Kastamonu University continues to contribute to the literature with its scientific studies in the field of health.

Within the scope of research conducted at our university, a new method developed to enhance the effectiveness of the chemotherapy drug used in the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer has been patented by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office. 

In the study applied for under our university's ownership, besides Assoc. Prof. Dr. Asuman Özgöz, a faculty member of the Department of Internal Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nesrin İçli, a faculty member of the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at the Faculty of Health Sciences, and inventors from different universities participated.

In the study, the chemotherapy drug docetaxel, commonly used in prostate cancer, was examined in combination with a plant-derived natural substance, Sambucus nigra agglutinin (SNA). In laboratory experiments, it was determined that SNA did not have a negative effect on cancer cells when used alone; however, when combined with docetaxel, it significantly enhanced the treatment's effectiveness.

The research results revealed that the combined use of the two substances contributed to the more effective destruction of cancer cells. This approach may reduce side effects observed in patients by enabling treatment with lower chemotherapy doses in the future.

It is hoped that this patented method, if supported by clinical studies, will contribute to the development of new and complementary applications for the treatment of prostate cancer. Additionally, the study is scientifically noteworthy as it is the first in the literature to address the use of a plant-based RNA substance in conjunction with chemotherapy specifically for prostate cancer.

Making evaluations on the subject, our Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal emphasized the importance of transforming the knowledge produced in universities into societal benefit and said the following: 

“Every patent developed at our university is a concrete output of the application of scientific knowledge. This study, conducted in an area closely related to public health, such as prostate cancer, demonstrates the contribution of academic knowledge to the field of health. As Kastamonu University, we will continue to support qualified and innovative research.”

Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, also thanked Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar, President of the Higher Education Council, and Prof. Dr. M. Zeki Durak, President of the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office, for their support for R&D activities.

Kastamonu University has patented a study on eco-friendly, natural ingredients in the field of dermocosmetics.  The SPF 25+ sunscreen developed by Prof. Dr. Temel Kan Bakır, a faculty member of the Department of Chemistry at our university's Faculty of Science, and Dr. Mertcan Karadeniz, a faculty member of the Faculty of Forestry, which contains natural ingredients derived from the Lactarius deliciosus (saffron milk cap) mushroom, has been patented by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office. 

In the study, a sunscreen formulation was developed using the natural antioxidants and bioactive components of the kanlıca mushroom, which grows in the forests of Kastamonu, to protect the skin from the harmful effects of sunlight. One of the standout features of the product was that it provided both sun protection and antioxidant effects entirely with natural ingredients, without using synthetic UV filters.

According to the research results, the sunscreen containing mushroom extract provides SPF 25+ level protection suitable for daily use without leaving white marks on the skin. Thanks to its lack of chemical filters that harm the environment, it is also considered a safe alternative for marine life and ecosystems. With these features, the product stands out as a suitable option for sensitive skin as well.  

The patented natural ingredient sunscreen aims to contribute to the health and cosmetics sector in line with the increasing environmental awareness and demand for natural cosmetic products. 

In his evaluation of the study, our Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal highlighted our University's focus on scientific production and societal benefit, stating the following:

“Our university prioritizes works that contribute to society by combining the natural riches of its geography with scientific knowledge. Developed with natural, environmentally friendly ingredients, this patented sunscreen is a concrete reflection of our commitment to research, innovation, and sustainability. We will continue to support projects that create value in the health and cosmetics sectors.

Our Rector also congratulated the inventors of the patent, Prof. Dr. Temel Kan Bakır, a faculty member of the Department of Chemistry at our University’s Faculty of Science, and Dr. Mertcan Karadeniz, a faculty member of the Faculty of Forestry. He thanked Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar, President of the Higher Education Council, and Prof. Dr. M. Zeki Durak, President of the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office, for their support for R&D activities.

Kastamonu University Daday Nafi and Ümit Çeri Vocational School of Horse Riding and Coaching Program, and the academy company Prolonging Technology A.Ş., operating in Kastamonu Technopolis, have qualified for support from TÜBİTAK through the EQUINNO Project, which aims to drive digital transformation in the equestrian sector.  The project, led by Instructor Ayhan Şanlı, will be supported under the TÜBİTAK 1501 Industrial R&D Projects Support Program.   

The EQUINNO Project aims to comprehensively monitor the training and health processes of horses through AI-supported digital systems. Thanks to the system to be developed within the scope of the project, performance data can be compared and recorded sustainably, and training processes can be monitored in real time. Additionally, by detecting fatigue and injury risks early, it will be possible to develop data-driven, scientifically based training programs.

The project, implemented with the understanding of university-industry collaboration, aims to transfer academic knowledge to practical fields.  

The project is being carried out under the leadership of Prolunging Teknoloji A.Ş. and in partnership with MTM Biotechnology. An interdisciplinary research and engineering team, including Dr. Fatih Altındiş and Dr. Oğuzhan Ayyıldız from Abdullah Gül University and Dr. Osman Gökhan Uyan from Kayseri University, is involved in the project.  

Providing evaluations regarding the project, our Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal emphasized the importance our University places on applied sciences and industry collaborations, stating the following: 

“We find it extremely valuable to bring a traditional field like horsemanship together with artificial intelligence and digital technologies. The EQUINNO Project is a qualified study that demonstrates the reflection of the knowledge produced at our university in the field and the industry. The contribution of project manager Ayhan Şanlı, both as an academician and the owner of a Teknokent company, constitutes a concrete example of university-industry collaboration. I congratulate our academics and stakeholders who contributed to the project, and I hope the work will benefit the equestrian sector and our country's R&D ecosystem.

Our rector also thanked the President of YÖK, Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar, and YÖK members for their support of research-focused work in higher education, and Prof. Dr. Orhan Aydın, the President of TÜBİTAK, for the support provided to university projects.

As part of our university's 20th anniversary celebrations and on the third anniversary of the February 6 earthquakes, the "Unshakable Memory: Antakya" International Mail Art Exhibition, prepared by the Faculty of Fine Arts and Design (GSTF) at Kastamonu University, met with art enthusiasts.  

Our deans, academic staff, students, representatives from public institutions and organizations, and invited guests attended the exhibition opening.  

In his opening speech, GSTF Dean Prof. Erol Yıldır stated that the earthquakes on February 6 left deep scars on society, emphasizing that the pain experienced found meaning not only in numbers but also in collective memory and testimony. Emphasizing that art plays an important role in such social memory processes, Yıldır stated that the exhibition offers a meaningful meeting space in this regard.  

Following her, the curator of the exhibition, Dr. Sofia Cihan Canbolat, a faculty member of the Department of Graphic Design at GSTF, stated that the exhibition was prepared in the context of our university's 20th anniversary and the third anniversary of the February 6 earthquakes.  Stating that the exhibition was conceived as an expression of remembrance, not forgetting, and witnessing, Canbolat said that the work, prepared with Antakya as its center, made visible through art the destruction, losses, and solidarity experienced by the 11 provinces affected by the earthquakes.  

Canbolat stated that approximately 350 artists participated in the exhibition, with over 400 works, including 60 from abroad, and expressed that this intense interest shows that the events are not forgotten and that a sense of common solidarity continues. Emphasizing that each work in the exhibition carries a mark, a stamp, and a testimony, Canbolat concluded his speech with the words, "Antakya and 11 provinces were shaken, but our memory was not shaken."  

After the speeches, thanks were given to the academics, students, and all stakeholders who contributed to the exhibition's preparation.

Kastamonu University continues to participate in international research studies in sustainable agriculture, biodiversity, and combating climate change. In the international project titled "HALO-FORCE: Halophyte-Driven Innovation for Sustainable Farming in Mediterranean Wetlands," which was selected for funding by the European Union under the PRIMA Program and has a total budget of 2,696,250 euros, approximately 17 million TL was allocated to the Turkish consortium, which includes Kastamonu University.

