2024 TÜBA-GEBİP Traditional Scientific Evaluation Meeting
The TÜBA-Outstanding Young Scientist Awards Program (GEBİP) Annual Scientific Evaluation Meeting was held at Atatürk University.
Young scientists who received the GEBİP Award presented their scientific projects and activities from the past year in six simultaneous sessions: Basic Sciences I-II, Engineering Sciences I-II, Health and Life Sciences, and Social Sciences. The sessions addressed topics related to the evaluation and development of projects. Following these sessions, a general evaluation session was held with the participation of all award recipients and academic members. Faculty members and students also attended the sessions. An "Interview with Prof. Metin Balcı" was conducted with Academy Honorary Members and Young Academy Members. The opening speeches were delivered by Atatürk University Rector Prof. Ömer Çomaklı and TÜBA President Prof. Muzaffer Şeker.
A total of 644 outstanding young scientists were awarded under TÜBA-GEBİP. Speaking at the traditional meeting, President Şeker reminded that TÜBA’s "GEBİP is one of Türkiye's most prestigious and unique award programs aimed at encouraging scientific and research activities and rewarding scientific achievements." He noted that to date, 644 outstanding young scientists have been awarded under this program, which aims to reward exceptional young scientists and support and encourage high-quality research in Türkiye.
President Şeker stated: “The Outstanding Young Scientist Awards provide an important platform to recognize our young researchers' scientific work and guide them toward greater achievements. These awards aim to increase the motivation of young scientists and enhance our country's competitiveness in science and technology. The series of meetings provides significant data across many fields, from basic sciences to social sciences. These meetings are open to external stakeholders, and academics or students can also participate and share their views and suggestions with scientists in an environment where bright ideas are discussed.” He added that the evaluation of 2024 TÜBA-GEBİP applications and the determination of awardees are carried out by the GEBİP Field Evaluation Committees, the GEBİP Main Committee, and the Academy Council. In addition to the TÜBA-GEBİP Award, the Ahmet and Nezahat Keleşoğlu TÜBA-GEBİP Pharmacy Special Award will also be given in 2024.
Expressing his concern for the academic world, Şeker criticized the silence of academic leaders and country representatives regarding the events in Gaza, stating, "It is disheartening to see similar mistakes continue due to lessons not being learned from the past. I hope a ceasefire will be achieved soon, bringing peace and tranquility to the region and that humanity will work together to end this oppression as soon as possible. There will be situations where those who remain silent, ignore, and do not share this concern and sadness will eventually have to account for their consciences. When we highlighted these issues at the Science20 meeting, it was unfortunately clear that the academic leaders and representatives of the G20 countries had nothing to say. I warned them that 'you may not be speaking considering your past mistakes, but at least you should do something to avoid being complicit in new ones.' I conveyed my disappointment on behalf of the academic world. If the academic world does not serve as a warning in such situations, when will it? Such selfishness, such a power struggle, and being lost in chaos and crisis without common sense are highly contradictory and paradoxical. We are even incapable of commenting on it."
We are Proud to Host Such an Important Event
Rector Çomaklı stated that the management team is working to elevate their university from a regional to a global status and thanked everyone involved in organizing the 2024 TÜBA-GEBİP Annual Scientific Evaluation Meeting. He expressed his hope that the meeting, which encourages science and research, will be successful and yield beneficial results for the country. He concluded, “I once again welcome you to Erzurum, the city where our Republic was founded, and to our University, on behalf of the Atatürk University family, and extend my deepest respect and regards to all of you.”
As part of the TÜBA Young Academy Conference, TÜBA Associate Member and TCMB Bank Council Member Prof. Muhsin Kar gave a presentation titled “Global Economy: Quo Vadis?” discussing the architecture of the international economic order, its principles, policies, and results. Prof. Kar emphasized the importance of collaborating with multilateral institutions, promoting liberal democracies, and cooperating in security and monetary areas, highlighting the golden age of the liberal economic order and the globalization of production.
In the Artificial Intelligence Panel, Prof. Hacı Ali Mantar from Gebze Technical University detailed the “Economic Impact of Artificial Intelligence”; Prof. Hüseyin Şeker from Birmingham City University discussed “The Power of Data and What It Empowers”; and Prof. Bahadır Kürşat Güntürk from Medipol University elaborated on “Current Status and Future Expectations in Artificial Intelligence.”
