OMU hosts TÜBİTAK regional science competition for high school students

Tolga Berk Can Dereci, Ece Topatay 12 Şubat 2026, Perşembe - 10:50 Güncelleme: 13 Şubat 2026, Cuma - 10:52

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Hosted by Ondokuz Mayıs University (OMU), the “57th TÜBİTAK High School Students Research Projects Regional Exhibition and Competition,” organized by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye (TÜBİTAK) Scientist Support Programs Presidency (BİDEB) Samsun Regional Coordination Office, concluded with an award ceremony.

Within the regional scope, 100 projects selected from applications submitted from the provinces of Samsun, Amasya, Çorum, Giresun, Kastamonu, Ordu, Sinop, and Tokat were exhibited over three days. At the end of the exhibition, the projects that ranked were granted the right to represent the region in the Türkiye finals.

At the ceremony held in the OMU Mehmet Yalçın Taşmektepligil Indoor Sports Hall, awards were presented to students by OMU Rector Prof. Dr. Fatma Aydın, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Çetin Kurnaz, and Provincial Directors of National Education.

Rector Aydın: “We see it as a responsibility to spread science to all segments of society at OMU”

Speaking at the opening ceremony, OMU Rector Prof. Dr. Fatma Aydın said:

“As Ondokuz Mayıs University, we consider strengthening university–school cooperation, introducing our young people to a culture of research at an early age, and spreading science to all segments of society as a strategic responsibility. With this understanding, we attach great importance to and support this valuable program carried out by TÜBİTAK.”

“You are the young people who will carry Türkiye’s National Technology Initiative vision forward”

Referring to the projects as drivers of the future, Rector Aydın stated:

“Each project exhibited here is a concrete indication that our young people continue to ask ‘why,’ dare to produce solutions, and move toward the future through science. Today you may be high school students, but the projects you present are the footsteps of tomorrow’s scientists, engineers, physicians, and entrepreneurs. Remember, the scientific journey begins with small but determined steps taken before major breakthroughs. The step you take today is extremely valuable. You are the young people who will carry Türkiye’s National Technology Initiative vision forward. I would also like to thank the dedicated teachers who guide you and share their time and knowledge with great commitment. Likewise, I extend my gratitude to the families who believe in and support the dreams of our young people.”

Prof. Dr. Topçu: “We reached the highest number of applications in the competition’s 57-year history”

Prof. Dr. Yıldıray Topçu, Dean of the OMU Faculty of Engineering and TÜBİTAK Project Competitions Samsun Regional Coordinator, noted that 3,142 projects in 12 different fields were submitted from the region this year, while the nationwide total reached 29,739. He stated that this represents the highest number of applications in the competition’s 57-year history.

Prof. Dr. Topçu explained that the 100 projects that advanced to the Regional Exhibition stage were displayed for three days at OMU and attracted great interest from thousands of visitors. He added that 258 academics from 30 different universities took part in the preliminary review, pre-evaluation, and regional evaluation stages. Following the regional exhibition, 18 finalist projects selected by the jury will represent the region at the Türkiye Final to be held in Ankara in May.

“The most important aspect of the scientific journey is the experience and perspective gained”

Addressing the participating students, TÜBİTAK Project Competitions Samsun Regional Coordinator Prof. Dr. Yıldıray Topçu said:

“You have arrived here by passing through important stages. As individuals who are curious, questioning, and seeking solutions, you have stepped onto the long and challenging path of scientific research. As you continue on this path, I would like to share a few small but important recommendations: Keep your sense of curiosity alive. Never stop asking ‘why?’ and ‘how?’ Do not settle for memorized knowledge. Build a strong foundation in the field that interests you. Work regularly and systematically. Choose your advisors and team carefully. Follow the literature closely. Do not be afraid of making mistakes. Most importantly, never compromise on ethics and integrity under any circumstances. Develop your communication skills, gain an international perspective, and be patient. Success in science is a long journey. The reason I share these recommendations is this: In his poem ‘If,’ Rudyard Kipling refers to victory and defeat as ‘two impostors.’ The rankings to be announced shortly may be seen as victory by some and defeat by others. However, there are no losers in this competition. In the scientific journey, what truly matters is not the destination but the experience, knowledge, and perspective gained along the way. Remember: Goals may change and be updated. But the scientific journey continues, and must continue.”