As part of a project to be carried out in the wetlands of the Mediterranean basin, the aim is to examine the genetic, physiological, and nutritional characteristics of edible halophyte plant populations, including wild beet. The project aims to develop climate-resilient agricultural systems, conserve biodiversity, and support sustainable water management practices.

The HALO-FORCE Project, which will last 48 months, is being carried out by a broad international partnership comprising numerous institutions from Italy, Portugal, Cyprus, Greece, Croatia, Egypt, Turkey, Morocco, and France. The University of Padua in Italy is the general coordinator of the project, while the Turkish part is led by Iğdır University, with our university, Bolu Abant İzzet Baysal University, and Türkiye Şeker Fabrikaları A.Ş. participating as partners.

Our university is contributing to the project through faculty members from the Department of Engineering and Architecture, Genetics and Bioengineering, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Cengiz Baloğlu and Prof. Dr. Yasemin Çelik Altunoğlu, as well as Expert Biologist Pınar Baloğlu from the Central Research Laboratory Application and Research Center (MERLAB).

Researchers are actively involved in the project, bringing expertise in plant biotechnology, molecular genetics, stress biology, and advanced bioinformatics.

The scientific outputs generated within the scope of the project aim to reveal the agricultural potential of halophyte plants, develop strategies for the sustainable use of wild beet genetic resources, and create innovative production models adapted to climate change. In this respect, the HALO-FORCE Project is considered a study that will contribute to both academic knowledge production and agricultural and environmental policies.

Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, congratulated the academics and researchers involved in the studies carried out within the scope of the HALO-FORCE Project, and emphasized the importance of the approaches to be developed and the scientific outputs to be obtained within the scope of the project being integrable with public institutions and practitioner stakeholders in the fields of agriculture, environment, and ecosystem management. In this context, he stated that international collaborations, including those involving our university, contribute to universities' research capacity and scientific visibility.

Additionally, our Rector thanked YÖK President Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar for their contributions to research activities in higher education, and TÜBİTAK President Prof. Dr. Orhan Aydın for the support provided for our University's research infrastructure.

The Social Responsibility Projects Office (Social Office) within Kastamonu University has published the 2025 Activity Report, which includes the work carried out throughout 2025. The report details the increasing interest in social responsibility projects across our university, our implementation capacity, and the results reflected in the field, supported by comprehensive data.

According to the report, 481 social responsibility project applications were submitted from across our university in 2025. At the end of the evaluation process, 259 projects were implemented. Of the accepted projects, 130 were led by students and 129 by academics. 

2025 was a year when the Social Responsibility Projects Office issued calls for special project topics, and thematic studies focusing on specific social areas came to the forefront. In this context, three separate special project calls were announced during the year. In April, projects themed around "Family" were supported; in May, projects on "Artificial Intelligence" were supported; and in October, projects developed under the theme of "Combating Addiction" were prioritized. The studies were reflected in the field under the headings of education, health, sports, environment, social awareness, and support for disadvantaged groups. 

While projects are carried out within a broad academic structure, from faculties to vocational schools, the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, with 75 projects, the Faculty of Health Sciences, with 44 projects, and the Faculty of Sports Sciences, with 32 projects, were among the units that stood out with the number of projects accepted. All of the projects carried out were linked to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, making a direct contribution to the goals of Quality Education, Good Health and Well-being, and Reduced Inequalities in particular. 

The report stated that approximately 780,000 TL of the budget was used during project implementation and that widespread participation was encouraged through an average support model of 3,000 TL per project. As part of the studies, collaboration was carried out with a total of 54 stakeholders, including 27 public institutions such as the Kastamonu Governorate, central and district municipalities, Provincial and District Directorates of National Education, Provincial Directorate of Health, AFAD, Provincial Directorate of Youth and Sports, Provincial Directorate of Family and Social Services, healthcare institutions, nursing homes, and care centers; as well as organizations serving women and individuals with special needs, and representatives from the private sector.

The report's comparative data showed that the number of project applications increased by approximately 94% from 2024, and the number of approved projects increased by over 86%. During this process, student projects increased by 86.1%, while faculty projects increased by 89.7%. This increase showed a steady rise in interest in social responsibility projects across our university.

Commenting on the report, our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, stated that social responsibility activities hold a significant place in our University's approach to society, using the following words: 

“We believe that universities should take responsibility not only through their educational and research activities but also through their work that directly impacts society. The 2025 Activity Report, prepared by our Social Responsibility Projects Office, reflects the sensitivity of our students and academics toward social issues and their understanding of co-creation. We believe it is important to continue this work in the coming period. I would like to thank the project owners, all stakeholders, and everyone involved.”

Kastamonu University continues to support its academic output with a planned and sustainable approach thru the directorates it has structured in line with its scientific research, quality, and internationalization goals. The directorates operating within our university contribute to the high-quality and coordinated execution of scientific studies across a wide range, from research to publication, and from technology to environmental policies. 

The current link in our university's future-oriented restructuring process is formed by the thematic directorates established in 2024 and 2025.  The Student Projects and Competitions Coordination Office, established in 2025, aims to make students an active component of scientific production, fostering a research culture from an early stage. 

Kastamonu University continues to support its academic output through the directorates it has structured to align with its scientific research, quality, and internationalization goals, with a planned, sustainable approach. The directorates operating within our university contribute to the high-quality and coordinated execution of scientific studies across a wide range, from research to publication, and from technology to environmental policies.  While the Excellence in Education Coordinationship focuses on improving the quality of education by implementing current teaching approaches, the Sustainability Coordinationship addresses climate change, environmental responsibility, and resource efficiency within an institutional framework. 

The Zero Waste Coordinationship supports the university's environmental policies at the implementation level by coordinating efforts in waste management, recycling practices, and environmental awareness. These structures operate as complementary elements of a corporate approach that centers on environmental responsibility. 

The Artificial Intelligence Studies Coordinationship, which will be operational in 2025, coordinates interdisciplinary academic studies by taking a holistic approach across the university in the fields of digital transformation, data analytics, and smart systems.  The Psychological Counseling and Guidance Coordinationship, on the other hand, contributes to the healthy conduct of scientific and educational activities by supporting the psychological well-being of students and staff in an integrated manner with academic life.

In addition to the newly established directorates, the existing directorate structures within our university continue to coordinate core academic activities. The Orhun Exchange Coordinationship, established within the General Directorate of External Relations, prioritizes international academic interaction and supports student and academic mobility, thereby increasing interaction between our university and universities affiliated with the TURKUNIB network.

Commenting on the issue, our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, stated that work is continuing with the goal of a university that centers on scientific research and prioritizes academic development.

Stating that the coordination structures enable the institutional-level implementation of this approach, our Rector said, "With the coordination structures we have established, we are addressing scientific production within a trackable and measurable framework. Our aim is to be a university that produces, shares, and transforms knowledge into social benefit. 

Our rector concluded his remarks by stating that academic studies are being contributed to in a planned and harmonious manner through Coordinationship.

According to the 2026 World University Regional Rankings, announced by the London-based higher education ranking organization QS, Kastamonu University ranked in the 791-900 band among universities across Europe. Our university is ranked 79th out of 140 universities in the Western Asia regional ranking and 18th among Turkish universities in the citation-per-publication indicator. 

The QS ranking considered indicators such as citations per academic, academic/student ratio, visibility in international research networks, international student and academic ratios, graduate employment, sustainability studies, and reputation among employers and academics. Our university was included in the evaluation based on its progress in various indicators, particularly in internationalization and research performance. 

Commenting on the matter, our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, stated that our University's inclusion in international evaluations is significant for the academic studies being conducted. 

Stating that our university continues its efforts to increase research activities and international visibility, our Rector also emphasized that a quality-focused education approach is fundamental to all processes at our university. 

Our Rector also expressed his gratitude to the President of the Council of Higher Education, Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar, and the members of the Council for their support in research activities and internationalization, and thanked our personnel who contributed to the process.

