The 2nd Graduate Student Congress, organized in collaboration between Istanbul Sabahattin Zaim University and the İlim Yayma Foundation, commenced at the Abdullah Tivnikli Conference Hall.
The opening ceremony was attended by IZU Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Cevat Acar, Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. İbrahim Güney and Prof. Dr. Erhan İçener, İlim Yayma Foundation General Director İdris Tankut Küsmezer, along with numerous academics and students. Delivering the opening address, IZU Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Cevat Acar emphasized that the congress serves not merely as an event but as a valuable academic platform.
“This gathering not only strengthens social bonds but also offers an opportunity to showcase the scientific potential of our country,” he noted. “I believe that with a focus on education in Turkish and by implementing multi-purpose, well-planned initiatives, we can achieve even greater success.”
Küsmezer: We Strive to Raise Virtuous and Capable Individuals
İlim Yayma Foundation General Director İdris Tankut Küsmezer highlighted the foundation’s 75-year legacy of prioritizing support for education and science. “We are doing everything within our power to nurture future scientists,” he said.
İçener: Our Aim Is to Contribute Scientifically to Our University
Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Erhan İçener reported that 47 papers were accepted for presentation this year, with participation from scholars and students representing various universities. “Our congress has been enriched by the diversity of submissions from different institutions,” he said. “A total of 47 papers were accepted. The sessions will contribute both to the promotion of our university and to academic advancement.”
Opening Lecture Delivered by Prof. Dr. Zekai ŞenOn the first day of the event, the opening lecture was delivered by Prof. Dr. Zekai Şen, a faculty member at Istanbul Medipol University and recipient of the Grand Prize of the 2021 İlim Yayma Awards. In his talk, Prof. Şen emphasized the importance of etymology, logic, and conceptual thinking in conducting scientific research. “Civilization is not solely built on structures, but on the development of human activity,” he stated. “Ancient civilizations that emerged around water resources laid the foundations of technological progress.” Prof. Şen underscored the historical relationship between civilization and science.
The congress will continue on Thursday, May 15, 2025.