The 2nd Zeugma Health Research Symposium Scientific Festival was organised by the Faculty of Health Sciences at Hasan Kalyoncu University (HKU).
Bringing together academics and clinicians—particularly researchers undertaking postgraduate studies in the field of health sciences—the symposium addressed a range of timely and guiding topics, including thesis topic selection processes, web-based scientific research, the use of artificial intelligence in thesis writing, thesis proposal forms, and ethical committee procedures.
The symposium, held at HKU’s Law Amphitheatre and chaired by Prof. Dr Yavuz Yakut, was attended by HKU Acting Rector Prof. Dr Gül Rengin Küçükerdoğan, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences Prof. Dr Kezban Yiğiter, department heads, academic staff and postgraduate students.
In her opening remarks, Acting Rector Prof. Dr Gül Rengin Küçükerdoğan noted that the second edition of the symposium—following its inaugural event in 2018—stands as an indicator of institutional continuity and academic development. Referring to the historical significance of Zeugma, she stated:
“‘Zeugma’, which lends its name to this symposium, served for centuries as a crossroads of civilisations and as an important centre of knowledge, trade and cultural interaction—a bridge in every sense. Today, we are building a bridge between academia and practice, and between traditional research methods and new approaches supported by artificial intelligence. Technology may advance; however, particularly in the field of health, people will always remain at the heart of science. Science requires patience and dedication. Supporting our young researchers who will present today is of paramount importance; this is our mission. Because the success of our young academics is the success of our university. Every thesis you write, every article you publish and every project you develop will not only be an academic output but also a significant contribution to our country’s healthcare system.”
Prof. Dr Küçükerdoğan also extended her thanks to Symposium Chair Prof. Dr Yavuz Yakut, as well as to members of the organising and scientific committees and the secretariat team.
Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences Prof. Dr Kezban Yiğiter, addressing prospective young academics, emphasised that research in the health field has undergone a significant transformation in both scope and methodology. “The scale of research has changed,” she said. “Artificial intelligence applications, web-based systems and advanced technologies have been integrated into research processes. For this reason, the studies you conduct will progress on a very different foundation from ours. I firmly believe that research in the health sciences will be taken to a much higher level with your contributions. We trust in you.”
Symposium Chair Prof. Dr Yavuz Yakut also highlighted the growing scientific engagement, noting that while 28 oral presentations were delivered at the first symposium in 2018, this year the number had doubled, reflecting increased participation and academic productivity.
Head of the Nursing Department Prof. Dr Ayla Yava, Head of the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics Prof. Dr Yasemin Beyhan, and Head of the Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Assoc. Prof. Dr Serkan Usgu likewise expressed their gratitude to all those who contributed to the organisation of the symposium.
During the panels held as part of the symposium, the fundamental stages of the postgraduate research process were examined in detail. The first panel addressed thesis topic selection, web-based research and literature review methods, and the use of artificial intelligence tools in thesis writing. The second panel focused on the preparation of thesis proposals, ethical committee application procedures, and key academic criteria to be observed in thesis writing.
In addition, three parallel Young Researchers Sessions were held in the afternoon programme, providing postgraduate students with the opportunity to present their scientific studies in separate halls.