The Culinary Arts Program within the Daday Nafi and Ümit Çeri Vocational School of Kastamonu University has been accredited by the Tourism Education Evaluation and Accreditation Board (TURAK).

Upon completion of the evaluation conducted by TURAK, the program was awarded "Conditional Accreditation," valid from December 31, 2025, to December 31, 2027. As part of the process, the program's curriculum, academic staff, and practical opportunities were examined against the established criteria. 

With the accreditation decision, the educational approach and continuous improvement goals of the Culinary Program at the Daday Nafi and Ümit Çeri Vocational School have been formalized. This accreditation, valid for 2 years, is considered part of the program's development process. 

TURAK accreditation demonstrates that the education students receive aligns with industry expectations and aims to support the national and international recognition of their diplomas after graduation.

Commenting on the matter, our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, thanked all academic and administrative staff who contributed to this process. Our Rector, recalling the successes previously achieved by the Culinary Arts Program at international festivals, stated that quality-focused efforts will be continued with determination in line with the goal of training qualified human resources in the field of gastronomy. 

Highlighting recent initiatives to disseminate quality-focused studies across our university, our Rector expressed gratitude to the President of the Council of Higher Education, Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar, and the Council members for their support during this process. He also extended his thanks to the President of the Higher Education Quality Board, Prof. Dr. Ümit Kocabıçak, and the board members for their contributions to the development of a quality culture in higher education.

Students from Kastamonu University's Faculty of Sports Sciences and Vocational School placed second in the Interuniversity Wushu Türkiye Championship. The athletes finished the championship with 2 gold and 2 bronze medals. 

The Intercollegiate Wushu Türkiye Championship, organized by the Turkish University Sports Federation (TÜSF) in Sakarya, was held at the Sakarya Serdivan Sports Hall with high participation. In the organization, 216 athletes from 56 universities competed in the "Sanda" and "Taolu" categories. 

Hüseyin Eren Küçükoğlu and Sedat Altun, students from the Faculty of Sports Sciences and the Vocational School representing our university at the championship, won gold medals in the Sanda Men's Heavyweight Category, while Asrın Fırat Yaman and Doğukan Doğan took home bronze. With these results, our university won the second-place trophy in the Sanda discipline. 

The students were coached by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bayram Ceylan and Res. Assist. Hasan Basri Taşkın from the Department of Coaching Education at the Faculty of Sports Sciences. 

Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, congratulated the athletes and coaches on the degrees they earned in inter-university competitions. Our Rector emphasized that students' active participation in sports alongside their academic development contributes to the university culture and stated that, with our university's supportive approach to sports, our students will continue to develop in different areas. 

Our rector thanked all the academic and administrative staff who contributed to the success and wished the athletes continued success.

Kastamonu University Child Education Application and Research Center implemented numerous activities, training, and collaborations for children and families throughout 2025. The center maintained an intensive and high-quality program throughout the year, including practical studies supporting children's development, family education, library-based activities, and international academic interactions, all conducted in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.

Our University's Baby and Children's Library, one of the center's important components that serves children aged 0–8 in our province, received significant interest throughout 2025.  The library was actively used as a living-learning space through visits from university and high school students as part of school visits, parent-child meetings, and child-literature-focused lessons held throughout the year. During this process, the Baby and Children's Library was visited by 1096 parent-child groups, 26 schools, 512 students, and 30 teachers.

Among the year's highlights were the Parent School meetings, which aimed to increase parents' knowledge and awareness of parenting skills and of child development and education. In three events held throughout the year, parents came together with our university's academics to discuss topics such as the impact of family relationships and cultural messages on the parenting experience, the use of digital technology in early childhood, and the role of drama in child education.

Another significant event organized by the center was the "Nature-Based Approach in Early Childhood Education and Forest School Pedagogy" panel, which was held with the support of our University's Specialization Coordination Office.

As part of the panel, preschool teachers, teacher candidates, and parents from our province and surrounding provinces met with expert academics and educators from Uludağ University, TED University, Gebze Private Vahide Yılmaz Kindergarten, and our university.

The center also gained attention through collaborations with academic social responsibility projects and student communities, including awareness events on children's rights and children's theater throughout the year. The center, which prioritizes social contribution, completed 2025 with a multifaceted calendar of activities focused on children, families, and education. 

Two separate events were held in collaboration with the Provincial Directorate of Family and Social Services. In this context, first, children aged 7-14 and their mothers were hosted on campus within the framework of the School Support Project, a multidisciplinary program that included STEM and art workshops, a stress management talk, and a visit to the Faculty of Communication studios.

In the second event, a rich program was offered to children aged 4-7 who receive services at the Children's Homes Site, including theater performances, games, and art workshops. 

The center also took steps toward its internationalization goals. Throughout the year, academics from different countries were hosted at the Baby and Children's Library; good practices were shared, and opportunities for joint work were developed through visits held as part of Erasmus International Week. 

Assoc. Professor Dr. Aysun Ata Aktürk, Director of our university's Child Education Application and Research Center, evaluated 2025 as an intense and productive working period focused on child education and development. Stating that they met with an increasing number of stakeholders and participants throughout the year as a center, Aktürk said that the Baby and Children's Library, which offers an out-of-school learning environment for children aged 0-8 in our province, their families, and schools providing education to this age group, has received significant interest.

Aktürk stated that children spend quality time with their parents in the library through educational materials such as books, puppets, and intelligence games, and that they have the opportunity to socialize, adapt to community rules, and become familiar with concepts related to different disciplines.

Stating that the activities carried out within the center contribute to the learning processes by bringing together children, parents, and teacher candidates with field experts, Aktürk noted that they aim to reach more children with the same focus in the coming period and to continue collaborations with stakeholders in the field of child education. He also emphasized that the positive feedback received after the events and the happiness on the children's faces provided significant motivation for their core work. 

Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, stated in his assessment that the Child Education Application and Research Center provides social and educational contributions to children and families in our province, especially in our region. Stating that such applications, which bring together our university's knowledge with society, have created awareness in the field of child education, our Rector emphasized that the studies carried out by the center are being implemented with a sensitive, sustainable, and collaborative approach to local needs.

Our Rector stated that they will continue to support value-generating studies for our province and region in the coming period, and thanked all academic and administrative staff who contributed.

Within the scope of the Regional Development-Focused Mission Differentiation and Specialization Program carried out by the Council of Higher Education, Kastamonu University, which specializes in forestry and nature tourism, continues its academic, scientific, and application-oriented studies in this context. 

The studies conducted by the Specialization Coordination Directorate for Forestry and Nature Tourism, located within our university, focus on the conservation, planning, and sustainable management of the natural resources in the Western Black Sea Region. 

In the activities carried out by the coordination, forestry, nature tourism, and ecotourism are among the priority areas of work. The region's forest resources, biodiversity, and natural tourism potential are being addressed through scientific projects, field studies, and institutional collaborations. The academic outputs obtained within the scope of the ongoing studies aim to produce practical results. 

Within the framework of specialization studies, international collaborations are being carried out in addition to national projects. Our university aims to enhance knowledge and experience sharing through joint studies conducted with universities and institutions from various countries, while also incorporating current approaches in forestry and nature tourism into academic research.

The specialization approach is based on the principle of utilizing academic knowledge accumulation together with the infrastructure and human resources of our University. In this context, while the principle of financial and institutional sustainability is observed, efforts to attract investors to the region continue. The aim of the activities carried out is to contribute to the economic structure of Kastamonu and the Western Black Sea Region and to increase employment opportunities. 

Within the scope of specialization studies, joint projects are being undertaken with public institutions, representatives from the private sector, and universities. Thanks to these studies, which are carried out through interdisciplinary and multi-stakeholder collaborations, it is possible to apply academic knowledge across various fields. Additionally, activities are being carried out to raise public awareness on nature conservation and sustainable tourism through public education, workshops, and information events.

