The TÜBİTAK Middle School Students Research Projects Regional Competition, organized by TÜBİTAK’s Directorate of Science Fellowships and Grant Programmes (BİDEB) Samsun Regional Coordination Office, commenced with a project exhibition featuring 100 selected projects from Samsun, Sinop, Kastamonu, Çorum, Tokat, Amasya, Ordu, and Giresun, chosen from among 2,250 submissions.
Speaking at the opening ceremony held at Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU) Yaşar Doğu Faculty of Sport Sciences Prof. Dr. Mehmet Yalçın Taşmektepligil Sports Hall, TÜBİTAK Samsun Regional Coordinator Prof. Dr. Yıldıray Topcu stated that the TÜBİTAK Middle School Students Research Projects Competition is being simultaneously held across 12 regional centers throughout Türkiye.
“100 Projects to Compete Across 10 Different Categories”
Topcu highlighted that 100 projects will compete across 10 distinct categories in the Samsun region, adding, “Across Türkiye, there were a total of 13,918 project applications. Regarding the number of submissions, the Samsun region ranked second among the 12 regions. Our goal is to further increase both the quantity and quality of projects.”
“118 Faculty Members from 29 Universities Involved in Evaluations”
Topcu also mentioned that 118 faculty members from 29 different universities were involved during the preliminary review and assessment phases. He explained, “Through the TÜBİTAK Panel Management System (PYS), jury members conducted preliminary evaluations, selecting 100 projects from 10 categories for the regional exhibition. Following the exhibition in Samsun, the projects chosen by the jury as finalists will represent our region at the national finals scheduled to take place in Ankara in May.”
“TÜBİTAK Brings Thousands of Students Together Annually”
OMU Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Çetin Kurnaz emphasized that TÜBİTAK annually brings together thousands of students. Kurnaz pointed out that the competition covers 10 different fields, including biology, geography, values education, physics, chemistry, mathematics, history, technological design, Turkish language, and software. He further added:
“When we look at thematic areas such as values, cultural heritage, games and gamification, zero waste and recycling, environment and environmental protection, and renewable energy, we can clearly see the significance placed on the areas that our country needs the most. Among the 2,250 total projects, Istanbul had the highest number of submissions, followed by Erzurum, with Ordu in third place and Samsun in fifth. This clearly illustrates the high potential of our region. The projects displayed today represent more than just competition entries; they are tangible reflections of curiosity, effort, and passion for science. There are no losers in this competition—you have already succeeded by being here. I believe this is just the beginning, and in the coming years, you will achieve even greater projects and successes, making us proud.”
The program was attended by Provincial Director of National Education Murat Ağar, academics, teachers, and students.
The TÜBİTAK Middle School Students Research Projects Competition Samsun Regional Exhibition will conclude on April 10.
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