The 18th Middle School Students Research Projects Competition Regional Exhibition, organized by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye's (TÜBİTAK) Scientist Support Programs Presidency (BİDEB), is being hosted by Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU), welcoming enterprising students from various provinces as in previous years.
From April 22 to 25, 2024, the exhibition occurred at the Sports Sciences Faculty Prof. Dr. Mehmet Yalçın Taşmektepligil Gymnasium. Rector Prof. Dr. Yavuz Ünal and Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Sevim Alışır attended the event, accompanied by TÜBİTAK Project Competitions Samsun Regional Coordinator and OMU Faculty of Engineering Dean Prof. Dr. Yıldıray Topcu, Vice Dean Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çetin Kurnaz, Rector's Advisor Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gökhan Demir, and Amasya Provincial Director of National Education Mehmet Türkmen.
During the visit, Rector Ünal expressed pride in hosting an exhibition that encouraged students of all levels to engage in scientific endeavors. "We strive with collaboration, unity, and dedication at OMU to successfully lead them into the future," said Rector Ünal, emphasizing the potential of young innovators and their pivotal role in shaping Türkiye's future.
Rector Ünal noted the unshakeable belief in the young participants' ability to make Türkiye's voice heard worldwide through their original inventions and courage, stating that all competitors are winners in this inspiring contest. During the exhibition, Rector Ünal and Vice Rector Alışır closely interacted with the students, visiting their stands and providing detailed feedback on their projects, along with gifting them bags.
The Middle School Students Research Projects Competition Regional Exhibition is held simultaneously across 12 regional centers in 10 fields (Biology, Geography, Values Education, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, History, Technological Design, Turkish Language, and Software). The Samsun region includes Amasya, Çorum, Giresun, Kastamonu, Ordu, Sinop, Tokat, and Samsun.
This year, out of 16,712 entries, 2,339 projects hailed from the Samsun region. After a thorough preliminary review and evaluation by expert academics, 104 projects from these areas were deemed worthy of advancing to the Regional Finals. Students showcased their projects over three days, from April 22-24, 2024, to distinguished academics from various universities across Türkiye.
Following evaluations in the region, an awards ceremony will be held on April 25, 2024, at the OMU Atatürk Congress and Culture Center to determine the winning projects. Winners in each field will qualify for the Türkiye Finals, scheduled to be held in Ankara in May 2024.