As part of the specialization efforts carried out to date, a total of 64 projects have been supported, with an approximate investment of 72 million TL. Scientific and practical studies are being conducted within the framework of protocols signed with the General Directorate of Combating Desertification and Erosion, the General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks, the General Directorate of Forestry, as well as various universities and institutions. 

Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, emphasized that the ongoing studies are part of our University's long-term strategic vision and made the following assessment: Forestry and nature tourism are among the areas directly related to Kastamonu's natural structure and the opportunities it offers. We prioritize translating academic studies conducted in these areas into practical applications. We believe it is essential that the knowledge produced contributes to our region and country, particularly our province, and is shared with public institutions, sector stakeholders, and the community. As part of its specialization efforts in forestry and nature tourism, our university addresses scientific research, educational activities, and field applications in a coordinated manner. In this direction, we aim to contribute to the protection and planned, sustainable use of our province's and region's natural resources through the projects and collaborations we develop.

Kastamonu Technopark, established within Kastamonu University with contributions from public institutions and the private sector, began its journey in 2020 by accepting its first company. By 2025, it will have transformed into a regional-scale technology and R&D ecosystem. 

The developments achieved in various areas, including physical infrastructure, human resources, entrepreneurship, and commercialization, over the past five years since its establishment, highlight the role Kastamonu Technopark plays in university-industry cooperation. 

Kastamonu Technopark, established by a 2018 decision of the Council of Ministers and incorporated and operational by the end of 2019, welcomed its first companies in May 2020. 

In the subsequent process, Kastamonu Technopark, which continued to grow especially with infrastructure investments, significantly increased its institutional capacity with the 5,834-square-meter Administrative Building and Incubation Center that became operational in January 2022. The Presidential Decree published in 2021, which increased the Technology Development Zone area to approximately 110,000 square meters, paved the way for long-term growth targets. Planning studies for the expansion area were completed in 2022, and a building permit was obtained in 2023. 

As of 2025, the number of companies operating in Kastamonu Technopark has reached 43. In the sectoral distribution of companies, the software and information technology sector stood out with a rate of 42.5%; areas such as forest products, manufacturing, engineering, architecture, and computer technologies were also among the topics reflecting the region's production and research potential. Within the Technopark, 25 academic entrepreneurs and 153 R&D personnel are employed, totaling 178 qualified human resources.

Kastamonu Technopark companies, which also produce outputs related to the commercialization of R&D studies, registered 1 industrial design, 12 trademarks, and 3 software products in the field of Intellectual and Industrial Property Rights between 2020 and 2025.

To support the work of companies operating within the Technopark in the field of intellectual and industrial property rights (IPR), an application was implemented in 2025. In this context, free consulting and application services are being offered to companies, and the support provided is also contributing to connecting companies with investors. 

The Idea and Business Development Support Office (FİDE), which operates to develop the entrepreneurial ecosystem, provided support to young entrepreneurs through pre-incubation and incubation programs. Hundreds of participants were reached through education, mentorship, and discussion programs conducted during the 2021-2025 period. During this process, 10 different products reached the commercialization stage, while the startups within the Technopark achieved rankings and championships at TEKNOFEST and various national competitions.

The Social Responsibility Projects Office, which aims to combine technological production with social benefit, was also implemented in collaboration with the Technopark and the Technology Transfer Office. Out of 187 project applications received by the Social Office, 160 accepted studies were carried out, with contributions from 96 academics and 64 students, laying the groundwork for technology-based social impact projects. 

As of 2025, Kastamonu Technopark, which operates with 43 R&D offices, 11 incubation offices, and active social areas, continues to contribute to regional development through its cooperation model established between the university and industry.

Kastamonu University's Turkish Teaching Application and Research Center (TÖMER) will provide education to international students from various countries during the 2025-2026 academic year. According to current data, a total of 111 international students from 23 different countries have gathered in Kastamonu to learn Turkish and experience Turkish culture. 

Highest Participation from Indonesia and Somalia

Among the students studying at TÖMER, Indonesia leads with 26 students, followed by Somalia with 25 students. These two countries are followed by the Philippines, with 12 students, Nigeria, with 8 students, Turkmenistan, with 7 students, and Kazakhstan, with 6 students. 

A Multicultural Educational Environment on Campus 

In addition to large student groups, individual participants also add diversity to the educational activities carried out at TÖMER. In this context, the countries that make up the multicultural educational environment of the campus include Afghanistan, Angola, Azerbaijan, Indonesia, Morocco, the Philippines, Palestine, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, South Sudan, Cameroon, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Nigeria, the Central African Republic, Somalia, Sudan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Yemen. These students, who come from different geographical regions, add cultural richness to campus life. 

Our Rector: "Turkish Establishes Permanent Bonds Between Cultures"

Commenting on the matter, our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, emphasized that the work carried out at TÖMER is not limited to language teaching alone.

Our Rector stated that  "The fact that our students from different geographies of the world are learning Turkish in Kastamonu is an important part of our University's internationalization vision. These students, who are studying in the same classes, are not only getting the opportunity to get to know Turkish culture closely but are also bringing their own cultures to our campus. "We believe that upon returning to their countries after graduation, they will establish lasting bonds with Turkey.

The study titled "Production of FeAlSiMn Electrical Steel by Adding Different Alloy Elements Using Powder Metallurgy Method," which was applied for under the ownership of Kastamonu University and whose inventors are Assoc.Prof. Dr. Yücel Çetinceviz and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Akkaş, faculty member of the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, has been registered by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office.  

Within the scope of the patent, FeAlSiMn-based electrical steel was produced using powder metallurgy and modified with various alloying elements, including Co, Ni, Cu, and Cr. The mechanical, electrical, and magnetic properties of samples obtained by the hot pressing method were examined in detail. As a result of the analysis, it was determined that the alloy with added Cu, in particular, exhibited lower hysteresis loss and higher magnetic flux density. 

The findings revealed that the developed material can be utilized in various electrical engineering applications, including transformers, motors, generators, and electromagnetic cores. The aim of the patent study is to contribute to reducing external dependence in the field of electrical materials and increasing high-value-added domestic production. Additionally, the aim is to offer significant gains to the industry through the development of longer-lasting and lower-cost electrical steels.

Commenting on the issue, our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, highlighted the strategic importance of such studies conducted at universities, using the following words: Every patent produced at our university is an indicator of academic knowledge being transformed into tangible outputs. This study, developed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yücel Çetinceviz and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Akkaş is extremely valuable both in terms of his scientific quality and his potential for industrial application. Such innovative studies developed with local resources contribute to our University's research and innovation vision.

Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, also thanked the President of the Council of Higher Education, Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar, and the President of the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office, Prof. Dr. M. Zeki Durak, for their support of R&D studies.

The project titled "Development of Novel Composite Structures Modified with Graphene Oxide and Investigation of Their Chemosensor Properties," prepared by our university's faculty member, Lecturer Dr. Merve Zurnacı, has been awarded support under the TÜBİTAK 1002 – Fast Support Program.

The project aims to synthesize new composite structures modified with graphene oxide and to thoroughly examine the chemosensor properties of these structures. In this direction, the development of innovative graphene oxide-based composite materials will enable the design of chemosensors that operate with high sensitivity and selectivity. The project is expected to make significant scientific contributions in the fields of sensor technologies and advanced materials development. 

In the 12-month project, Prof. Dr. Mahmut Gür will serve as an advisor, while an undergraduate student will participate as a scholarship recipient.  

Commenting on the issue, our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, expressed his satisfaction that the high-quality research conducted at the university has been recognized within the scope of national support programs. 

Our Rector stated, "The contribution of our academics to the world of science with original and innovative projects is a concrete demonstration of our University's research-focused vision. Our Rector stated, "The contribution of our academics to the world of science with original and innovative projects is a concrete demonstration of our University's research-focused vision.

Our Rector also thanked the President of the Council of Higher Education, Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar, and the members of the Council for their support of research activities in higher education, and the President of TÜBİTAK, Prof. Dr. Orhan Aydın, for their project support.

