2024–2025 Academic Year Opening Ceremony Held with Enthusiasm

The 2024–2025 academic year opening ceremony at İstanbul Nişantaşı University NeoTech Campus was held with great enthusiasm. It began with a one-minute silence and the national anthem. In his opening address, Nişantaşı Education Foundation Founder Dr. Levent Uysal expressed his pleasure in celebrating the university’s 15th anniversary. He attributed its success to the dedication and determination of its academic staff. Referring to the motto “People First,” he described the university’s people-centred approach to education and its aim to educate individuals who benefit Türkiye and the world.

Rector Prof. Dr. Ayşegül Komsuoğlu Çıtıpıtıoğlu emphasised that, in a world shaped by AI, digitalisation and sustainability, universities should provide research-focused education to international standards, develop students’ social responsibility and prepare them for real life. She noted that strong business partnerships and internships offer experience, perspective and career opportunities.
She also highlighted the high proportion of women academics and administrators and its importance for social progress. Emphasising the university’s achievements in publications and projects, she congratulated all faculty members for their scientific research and work.
Students admitted to faculties with the highest scores received certificates for saplings donated in their names to the TEMA Foundation, celebrating their achievements while contributing to the environment.

METU-IVMER Director Prof. Dr. Bilge Demirköz delivered the inaugural lecture, “A Journey from Physics to Scientific Wisdom.” She explored physics’ role in understanding the universe, discussed CERN’s establishment and highlighted Türkiye’s progress in space research. She concluded by thanking Prof. Dr. Çıtıpıtıoğlu.

At the end of the ceremony, Rector Prof. Dr. Çıtıpıtıoğlu presented Prof. Dr. Bilge Demirköz with a certificate documenting a donation to the TEMA Foundation.