bringing together experts in their fields through the European Researchers' Science Festival, Düzce University made significant contributions to the world of science through the sharing of knowledge and experience, while also enabling the development of different perspectives.