Kastamonu University, while steadily continuing its R&D and innovation-focused studies, is demonstrating its steps toward transforming academic knowledge production into economic and social benefit with concrete results in the field of intellectual and industrial property.  

Founded in 2006, our university filed its first patent application in 2011. By the time the Technology Transfer Office became operational in 2020, a total of 22 patent applications had been filed under the ownership of our University. Twelve of these applications were registered by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office and added to the intellectual property inventory.   

With the establishment of the Technology Transfer Office in 2020, intellectual and industrial property processes began to be managed under the coordination of the Patent Support Office within the TTO. With the opening of this office, there was a significant increase in the number of applications. Between 2020 and 2025, a total of 183 industrial property applications were filed under the ownership of our University, including 92 national patents, 21 utility models, 21 international (PCT) patents, and 49 industrial designs.

Specific to the year 2025, 4 utility models, 8 international (PCT) patents, 22 patents, and 16 industrial design applications were filed. Within the same year, 13 patents/utility models, as well as 18 industrial designs, were registered and protected by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office.  

Examining the results of applications submitted after 2020, a total of 70 industrial property rights were registered, comprising 34 patents/utility models, as well as 36 industrial designs.  

Commenting on the issue, our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, emphasized the importance of preserving and recording the knowledge produced in universities.  

Our Rector stated, "The evaluation of academic studies within the scope of intellectual and industrial property is important for the permanence of universities' scientific output. We continue to support our researchers in this field and encourage the transformation of emerging knowledge and designs into social and economic value”.

Kastamonu University Central Library continues to contribute to the educational and research activities of our university with its physical facilities, digital infrastructure, and accessible services. 

Our Central Library, which benefits not only our students, academic and administrative staff, but also external users, serves with its structure open to interaction with the university community. 

According to 2025 data, the total number of users benefiting from the Central Library reached 434,516. The library, which sees heavy use throughout the year, was particularly popular among our students as a study area, especially during exam periods. Quiet study halls, individual and group study areas, and physical conditions suitable for long-term use supported students' study and research processes. 

The Central Library includes reading and study halls, individual and group study rooms, a research unit with a smart library system, and thesis and academic archives. Thanks to the smart library system, users can easily perform catalog browsing, access resources, and complete borrowing transactions digitally. The research unit, on the other hand, provides suitable study areas where users can efficiently continue their research and homework studies. 

In line with the concept of university-community integration, the Central Library offers open services to researchers from outside our province, as well as to those who wish to pursue studies. In 2025, 23,073 external users benefited from the Central Library. With the visitor card practice, external users can benefit from reading rooms, print and electronic resources, reference services, and wireless internet services. 

The Central Library, which regularly updates its collection to support academic publications and research activities, provides resources for studies conducted in different disciplines with its collection of 404,637 electronic resources, 83,398 books, 887 periodicals, and 2,759 theses. Electronic databases and digital resources are available to users both on campus and through authorized remote access.

As part of accessibility studies, the Central Library was awarded the "Accessibility in Space Award" within the framework of the 2023 Barrier-Free University Awards. Our library has arrangements and physical access practices in place for individuals with disabilities. 

Commenting on the issue, our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, stated that libraries are one of the fundamental elements of universities' academic infrastructure. 

Stating that our university's Central Library is effectively used by students, academics, and researchers, our Rector said that,  “Our Central Library has a wide range of uses, from students' study processes to the research of our academics. With the physical facilities and digital resources provided, our library directly contributes to the educational and research activities of our University. In addition, in line with the concept of university-community integration, our Central Library serves as an open environment for information and learning for everyone. The increase in user numbers shows that the infrastructure investments made were worthwhile and that our library successfully fulfills its function.” 

As part of the National Technology Clubs Association, coordinated by the Ministry of Industry and Technology and supported by TÜBİTAK, the platform membership application of eight student clubs operating within Kastamonu University was accepted. 

Within the union, our university will be represented by the following communities: the Technopark Student Community, the Spatial Information for Everyone Community, the Technofest Student Community, the International Trade and Logistics Community, the Software Development Community, the Forest Industry and Innovation Community, the Biological Sciences Research Community, and the Artificial Intelligence Student Community. 

The National Technology Clubs Association, which brings together student clubs operating in the fields of technology and technology entrepreneurship, aims to encourage university students to take a more active role in these areas, increase the sharing of knowledge and experience, and contribute to Turkish national and international competitiveness. The platform brings together student clubs operating in universities across Türkiye under a common umbrella, enabling joint efforts in line with the National Technology Initiative.

Our university's presence on the platform is important for the dissemination of project-based studies, the promotion and widespread adoption of high-quality R&D activities, the support of new-generation research approaches, and the development of a technology-integrated research environment. In this context, the aim is to increase the number of studies with potential for patent and utility model development and to translate research outputs into practical results. 

In line with the activities within the scope of the Union, the communities in question will be able to undertake project development, prototyping, and implementation processes at the newly opened National Technology Workshop on our University campus. In the workshops, students will be offered practical learning opportunities in areas such as artificial intelligence, software, electronics, robotics, biotechnology, and advanced manufacturing technologies.

Commenting on the matter, our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, congratulated the student communities accepted into the platform membership and wished them success. Stating that they will continue to resolutely support the technology and entrepreneurship-focused studies of their students, our Rector noted that actively participating in such national-scale platforms directly contributes to the development of qualified human resources.

Our Rector also expressed his gratitude to the Minister of Industry and Technology, Mehmet Fatih Kacır, and the President of TÜBİTAK, Prof. Dr. Orhan Aydın, for their visionary projects that contribute to the development of universities and for their support, especially to our university, during this process.

Hosted by Kastamonu Technopark, technoparks operating in the TR81, TR82, and TR83 regions came together in Kastamonu to foster regional cooperation and establish a shared vision. 

The "Specialization-Focused Technopark Model Development Workshop," supported by the Kastamonu University Scientific Research Projects Coordination and led by our university's Lecturer Dr. Zuhal Arife Küçük, brought together technopark managers from the region on the same platform. The program, which began with the opening speech by Prof. Dr. Alperen Kaymakcı, addressed the current status of technoparks on a regional scale and made assessments of common problems. In this context, ideas were exchanged regarding potential studies to increase the commercial capacity of companies operating in technoparks. 

During the workshop, joint activities that could be carried out in line with the regions' areas of expertise were discussed. Within the framework of university-industry cooperation aimed at increasing the number of specialized firms and facilitating investor access, steps that can be taken were evaluated, and a calendar for investor meetings and demo day events was created. 

The meeting also discussed the processes to be followed for products developed by companies operating in technoparks under intellectual and industrial property rights (IPR), as well as issues related to the development of interregional project partnerships. 

In addition to the Kastamonu Technopark team, general managers and deputy general managers from the technoparks of Bartın, Çankırı, Çorum, Karabük, Samsun, Sinop, Tokat, and Zonguldak participated in the workshop.  During the day-long workshop, suggestions for the R&D and innovation ecosystem were discussed, with the aim of increasing knowledge and experience sharing among technoparks, encouraging joint projects, and identifying concrete steps to contribute to regional development.

The project titled "Evaluation of the Olfactory Landscape Performance of Tilia tomentosa Based on Virtual Reality," led by Assist.Prof.Dr.  Elif Ayan Çeven, a faculty member in the Department of Landscape Architecture at Kastamonu University Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, has been awarded support under the TÜBİTAK 1002 – Rapid Support Program. 

The project investigates the impact of the fragrant properties of the silver linden tree (Tilia tomentosa), which is widely used in open and green spaces in many Turkish cities, on users' spatial perception, sensory experience, and psychosocial responses within the framework of the olfactory landscape approach. In this study, the role of scent on the relationship established with space will be evaluated comparatively through both real-world experiences and virtual reality environments. 

Within the scope of the research, the olfactory landscape potential of the linden species' use around pedestrian axes, parks, seating, and resting areas will be examined; the relationships between scent and memory, place attachment, and perceptual schema, as well as changes in the level of scent perception under day and night conditions. Additionally, the aim is to develop criteria for landscape design that incorporate plants with olfactory properties.

