Prof. Nevzat Tarhan: "The Science Festival sparked the birth of Teknofest"

Üsküdar University, in collaboration with the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of National Education, held Türkiye's first-ever Science and Idea Festival for high school students for the 10th time. In this milestone event, students from 56 schools across Istanbul, Bursa, Kocaeli, and Yalova applied with 534 projects presented in teams. The top-ranking students were awarded for their achievements during the 10th Science and Idea Festival.

Prof. Nevzat Tarhan stated that “I am very hopeful about the youth. They have embraced their projects with enthusiasm and have come up with innovative ideas. All of them have the potential to be beneficial, registered, and even patented.”

Istanbul Deputy Governor Mehmet Sülün: “An idea shaped by imagination gains the power to change the world when it meets science.”

Prof. Nazife Güngör: “For 10 years, we have been coming together under the roof of Üsküdar University with a focus on science.”

The 10th Science and Idea Festival (BFF), organized by Üsküdar University in collaboration with the Istanbul Provincial Directorate of National Education for high school students, was filled with colorful moments. The award ceremony of the festival, held at Üsküdar University’s Çarşı Campus, took place in the Emir Nebi Conference Hall with the participation of approximately 1,200 students and their advisor teachers. This year's festival, held under the motto "Those Who Invent, Win," received 534 project applications from student teams representing 56 schools across Istanbul, Bursa, Kocaeli, and Yalova.

The festival showcased innovative projects focused on the potential of artificial intelligence in fields such as healthcare, environment, safety, and education. Sustainable products developed from waste materials, healthcare technologies enhancing patient comfort, and socially beneficial projects prioritizing accessibility garnered significant attention.

Young inventors made an impact throughout the festival with solution-oriented projects addressing a wide range of topics, from plastic pollution to disaster management, chronic diseases to equal opportunity in education. The decade-long festival once again recognized future scientists and their innovative ideas with awards.

During the award ceremony, Istanbul Deputy Governor Mehmet Sülün; President of Üsküdar University Prof. Nevzat Tarhan; Üsküdar University Rector, Prof. Nazife Güngör; and Vice Rector and BFF Coordinator, Prof. Türker Tekin Ergüzel, each delivered their speeches.

Deputy Governor Mehmet Sülün: “Every project is a reflection of curiosity, an ideal, and belief in a better future.”

Deputy Governor Mehmet Sülün expressed that “An idea shaped by imagination gains the power to change the world when it meets science. Seeing that our youth here today carry the courage to change the world gives us all hope. I believe the Science and Idea Festival is a journey that encourages our young people not only to think with knowledge but also with heart. Every project is a reflection of curiosity, an ideal, and belief in a better future. I sincerely thank everyone who contributed to this valuable process, especially the educators who stand by our youth and all the supporting institutions. Because with your support, these hopes are nurtured, and these lights shine brighter. On this wonderful day where we applaud the architects of the future, I congratulate everyone involved and wish our youth heartfelt success.”

Prof. Nevzat Tarhan: "The Science Festival sparked the birth of Teknofest"

President of Üsküdar University Prof. Nevzat Tarhan emphasized the contribution of such events to the learning processes of young people and the scientific advancement of the country.

Tarhan noted that the festival was first launched in 2014, inspired by the idea that the human brain retains learning best in fun yet structured environments. He added that this initiative later helped spark the creation of Teknofest, one of Türkiye's most significant technology events.

Prof. Tarhan stated that “Today in Türkiye, we all know about TEKNOFEST. In fact, it was the 2020 Science Festival that triggered the emergence of this major event. TEKNOFEST is now doing amazing work, especially in opening new horizons for the youth. Because for a project to come to life, it must first be imagined.”

Imagination is essential for generating projects

Stressing the importance of purposeful imagination in the creation of projects, Prof. Tarhan referred to Newton's observation of the falling apple and his discovery of the law of gravity. He noted that such major discoveries are always preceded by long periods of contemplation, that is, a kind of "incubation period."

Prof. Tarhan also remarked that many of the technology valleys established in Türkiye have not reached the desired level of productivity. He emphasized that the success of Silicon Valley in the United States is not only due to its physical infrastructure but also because of the right "mindset", which he described as a kind of “mental sanctuary.”

Prof. Tarhan: "The skill of the 21st century is teamwork"

Prof. Nevzat Tarhan emphasized that teamwork is the key skill of the 21st century and expressed his trust and hope in the younger generation during his speech.

Highlighting the increasing quality of the projects presented at the festival, Prof. Tarhan said that “I have great hope in the youth. They have embraced their projects with excitement and generated ideas. All of them could be beneficial, registered, and potentially patented.”

He also noted that as Üsküdar University, they support young people in the patenting process, underlining the importance of having the courage to dream and create projects

Prof. Nazife Güngör: "For 10 years, we have been gathering under the roof of Üsküdar University with a focus on science"

Üsküdar University Rector Prof. Nazife Güngör emphasized the significance of young people's interest in scientific studies and their achievements in this field, noting their importance for both Türkiye's and the world’s future.

Prof. Güngör expressed that “For 10 years, we have been gathering under the roof of Üsküdar University, with a focus on science and projects,” and Prof. Güngör added that life gains beauty and meaning through projects.

Güngör stated that as Üsküdar University, their aim is to make small but meaningful contributions to the science-focused projects and lives of young people, and continued her remarks as follows: “As you move forward along your science-oriented roadmap, we try to support you in every way we can.”

Üsküdar University is a center for science and invention

Prof. Güngör emphasized that Üsküdar University is a hub for science and invention and made the following remarks: “We believe that humanity is saved by science. We believe that freedom for humanity comes through science. With science, a perfect world and a perfect future are possible.”
She noted that since its founding in 2011, the university has not only focused on providing quality education but also placed great importance on scientific production, aiming to train young people as competent professionals.

