Middle and High School Students Discovered Science Through Experiments at Sakarya University

The “European Researchers’ Night,” implemented with the support of the Horizon Europe Marie Curie Actions Program, was organized in collaboration with Sakarya University, Kocaeli University, Düzce University, and the Governorship of Sakarya. Throughout the day, students participated in experimental activities at tables set up in different fields. The program addressed topics such as environment, climate change, disaster adaptation, and resilient cities, with the aim of encouraging young people to turn toward science and pursue research careers.

European Researchers' Night

Awareness of Environment and Earthquakes

In his opening speech, Sakarya Deputy Governor Dr. İsmail Altan Demirayak stated that 28 middle and high schools came together for the European Researchers’ Night event. Demirayak emphasized that the event served the purpose of creating resilient cities in the context of environment, climate change, disasters, and especially earthquakes. Sakarya University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Halit Yaşar noted that the works presented by young people carried important scientific clues for the future. Expressing optimism about the future, Prof. Dr. Yaşar stated his belief that young people would take the country to higher levels.

Key to the Future

Project Coordinator Prof. Dr. Mehmet Emiroğlu stated in his speech that young people, during their career journeys, would encounter new technologies, take on professions that do not yet have names, and engage in jobs with rules not yet defined. Highlighting that the event was organized to demonstrate the level science has reached, Prof. Dr. Emiroğlu stressed that curiosity is the most important ability for becoming future engineers, scientists, and software developers. Following the opening, visitors toured the activity stands throughout the day, examining the work of Sakarya University academics and students from schools affiliated with the Ministry of National Education on topics such as climate change, natural disasters, environment, resilient structures, and waste.

European Researchers' Night

Introduction to Marie Curie Actions

As part of the Horizon Europe Program, an information session on Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) was also held within the scope of the event. With the participation of TÜBİTAK’s MSCA National Contact Point Dr. Burcu Göğüş Doğan, the program provided researchers preparing project proposals with information about MSCA supports.