“BAU Respect for Science Awards” Presented to Their Recipients

Academics at Bahçeşehir University (BAU) who conduct scientific research, publish internationally recognized studies, and develop projects that contribute to society were honored at the “Respect for Science Awards” ceremony. BAU Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees Hüseyin Yücel stated, “The era we live in is not the age of merely possessing knowledge, but of producing, interpreting, and transforming knowledge for the benefit of humanity.” The “BAU 2026 Respect for Science Awards and Doctoral Graduation Ceremony” was held at the BAU South Campus Convention Center in Beşiktaş. The ceremony was attended by BAU Board of Trustees Chairman Enver Yücel, BAU Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees Hüseyin Yücel and his wife Nurşah Yücel, BAU Board Member Saygın Şenel, BAU Global Vice President Serdar Şenel, BAU Rector Prof. Dr. Esra Hatipoğlu, and academic staff.

During the ceremony, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Adnan Çorum received the “Excellence in Education Award,” Prof. Dr. Lütfi Arda received the “BAU Contribution to Science Award,” and Prof. Dr. Gülden Çelik and Prof. Dr. Çisil Sohodol received the “BAU Social Impact Award.” The “Patent and Innovation Award” was presented to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bilgen Tunçer and Assist. Prof. Dr. Renk Dimli Oraklıbel, while the “BAU Honor Award” was presented to Prof. Dr. Fikret Yılmaz and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Derya Gürses Tarbuck. Academics Prof. Dr. Sabri Sayarı and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Asatekin, who passed away last year, were also remembered and posthumously honored with the BAU Honor Award.

Following the awards ceremony, doctoral graduates received their diplomas. Dr. Özlem Koç, General Director of Bahçeşehir College, also received her doctoral diploma from Hüseyin Yücel, Nurşah Yücel, and Rector Prof. Dr. Esra Hatipoğlu. The graduates celebrated by tossing their caps into the air.

“CIVILIZATIONS RISE THROUGH SCIENCE”

Speaking at the event, BAU Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees Hüseyin Yücel said: “Today, we are gathered not only to present awards, but also to express our respect for science, effort, thought, and productivity that illuminate the shared future of humanity. We know that civilizations rise through science, grow stronger through education, and become lasting through ideas. The era we live in is not the age of merely possessing knowledge, but of producing, interpreting, and transforming knowledge for the benefit of humanity. Scientists are among the most important architects of this transformation.”

RESPECT FOR SCIENCE

In her opening speech, BAU Rector Prof. Dr. Esra Hatipoğlu said: “This year, I am especially proud and excited to gather with you in our university’s new campus for this meaningful event. Today, we celebrate together the transformative power of science, the value of hard work, and the contribution of academic dedication to humanity. This distinguished annual event continues to be one of the strongest expressions of our respect for science.”

“THE ESSENCE OF HIGHER EDUCATION IS PEOPLE”

Emphasizing that people are at the heart of higher education, Hatipoğlu continued: “The essence of higher education is people. In fact, it is all of us. Universities are institutions that foster critical thinking, ethical values, creativity, and intercultural understanding. Therefore, our goal is not simply to graduate students, but to educate individuals who question, create, take responsibility, and contribute to a sustainable future. This is where the concept of sustainable higher education becomes essential. It is important to address global challenges such as equality and accessibility in education, institutional resilience, climate change, environmental issues, and migration through interdisciplinary solutions, while implementing this holistic approach across education, research, campus life, and social contribution.”