The project will be carried out in two phases. In the first phase, participants' perceptions will be evaluated through sensory walks to be conducted in designated urban areas, based on their real-world experiences. In the second phase, the same areas will be modeled in a virtual reality environment, allowing the integration of the linden blossom scent into the virtual reality experience under controlled conditions, and participant perceptions will be re-measured. By comparing the obtained data, the level of representation of real space in the olfactory landscape assessments of virtual reality environments will be analyzed. 

In the project, which has a total budget of 100,000 TL, Prof. Dr. Doruk Görkem Özkan (Karadeniz Technical University) serves as an advisor, and a master's student will participate in the project as a scholar for a period of four months. 

Regarding the project, our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, stated, "We are pleased that this original study, which addresses the topic of olfactory landscapes using virtual reality-based methods, has been deemed worthy of support. I believe this project, which stands out for its interdisciplinary approach, will make scientific contributions to space-human interaction and landscape research. I congratulate the project leader, Assist.Prof.Dr. Elif Ayan Çeven, her advisor Prof. Dr. Doruk Görkem Özkan, and all the researchers involved in the project, and I wish them success in their work." 

The project carried out by Kastamonu University to raise awareness of volunteering among young people and increase social awareness has been successfully completed. 

The project "We are Volunteers, Raising Young People with Social Sensitivity," coordinated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Erol Tekin, a faculty member in the Department of International Trade and Logistics at our university's Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, and supported within the framework of the Ministry of Youth and Sports' "We are Volunteers Support Call," was completed with events held over a week. 

Our students taking the "Volunteer Studies" course came together with various public institutions and non-governmental organizations under the leadership of our university to participate in field-based volunteer activities. In this context, students visited AFAD Kastamonu Provincial Directorate, the Association for Solidarity of Individuals with Disabilities and Their Families, and the Yeşilay Kastamonu Branch, where they organized events themed around disaster awareness, social inclusion, and healthy living. 

The project's first event took place on December 20, 2025, at Mutlu Kafe, a venue where activities for individuals with special needs are regularly held. While 53 students participated in the event, individuals with special needs, their families, volunteers from different associations, and tailors operating in Kastamonu also took part in the program. At the end of the pillow-making event, held under the theme "Hand in Hand with Love," 500 pillows were sewn, becoming a symbol for individuals with special needs. 

In the second phase of the project, a visit was made to the AFAD Kastamonu Provincial Directorate on December 24, 2025. In the program attended by 48 students, AFAD experts gave an informative presentation on disaster awareness. Then AFAD vehicles were introduced; students experienced setting up and taking down an AFAD tent, applying what they had learned.

The final event of the project took place on December 27, 2025, with the participation of 48 students at the Yeşilay YEDAM Gastronomy Workshop. The lentil soup, çiftlik kebab, salad, and bal badem dessert prepared by the students as part of the workshop were offered to the clients through YEDAM staff. 

As part of the week-long project, three events were held: a disaster training session, a sewing workshop, and a gastronomy workshop, with over 150 people actively participating in the events. Additionally, 12 new social responsibility projects were presented to Kastamonu University's Social Office by the students participating in the project, laying the groundwork for future studies that can be implemented. 

Project Coordinator Assoc. Prof. Dr. Erol Tekin thanked the Kastamonu Provincial Directorate of Youth and Sports, especially our Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, for their support during the project process. 

Commenting on the issue, our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, emphasized that universities are not only institutions that produce academic knowledge, and used the following expressions:

“We place great importance on our students' development of a sense of social responsibility, in addition to their academic growth. The "Raising Volunteer Youth for Social Sensitivity" project has contributed to our students' internalization of empathy, solidarity, and volunteerism by engaging them actively in the field. I congratulate all our academics, students, and partner institutions, especially our coordinator, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Erol Tekin, for their efforts in this meaningful project.

Our Rector also stated that the supported projects aim to generate common benefits for society, and thanked the Minister of Youth and Sports, Dr. Osman Aşkın Bak, for their contributions.

Kastamonu University hosted a delegation from Karabük University as part of its efforts to enhance the quality of postgraduate education. During the visit, postgraduate education processes, institutional operations, and digital automation systems were discussed. 

The program began with a visit from Karabük University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Rakıp Karaş, Director of the Graduate School Prof. Dr. Zeynep Özcan, and their accompanying delegation to the office of our Vice Rector, Prof. Dr. Selahattin Kaymakcı. Following the courtesy visit, a cooperation meeting was held at our university. 

During the meeting held within the framework of external stakeholders and the advisory board, evaluations were made regarding the institutional structure, current programs, and academic capacity of our university in postgraduate education. The meeting also addressed academic and administrative issues encountered during the implementation of postgraduate programs, and explored opportunities for joint solutions and cooperation in these areas.

In the technical section of the meeting, the LEOS Graduate Education Automation System used by Karabük University was presented as a good practice example. The contributions of digitalization to postgraduate education processes were evaluated within the context of the quality-focused studies carried out by our University.

At the end of the discussions, a mutual exchange of views took place regarding the support for joint academic studies to be conducted between our University and Karabük University in the field of postgraduate education, with specific projects. 

Kastamonu University continues its work in line with its goal of transforming academic studies into value-added products. 

The "Ethanol-Based Herbal Hand Sanitizer" was developed by Assist.Prof.Dr. Kerim Güney, a faculty member in the Department of Forestry Engineering at our university's Faculty of Forestry, has registered his research and development studies with the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office. 

The invention registered in the process carried out under the ownership of our university offers a domestic alternative in the field of hygiene by supporting its ethanol-based structure with plant-based ingredients. A patent, a concrete example of translating academic knowledge into practice, demonstrates the results-oriented nature of the research studies conducted within our university. 

Regarding patent registration, our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, emphasized the importance of scientific studies translating into societal benefit, stating, "The conversion of the studies developed by our academics into patents is a result of our University's understanding of knowledge production and making this knowledge available to society." I congratulate Assist.Prof.Dr. Kerim Güney on this research and wish him great success.

The closing program of the "Strong Father, Strong Special Individual" project, presented by the Black Sea Autism Federation and supported by the General Directorate of Civil Society Relations of the Ministry of Interior, and carried out by Kastamonu University, was held in the Sezai Karakoç Hall of the Kastamonu University Central Library. 

The program was attended by Deputy Governor Hakan Kubalı, Provincial Director of Civil Society Relations Yavuz Şimşek, Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences at Kastamonu University Prof. Dr. Abdulkadir Tuna, academics, representatives of civil society organizations, individuals with special needs, and their families. 

Speaking at the program, Ahmet Şirin, District Director of National Education for Taşköprü, highlighted the role of civil society organizations in promoting social cohesion and emphasized the importance of volunteering in this area. He stated that the project is an important awareness study aimed at encouraging fathers' more active participation in the process. 

Following Şirin, Mustafa Kemal Bozkurt, one of the participants in the "Strong Father, Strong Special Individual" project, took the floor and stated that the experiences gained during the project process positively contributed to family communication and the bond they established with their children. 

Following the presentations, a slideshow of workshops conducted during the project process was presented to the participants. 

Later in the program, Clinical Psychologist Gökhan Sönmez gave a speech and presentation. Sönmez addressed the emotional processes experienced by families of individuals with special needs, particularly fathers, and provided assessments on coping skills, communication, and family balance. 

Following this, Assoc.Prof.Dr. Havva Kaçan, the Project Coordinator and faculty member at the Faculty of Health Sciences, gave a comprehensive presentation about the project, stating that the study was shaped by requests from mothers in the Strong Mother – Strong Individual project.  Emphasizing the importance of greater father involvement in children's development and family harmony, Kaçan stated that workshops based on education, art, culture, and sports were organized within the scope of the project. He stated that the majority of the workshops were held on weekends to facilitate the participation of fathers. 

