Senior scientists meet to advise authorities

ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News

Science, Industry and Technology Minister Nihat Ergün poses with Turkish scientists living abroad. AA photo

Prominent Turkish scientists from all corners of the world gathered in Istanbul yesterday to discuss Turkey’s initiatives in science and technology within the scope of the 2nd Congress for Turkish Scientists Living Abroad.

Around 130 scientists, who have marked their fields with notable works and patents, will discuss four main issues: technology transfer, education, health and energy, to determine concrete steps to take in these areas.

They will share their experiences with some 70 representatives from Turkey’s public and private sectors and universities to make the country an international center of attraction in the field of science and technology.

Science, Industry and Technology Minister Nihat Ergün, who was present at the opening session of the event, announced Turkey’s determination to provide the necessary conditions for scientific productivity in the country.

‘Brain power’

Ergün said Turkey did not consider the “brain drain” as a loss anymore, but rather that Turkish scientists living abroad were part of the “brain power” and an intermediary for scientific diplomacy.

“Turkey is not the same as when you last left,” he said, underlining the efforts of his ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) government in the fields of science and technology.

Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK) Chairman Yücel Altunbaşak, as head of the host organization, noted that an inventory of Turkish scientists living abroad was created in accordance with the decisions made at last year’s congress.

Also speaking at the opening session, Education Minister Nabi Avcı reiterated the government’s aim to become a globally competitive country in the science and technology fields in 2023.

Most coming from US, European universities

Most of the participants were working for U.S. and European universities; however there were also some coming from Asia and Australia. The congress will close today, with the expected participation of Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdoğan.