The winners of the 18th TUBITAK  Middle School Students Research Projects Erzurum Regional Finals, held under the auspices of Erzurum Technical University (ETU), have been announced.

A prize ceremony was organized for the students who ranked in the Erzurum Regional Final of the 18th TUBITAK Middle School Students Research Projects Competition, aimed at encouraging young people to work in teams, preserve our social and cultural values, adhere to scientific ethical principles, and develop their imagination, creativity, engineering, problem-solving, and intellectual skills.

The award ceremony, held at Ataturk University Nene Hatun Cultural Center, was attended by ETU Acting Rector Prof. Dr. Ceren Sultan Elmalı, Erzurum Deputy Governor Ilyas Ozturk, Ataturk University Vice Rector Mustafa Sozbilir, Erzurum Provincial Director of National Education Yakup Yıldız, TUBITAK Project Competitions Erzurum Regional Coordinator Prof. Dr. Irfan Kaymaz, TUBITAK representatives, academicians, teachers, and a large number of students.

Speaking at the program, TUBITAK Project Competitions Erzurum Regional Coordinator Kaymaz stated that all students participating in the competition are in pursuit of science and curiosity: "You will realize that the gains you have acquired in these 3 days have added very important skills to your life in the future. Starting the journey of science in middle school is encountered in the life story of many great scientists. Isaac Newton began to discover the laws of gravity when he was your age. This curiosity led him to unforgettable discoveries throughout history. Similarly, Fatih Sultan Mehmet was dreaming of conquering Istanbul at a young age and was working to realize this great dream. We have full confidence that, just like them, by pursuing your dreams, you will leave very important marks on the bright future of our country. In this sense, TUBITAK has been organizing these competitions for 18 years to help you realize this dream. Competitions like this play a very important role in Turkey's progress in science and technology. Because the greatest need of our country on this journey is not high-tech laboratories, large research budgets, or big buildings. These can be done, constructed, and acquired. The real challenge is young people filled with scientific curiosity, loving research, and chasing after the desire to explore topics. That's you. Therefore, you, valuable young people filling this hall, are the most valuable resources for the future of this country. I sincerely believe that with the scientific curiosity we have in middle school and your projects, you will make significant contributions to the progress of science and technology in our country. I congratulate each and every one of you separately and wish you continued success."

Following the speeches, the projects selected by the jury members in 10 fields, including Biology, Geography, Values Education, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, History, Technological Design, Turkish, and Software, were announced, and awards were presented.

Corporate Communication Directorate April 25. 2024