Following Assoc. Prof. Kaçan's speech, a performance of the Aydın Region Efe Dance, was presented by individuals with special needs. While the show received great acclaim from the audience, the program continued with a performance by the father's rhythm group. 

Then,  Yavuz Şimşek, the Provincial Director of Civil Society Relations, took the stage and emphasized the importance of public and civil society cooperation, stating that the project's impact in the field was extremely valuable. Following the speech, Deputy Governor Hakan Kubalı thanked all stakeholders who had contributed to the project and stated that similar efforts would continue to receive support. 

During the program, certificates of appreciation were presented to the trainers and academics who participated in the workshop activities throughout the project. During the program, the painting created specifically for the project by Danyar Hergasov, a 4th-year student from the Faculty of Health Sciences, was presented as a gift to Huriye Boyraz, President of the Association for Special Individuals and Solidarity. Additionally, an exhibition featuring the works prepared as part of the project was opened to visitors.

The closing program concluded with a commemorative photo session.

The patent titled "Powdered Glass Fiber Reinforced Phenol Formaldehyde Adhesive Mixture for Beech Plywood Production with Increased Screw Torque Value," applied for under the ownership of Kastamonu University and invented by Prof. Dr. Önder Tor, a faculty member of the Forestry Faculty's Forest Industry Engineering Department, and Gökhan Kayacık, a master's graduate, has been registered by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office. 

The patent presents an innovative approach to improving the screw-holding performance of plywood used in wood-based panel production. The aim is for the developed adhesive mixture to provide technical and practical contributions, particularly in the production of beech plywood. 

Commenting on the issue, our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, stated that our university's efforts to produce knowledge and transform this information into registered outputs are continuing with determination, adding, "We find patent studies extremely valuable in terms of transferring academic knowledge into practice. "Such high-quality inventions produced within our university contribute to both the scientific world and relevant sectors," he stated. 

Our Rector congratulated Prof. Dr. Önder Tor and Gökhan Kayacık, who contributed to the registration of the patent, and wished them continued success in their academic and innovative work.

The project "Temporal and Spatial Analysis of Hegemonic Relations in Geographic Information Production," led by Assist.Prof.Dr.  Suat Yazan, a faculty member in the Department of Geography at Kastamonu University's Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, has been awarded support under the TÜBİTAK 3501 – Career Development Program. 

The project aims to examine the temporal and spatial dimensions of the Anglo-American-centered structure that influences the production and circulation of knowledge in the discipline of geography. The project examines, particularly in light of quantitative data, the decisive role of the US and the UK in academic publishing and scientific standards, especially after World War II. 

Within the scope of this study, articles published between 2000 and 2025 in seven international general geography journals considered prestigious in their field will be analyzed using bibliometric methods. 

The project aims to offer an objective and comprehensive perspective on the literature by addressing the geopolitics of knowledge production in the discipline of geography from a holistic, temporal, and spatial approach. The findings are expected to provide a basis for assessments regarding the current state and future of global geographic information production. 

In the project, Associate Professor Dr. Erdem Bekaroğlu (Department of Geography, Faculty of Language, History, and Geography, Ankara University) and Assistant Professor Dr. Ceyda Kurtar Anlı (Department of Geography, Faculty of Language, History, and Geography, Ankara University) are participating as researchers. 

In his assessment of the project, our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, stated that they were pleased that the scientific studies conducted at our University were receiving recognition at the national and international levels. Our Rector emphasized the importance of young academics contributing original research to the literature, in support of our University's research vision. 

Our Rector also congratulated the project manager, Assistant Professor Dr. Suat Yazan, and researchers, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Erdem Bekaroğlu and Assist.Prof.Dr. Ceyda Kurtar Anlı, who contributed to the project, wished for the successful completion of the study.

Kastamonu University hosted a symposium titled "Kastamonu's Health Tourism Potential in Protecting and Improving the Health of Elderly and Disabled Individuals." 

At the symposium held on December 19, 2025, in the Sezai Karakoç Hall of the Central Library, current approaches to improving and protecting the health of elderly and disabled individuals, as well as Kastamonu's potential in the field of health tourism, were addressed from multiple perspectives. 

The program, which began with a moment of silence and the reading of the Turkish National Anthem, was attended by the Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Prof. Dr. Abdülkadir Tuna, the Director of Tosya Vocational School, Dr. Öğr. Üyesi Orçun Çağlar Kurtuluş, as well as academics and students. 

The opening speech was delivered by the symposium chair and faculty member of the Tosya Vocational School Occupational Health and Safety Program, Assistant Professor Ayşe Özdemir.

In his speech, Assistant Professor Özdemir emphasized that protecting and improving the health of elderly and disabled individuals requires a holistic approach with health, social, and environmental dimensions. He stated that Kastamonu has significant potential for health tourism due to its high-quality healthcare infrastructure, natural resources, and people-centered approach. 

Following the opening program, the symposium continued with the topics discussed in the sessions. The first session was chaired by Prof. Dr. Nimet Ovatoylu and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Filiz Özel Çakır. In this session, Nurse Ayşe Gül Kale presented "Aging, Changing Life Dynamics, and Nursing Homes," while Associate Professor Ayla Demirtaş presented "Nursing Practices in Empowering Older Individuals." 

The second session was chaired by Prof. Dr. Özlem Ovayolu, with Dr. Öğr. Üyesi Ayşe Özdemir serving as session co-chair. During the session, Associate Professor Dr. Havva Kaçan contributed with her presentation titled "Improving the Social Structure for Individuals with Special Needs," while Professor Dr. Gülendam Karadağ presented "Health in Disability: Current Protective, Supportive, and Developmental Approaches." 

The final session, held after the lunch break, was chaired by Prof. Dr. Serap Parlar Kılıç, with Prof. Dr. Gülendam Karadağ serving as session co-chair. In this session, on behalf of Assistant Professor Dr. Hakkı Çılgınoğlu, Assistant Professor Dr. Ayşe Özdemir presented "Kastamonu Health Tourism Potential," Assistant Professor Dr. Zeynep Arabacı presented "Health Tourism for Elderly Individuals," and Assistant Professor Dr. Kerim Güney presented "The Place of Healing from Nature in Kastamonu in the Health of the Elderly and Disabled."

Kastamonu University Culture, Art Application and Research Center, in collaboration with the university's Culture and Art Application Community, has launched the culture and art magazine "ANKA." The magazine, prepared as a local periodical, stands out for its student-centered structure. 

Associate Professor Dr. Zeki Gürel, the owner and editor-in-chief of the magazine, stated in his article titled "For New Partnerships," which he wrote for the first issue, that the purpose of ANKA's publication is to make Kastamonu's cultural heritage visible and to establish a permanent cultural and artistic bridge between the university and the city. It is aimed that the ANKA, which symbolizes "rebirth from its ashes" in mythology, will open the door to a new unity in the cultural and literary life of Kastamonu. 

Culture and Art Events Together at ANKA

The first issue of ANKA extensively covered significant cultural and artistic events held in Kastamonu in 2025. 

The journal included speeches, evaluations, and texts related to events such as the "Kastamonu Poets and Writers Symposium-I," the opening of the "Kastamonu University Living Museum and City Archive," the "Ilgaz Poetry Evenings-I," and the "Colors of Time Poetry Competition-I." 

The magazine features speeches by Kastamonu Governor Meftun Dallı, our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, Provincial Director of Culture and Tourism Kerem Seven, and Associate Professor Dr. Zeki Gürel, as well as interviews, poems, stories, fairy tales, travelogues, and art studies. University students, high school students, teachers, and academics are meeting on the same pages. 

A Publication Entirely Focused on Kastamonu

The cover image of ANKA, prepared without advertisements, features the Kastamonu painting by artist Ramiz Netovkin, while the magazine's content highlights articles focusing on Kastamonu's historical, cultural, and literary heritage. The final article in the first issue was a text titled "The Pen" by İbrahim Alaettin Gövsa, a writer from the Republican era. 

