Organized for the third time this year under the leadership of our faculty, the "National Science High Schools Symposium" was held with the participation of students and teachers from all over Turkey.

The opening program of the Science High Schools Symposium, which was organized for the third time this year by our Faculty with the aim of building a bridge between high schools and universities and encouraging inter-institutional interaction, was attended by ETU Rector Prof. Dr. Bülent Çakmak, Metropolitan Municipality Deputy Mayor Mehmet Akarsu, Provincial National Education Director Acting Deputy Caner Sunay, Provincial Culture and Tourism Director Ahmet Yerim, Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Ceren Sultan Elmalı, Prof. Dr. Naim Ürkmez, Dean of the Faculty of Science Prof. Dr. Ümit İncekara, District National Education Directors, academics, and numerous teachers and students from different cities.

Speaking at the opening of the program, Dean İncekara emphasized the importance of the symposium in terms of university-high school cooperation, stating: "Science high schools are one of the most valuable institutions in our country, training future scientists, engineers, and academics. As a university, we are aware of this potential and we attach great importance to these young minds getting acquainted with science at an earlier age. Students producing, presenting, and discussing their own projects will develop them not only academically but also in terms of self-confidence and communication. Thanks to such events, young people will take another step closer to the exciting world of science."

Following Dean İncekara, Rector Çakmak took the podium and stated that supporting the scientific curiosity and research spirit of young people is one of the fundamental missions of universities: “Today, I am very pleased to be here with future scientists from all over our country. The best way to access knowledge and use it meaningfully is to become acquainted with scientific thinking at an early age. As Erzurum Technical University, we stand by all initiatives that nurture the academic interests of our young people, turning them into questioning, thinking, and productive individuals. Our symposium is not just a presentation platform; it is also an environment where ideas, dreams, and science meet. Thanks to this event, our students not only showcase their projects but also prepare themselves more strongly for the future by breathing the university atmosphere. The interest and effort they show at this age makes us even more hopeful about the scientific future of our country.”

During the two-day symposium, science high school students from 15 different provinces had the opportunity to improve their scientific communication skills by giving presentations on topics of their choice, ranging from artificial intelligence and biotechnology to environmental problems and scientific innovations. In addition, the symposium, which featured over 200 oral and poster presentations, offered students the chance to participate in various workshops, professional talks, and scientific events.