Our university's opening ceremony for the 2024-2025 academic year took place with significant attendance. The event was graced by Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır, along with numerous high-level executives and academics.
The opening of Bezmialem Vakıf University for the 2024-2025 academic year was held with the participation of Minister Kacır. Attendees included our Board of Trustees Chairman, Av. Osman Develioğlu; our Rector, Prof. Dr. Rümeyza Kazancıoğlu; our General Secretary, Dr. Zeynep Görmezoğlu; TÜBİTAK President, Prof. Dr. Orhan Aydın; Istanbul Deputy Governor, Dr. M. H. Nail Anlar; ISTKA General Secretary, Ziya Taşkent; Fatih District Governor, Cafer Sarılı; Darülaceze President, Esra Ceceli İslam; and Sapienza University of Rome Faculty Member, Dr. Umberto Pernice, along with many academics and students.
The ceremony began with a moment of silence and the National Anthem, followed by a promotional film about the university. Dr. Umberto Pernice presented on "Environmental Sustainability and Innovation."
“We Have Invested Over 759 Billion TL in the Health Sector"
Minister Kacır emphasized that Bezmialem Vakıf University is built on the foundations of a longstanding and established institution, stating, "I hope the university will contribute to our country's academia and health sector for many years to come." He remarked, "As we open the door to the century of Turkey, we are moving confidently towards making our country a global production hub." He added, "In the last 22 years, under the leadership of our President, we have issued investment incentive certificates for 3,363 projects in the health sector, mobilizing over 759 billion TL in investments and creating approximately 212,000 qualified jobs."
Emphasis on 'Fully Independent Turkey'
Recalling the vision of the 'National Technology Move' aimed at placing Turkey among the world's most developed economies, Minister Kacır stated, "In our journey towards a 'Fully Independent Turkey' in critical technologies, we are building the Century of Turkey together with a spirit of national mobilization."
“We Will Create Success Stories in Health Technologies"
Kacır affirmed their support for initiatives in health technologies, noting, "To date, our country's technology ecosystem has produced seven technology startups that have surpassed a billion-dollar valuation, which we refer to as Turcorns, but we have yet to achieve this in health technologies. Today, over 120 health technology startups worldwide have reached this level. We believe that with our qualified human resources and strong technology ecosystem in the health sector, we will create global success stories in the future. We will support every step taken to make Turkey a center of attraction for health initiatives, not just from Turkey but from around the world."
Praise for Bezmialem's Achievements
Minister Kacır highlighted Bezmialem Vakıf University's successes at TEKNOFEST, stating, "Through the world's largest aerospace, space, and technology festival, we provide our youth the opportunity to pursue their dreams." He noted that Bezmialem won four medals—one gold, one silver, and two bronze—at the 9th Istanbul International Invention Fair held under TEKNOFEST Mediterranean. He expressed hope for even greater achievements in the coming years.
“Quality Education in Health is Essential"
In his opening speech, Board of Trustees Chairman Av. Osman Develioğlu emphasized the importance of graduating with competence in health education, stating, "This is a debt owed by our students to their families and their country. We must remain persistent in our endeavors and not settle for 'good enough.' When we look at developed countries, we see that they have worked with determination and persistence."
Addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Middle East, Chairman Develioğlu condemned Israel's oppression of Palestinians, stating, "On the occasion of this academic opening, we denounce Israel's brutal attacks and oppression against Palestinians, which have brought the Middle East to the brink of war. We hope for an end to Israel's violence against civilians and its attempts to spread war in the region."
“We Are Committed to Developing Innovative Solutions and Producing Scientific Research"
Rector Prof. Dr. Rümeyza Kazancıoğlu remarked that research and developments in health are among the most critical factors shaping not only individual but also societal health. "Since its establishment, Bezmialem Vakıf University has embraced a vision focused on scientific research and practical health education through our hospitals," she stated. "Our goal is to empower all Bezmialem members by involving them in research processes and strengthening their scientific thinking capabilities. We aim to ensure that everyone can develop themselves in laboratories, clinics, and field studies while mastering scientific methodologies. With our university's scientific infrastructure and research ecosystem, we are determined to support interdisciplinary projects and develop innovative solutions and scientific research."
Rector Kazancıoğlu expressed sadness over the inability to start the new academic year in peace, saying, "While we begin this new academic year with tranquility, it saddens us to see that this is not possible in neighboring regions." She highlighted the ongoing humanitarian crisis, saying, "We witness Israel's brutal attacks on Palestinians, which have brought the Middle East to the brink of war. We demand an immediate end to the genocides and efforts to widen the conflict."
The Inaugural Lecture by a World-Renowned Scientist
Following the speeches, the opening lecture was delivered by Dr. Umberto Pernice from Sapienza University of Rome, focusing on "Environmental Sustainability and Innovation."
Minister Kacır Informed about Scientific Projects
After the academic opening, a festival called the “Health and Life Sciences Startup Summit - Project Market" was held, showcasing health and life sciences projects. Minister Kacır visited the area where scientists presented their projects, thanking them for their contributions to science and wishing them continued success. The festival also featured B2B mentoring and networking sessions, providing participants the opportunity to connect with investors and establish valuable business relationships. The poster presentations attracted significant interest, with finalists receiving awards for their projects.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of gifts and a group photo.
