The graduation and diploma ceremony of the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degree Program (EMiSS), coordinated by Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU), was held with great enthusiasm.

The event took place at the Fahrettin Tosun Conference Hall of the Faculty of Agriculture and was attended by OMU Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Çetin Kurnaz, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture Prof. Dr. Muharrem Özcan, Project Coordinator Prof. Dr. Coşkun Gülser, partner university representatives Prof. Dr. Tomasz Zaleski, Prof. Dr. Ivan Monolov, Prof. Dr. Ammar Albalasmeh, Prof. Dr. Rıdvan Kızılkaya, Prof. Dr. Orhan Dengiz, and graduating students.

International Participation

The fourth graduation ceremony of this unique program—the first of its kind in Türkiye—was hosted by the Department of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition of the Graduate School. Representatives from the program’s partner universities—University of Agriculture Krakow (Poland), Agricultural University Plovdiv (Bulgaria), and Science and Technology University (Jordan)—were also present.

Prof. Dr. Coşkun Gülser: “73 students from 27 countries have graduated so far”

In his speech, Project Coordinator Prof. Dr. Coşkun Gülser emphasized that the EMiSS program, supported by the European Union, has become a globally recognized brand. “So far, 73 students from 27 different countries have graduated from this program. Students from Latin America, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Pacific Island countries had the opportunity to complete their master’s degrees through this joint diploma program. Their achievements make us proud. I wholeheartedly congratulate our graduates, and I thank all the academics and partner universities who contributed to the success of the program. I firmly believe that our graduates will continue to accomplish great things internationally,” he said.

Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Çetin Kurnaz: “We are proud to see our graduates accepted into top PhD programs”

Prof. Dr. Kurnaz expressed pride in the EMiSS graduates being accepted into prestigious doctoral programs around the world, stating:

“Their success is both inspiring and reassuring for the future. I congratulate all the academics who contributed to this achievement and wish our students continued success in their academic journeys.”

Dean Prof. Dr. Özcan: “Our graduates are prepared to make significant academic contributions worldwide”

Faculty of Agriculture Dean Prof. Dr. Muharrem Özcan highlighted the crucial importance of food, agriculture, and soil for humanity:

“Even as the world changes, the importance of these areas never diminishes. The increasing population and demand for food make sustainable agricultural practices essential. EMiSS is a platform that prepares young scientists in the best way possible for the future.”

He also noted that the program’s international nature fosters cultural diversity and accelerates scientific progress:

“Sharing knowledge in areas like new technologies, irrigation methods, plant nutrition, and agricultural pest management equips our graduates with a strong global perspective. I believe they will make significant academic contributions around the world.”

73 Students Graduated to Date

Supported by the European Union, the EMiSS program has produced 73 graduates from 27 countries, including students from Latin America, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Pacific Island nations.

22 Students Received Their Diplomas in 2023–2025 Cohort

In the 2023–2025 cohort, a total of 22 students received their diplomas. Most of the graduates have already been accepted into well-regarded PhD programs in the United States and Europe.

The ceremony concluded with the awarding of diplomas and a group photo session.