Prof. Güngör pointed out that the projects showcased at the festival are the result of young people transforming their ideas into scientific outcomes. She said, “Some will be awarded today, but the others are not failures. They will also be developed further and gain value in other competitions.” Güngör congratulated all participating students, stating that the act of creating a project itself is a great success, and praised the courage of the youth: “Today’s world will achieve greater things with young entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial minds like you. It will become even better.”

Prof. Türker Tekin Ergüzel: “70% of youth in Türkiye want to start their own business”

Üsküdar University Vice Rector and BFF Coordinator Prof. Türker Tekin Ergüzel highlighted that entrepreneurship is not only the basis of economic growth but also a key driver of social development.

Ergüzel stressed the critical importance of proper guidance for young entrepreneurs to succeed. Noting that 100 million new startups are founded globally each year, he pointed out that a significant portion fail.

“In countries where entrepreneurship is successful, youth unemployment hovers around 50%,” he said, drawing attention to the potential in this area. He also mentioned that 70% of youth in Türkiye aged 18–24 want to start their own business, but only 5% manage to succeed.” That is because young people need more guidance during the project management process,” he said.

To meet this need, Prof. Ergüzel explained that Üsküdar University organizes the Science and Idea Festival for young researchers and made the following remarks: “We created this festival to teach project management and provide mentorship to our young researchers, which is one of the core challenges in higher education. Through this initiative, we aim to help them see their lives as projects and learn how to manage their time, skills, and resources effectively.”

Halide İncekara: “You all deserve an award”

University Advisor Halide İncekara shared that at Üsküdar University’s Center for Research on Special Talents, they conduct a project titled “Notice, Add Value, Excel.” İncekara said, “The teachers and students here are working to recognize and add value to each other. I sincerely congratulate you all, and you are all worthy of awards.”

“The Feeling Human” Sculpture was presented

Following the speeches, Prof. Nevzat Tarhan presented the “Feeling Human” sculpture to Istanbul Deputy Governor Mehmet Sülün, Kocaeli Provincial Director of National Education Ömer Akmanşen, Beylikdüzü District Director of National Education Zekeriya Postacı (who contributed the most projects), Prof. Türker Tekin Ergüzel, and Bilişim Vadisi General Manager Erkam Tüzgen.

Awards…

At the 10th Science and Idea Festival organized by Üsküdar University, projects competed in three categories: Health Sciences, Social Sciences, and Science & Technology. The top-ranking projects in each category were awarded.

A total of 534 projects were submitted by student teams from 56 schools across Istanbul, Bursa, Kocaeli, and Yalova. In each category, the first-place winner received a cash prize of 30,000 TL, the second-place winner received 25,000 TL, and the third-place winner received 22,500 TL. Additionally, the top three projects in each category were granted patent support by Üsküdar University. The advisor teachers of the winning students also received a reward equal to half the value of the student award for each winning project.

A total of 500,000 TL in prize money was awarded to the winning projects.

Moreover, students who ranked in the top three in each category and list one of Üsküdar University’s tuition-based programs (with 25% or 50% scholarships) among their top five preferences during university placement will have their scholarship rate increased to 75% if they are admitted to one of those programs.

Winners in the Science & Technology Category…

In the Science & Technology category, the project "YABAN (Plant Adaptation Analysis Using Software)" from Istanbul Atatürk Science High School won first place. The students received their awards from Istanbul Deputy Governor Mehmet Sülün.

The project "Theoretical Simulation and Practical Optimization of an Innovative Vertical Axis Fan" from Bursa Halil İnalcık Science and Art Center came in second, while the project "Characterization and Optimization of a Laser-Assisted, Self-Synthesized Quantum Dot-Based Supercapacitor" from Bursa Private Şahinkaya Science High School won third place.

Winners in the Health Sciences Category…

In the Health Sciences category, Istanbul Private Bakırköy Uğur Anatolian High School secured first place with the project "Algorithmic IV Drip Monitoring System."

The award was presented by President of Üsküdar University, Prof. Nevzat Tarhan.

Second place was awarded to Bursa Karacabey Ulviye Matlı Science High School with the project "Ateş Kes", while third place went to Istanbul Avcılar Private Okyanus Science and Project High School for the project "PHYTOSILVER: Developed with Biotechnology, Empowered by Nature!"

Winners in the Social Sciences Category…

In the Social Sciences category, the project "The Impact of a Peer Learning-Based Interdisciplinary Education Model on Youth’s Technical Skills and Project Development Competence" by students of Istanbul Private Başakşehir Yenidoğu Science High School won first place.

They received their award from Prof. Nevzat Tarhan.

Second place went to students from Istanbul Avcılar Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School for their project "Choosing My Outfit Using Image Processing Technology for the Visually Impaired."

Third place was awarded to Istanbul Bahçelievler Istanbul Chamber of Commerce Science and Art Center for their project "Optimization of Istanbul M7 Metro Line Timetables Using Fuzzy Logic Approach."

Sustainable Project Award

In addition, projects ranked between 11th and 20th place across all categories were recognized with “Good Idea, Original Method, Sustainable Project” awards in the honorable mention category.

A plaque was presented to Zekeriya Postacı, District Director of National Education in Beylikdüzü, for submitting the highest number of projects to the festival.

Participation certificates were given to all students, and plaques or letters of appreciation were presented to all participating schools.

The ceremony, which was broadcast live on Üsküdar University Television (ÜÜ TV) and the university’s official YouTube channel, concluded with a group photo of all participants.

 

Üsküdar News Agency (ÜNA)