Our university participated in the Science Communication Office Universities Meeting, organized in the YÖK Conference Hall under the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) Presidency, to introduce the newly established Science Communication Office and encourage the formation of similar structures at universities.

Attended by YÖK President Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar and representatives from 208 universities in Türkiye, the meeting was held with the participation of OMU Rector’s Advisor Assoc. Prof. Dr. Emine Şendurur and Press, Media, and Public Relations Coordinator Lecturer Mürsel Kan, who represented Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU).

The meeting began with a moment of silence and the National Anthem, followed by an opening speech by YÖK Executive Board Member Prof. Dr. Naci Gündoğan. In his remarks, Prof. Dr. Gündoğan emphasized that the rise of Turkish universities in international rankings is not coincidental but rather a result of increased visibility efforts and that establishing the Science Communication Office will further enhance this visibility.

"Our Goal is to Communicate Scientific Work to the Public and the World"

Speaking at the event, YÖK President Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar stated that the purpose of the Science Communication Office within YÖK is to effectively promote the scientific work conducted at universities to both the Turkish public and the global audience, saying: "Through science communication, we aim to build the 'Scientific Homeland' (Bilim Vatan), defined by the academic work of Turkish scientists across the world."

Prof. Dr. Özvar emphasized that the Science Communication Office will support universities' science communication efforts and help researchers reach broader audiences. He also highlighted that the office will strengthen interactions between scientists, media professionals, policymakers, and society, making scientific knowledge more accessible and understandable.

"The Boundaries of the 'Scientific Homeland' Will Be Drawn by Turkish Scientists"

Prof. Dr. Özvar further stated that new projects are being developed under the Science Communication Office to showcase Turkey’s commitment to scientific and technological advancements and enhance the international visibility of Turkish scientists.

The first initiative under this project is a platform that will bring together Turkish scientists worldwide. He explained:

"Through this major collaboration, which we call 'Scientific Homeland' (Bilim Vatan), Turkish scientists across the world will have the opportunity to unite and work together. The boundaries of this homeland will be drawn by the scientific contributions of Turkish researchers everywhere. We are ready to expand and strengthen these borders through science."

"This platform will allow scientists to easily connect based on their areas of expertise, develop academic collaborations, participate in project calls, and stay informed about funding opportunities. Moreover, we will include doctoral students pursuing their education worldwide. Young researchers will have the chance to communicate directly with senior scientists for academic mentorship and guidance. This initiative will make Türkiye's scientific ecosystem stronger, more sustainable, and more impactful on a global scale."

"Science Café" Will Connect Scientists with the Public

In his speech, Prof. Dr. Özvar also announced plans to implement projects aimed at making science more accessible to the public. One such initiative is "Science Café," a well-established international science communication model.

"Through this initiative, our scientists will meet directly with the public in informal settings such as cafés, libraries, ferries, and community centers, engaging in casual discussions about scientific topics. This will make science accessible to people from all walks of life while allowing scientists to directly answer the public’s most pressing questions."

Following Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar’s speech, the program continued with panel sessions, including:

• "Science Communication Against Disinformation" – Idris Kardaş, Coordinator of the Presidency's Directorate of Communications Disinformation Combat Center
• "New Approaches and Future Strategies in Science Communication" – Istanbul Technical University (İTÜ) Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Lütfiye Durak Ata
• "The Power of Universities in Disseminating Scientific Knowledge" – Gebze Technical University (GTÜ) Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Elif Damla Arısan

The event concluded with a Q&A session.