The ANKA Culture and Art Magazine, planned to be published twice a year (Spring and Autumn), aims to meet readers as a local periodical with educational and social responsibility goals, based on the principles of learning by doing and experiencing.

An event was organized by the Kastamonu University Child Education Application and Research Center for children aged 4-8 who receive services from the Children's Homes Site affiliated with the Kastamonu Provincial Directorate of Family and Social Services. 

On December 18, 2025, as part of an event held in collaboration with the Preschool Education Community, under the academic supervision of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aysun Ata Aktürk, the children's theater performance "The Color Monster" was staged by students from the Faculty of Education's Preschool Teaching program at our University's Baby and Children's Library. 

Children had a fun time at the game activity held after the theater performance and the "Color Monster" themed art activity. While games planned according to age groups contributed to children's social interactions, the art activity provided an opportunity for children to work on colors and emotions, creatively expressing their emotional world. 

Speaking about the event, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aysun Ata Aktürk, Director of the Child Education Application and Research Center, expressed their satisfaction in collaborating with the Provincial Directorate of Family and Social Services to present the first performance of the play they prepared with teacher candidates. 

Assoc. Prof. Dr  Ata Aktürk said, "With this event, which is built around the theme of emotions, we aimed for children to recognize their emotions, improve their social interactions, and be in a pleasant learning environment. As the Child Education Application and Research Center, we will continue to carry out such studies with a sense of social responsibility," he said.

Awards were presented at the 13th International Silk Road Film Festival, held this year. Mehmet Oğuz Yıldırım, a research assistant at Kastamonu University's Faculty of Communication, was awarded the Best Film and Best Director prizes for his film "Kudret," which he directed.

The award ceremony for the festival, organized by the Silk Road Culture, Art and Education Foundation under the leadership of the Cinema and Television Authors' Professional Association (SETEM) and with the support of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism's General Directorate of Cinema, was held at the Atlas 1948 Cinema. The night was marked by the SETEM Labor Award presented to Director Mesut Uçakan and the achievements of the film "Kudret." 

Best Film in the Fiction Category: Power

In the National Fiction Film Category, Mehmet Oğuz Yıldırım won the Best Film and Best Director awards for his film "Kudret." With the same film, Nusret Emre Bilgin was awarded Best Cinematography, and Fırat Kaymak was awarded Best Actor. 

Congratulations from our Rector

Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, stated that the success achieved by Research Assistant Mehmet Oğuz Yıldırım, who was awarded Best Film and Best Director at the International Silk Road Film Festival, was pleasing for our University.  

Our Rector congratulated Res. Assistant Yıldırım spoke about their achievements, emphasizing that this success in the field of cinema will serve as a source of inspiration for our students. They also congratulated all team members who contributed. 

Thanks from Yıldırım's

Following the awards, Mehmet Oğuz Yıldırım commented, "I am very happy that the film 'Kudret' was awarded at the International Silk Road Film Festival. This success is the result of teamwork." Yıldırım thanked the university administration, especially our Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, and everyone who contributed to the festival.

The award ceremony concluded with a screening of the film "Kudret," which was selected as Best Film, followed by a group photo shoot with the festival team, award winners, and guests.

Within the scope of the "Vocational Schools Education Cooperation Protocol" signed between the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) and the Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey (TOBB), a University Protocol Executive Meeting was held in the Rectorate Meeting Hall. 

The meeting was attended by our Vice Rector, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Atalan, the Chairman of the Board of the Kastamonu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KATSO), Oğuz Fındıkoğlu, representatives from vocational schools, and representatives from the chambers/exchanges that were matched. 

In his opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Atalan provided participants with information about the program's purpose, scope, and implementation process, which is being carried out within the framework of YÖK–TOBB cooperation. 

Stating that the program is an important step toward increasing interaction between vocational colleges and the business world, Prof. Dr. Atalan said that the main goal of this collaboration is to strengthen the bond between academia and industry, ensuring that graduate students are well-equipped to enter the business world.

A presentation on protocol was given during the meeting. Following the presentation, representatives from Kastamonu MYO, Taşköprü MYO, İnebolu MYO, Tosya MYO, and Araç Rafet Vergili MYO, which were paired with chambers of commerce and industry, shared detailed information about the work they had carried out within the scope of the protocol. During the rest of the meeting, current studies, ongoing activities, and plans for the upcoming period were discussed. 

At the end of the meeting, Oğuz Fındıkoğlu, Chairman of the KATSO Board of Directors, addressed the industry's need for qualified labor and highlighted the importance of university-industry cooperation in local development. 

Emphasizing the necessity of maintaining cooperation between universities and the business world, Fındıkoğlu stated that, as KATSO, they are ready to provide all kinds of support for studies related to vocational colleges.

Kastamonu University held two separate events across the campus on December 15th, which is recognized as "World Turkish Language Day," to emphasize the place of Turkish in cultural heritage and its social importance. 

World Language Turkish Festival

The "World Language Turkish Festival," held on December 15, 2025, in the Sezai Karakoç Hall of the Central Library, was organized in collaboration with the Department of Turkish Language and Literature, the Culture, Art Application and Research Center (KÜSAM), the Culture, Art Application and Research Community (KÜSAT), and the Turkish Language Teaching Application and Research Center (TÖMER). 

The program, which began with a moment of silence and the playing of the Turkish National Anthem, was attended by Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Selahattin Kaymakcı and TÖMER Director Assoc. Prof. Dr. Onur Hasdedeoğlu, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rabia Aktaş, KÜSAM Director, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zeki Gürel, academic staff, and a large number of students. 

In his opening speech for the program, KÜSAM Director Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zeki Gürel emphasized the determining role of the Turkish language in national life. Stating that Turkish has been the carrier of culture, thought, and collective memory throughout history, Gürel highlighted the importance of joint language and alphabet studies being conducted in the Turkish world. 

TÖMER Director Assoc. Prof.Dr. Onur Hasdedeoğlu stated that Turkish is not merely a means of communication, but a fundamental element reflecting the nation's memory and way of perceiving the world. Emphasizing that Turkish is a strong global language taught internationally, Hasdedeoğlu stated that the recognition of December 15th as "World Language Turkish Day" is a significant indicator of this process.

Following the speeches, the KÜSAT Folk Dance Team's performance was met with great appreciation from the audience. As part of the program, our students and those studying at TÖMER gave poetry readings and musical performances. The event continued with performances by KÜSAM Deputy Director Lecturer Dr. Osman Eroğlu. At the end of the program, certificates of appreciation were presented to the contributing students and academics. 

A Thousand-Year Breath: The Richness of Turkish

The project "A Thousand-Year Breath: The Richness of Turkish," supported within the scope of the World Language Turkish Community's initiative, was implemented at our university's Kuzeykent Campus. As part of the project, 100 banners containing the Turkish equivalents of foreign-origin words were hung along a route of approximately 1 kilometer, extending from the Faculty of Education entrance to the Main Campus entrance.

Banners prepared with the understanding that "Our language is our identity" attracted significant interest from our university students and citizens using the campus route. 

This study, which emphasizes the role of Turkish in cultural heritage and its social significance, aimed to promote mother tongue awareness by providing Turkish equivalents for frequently used foreign words in daily life.  

The project, which transformed the campus into an open-air language exhibition, also made it clear that Turkish is a living and self-renewing language.

Kastamonu University hosted an event to raise awareness about the sustainability of nature conservation and biodiversity. The panel titled "Factors Threatening Wildlife" was held on December 15, 2025, in the Kastamonu University Technopark Conference Hall. 

The event was attended by the Dean of the Faculty of Forestry, Prof. Dr. Mahmut Gür, the Xth Regional Director of Nature and National Parks of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Ali Bozkurt, the Kastamonu Branch Manager, Yalçın Uyanık, academics, and field experts. The program, which comprehensively addresses the threats faced by wildlife, was moderated by Assist. Prof.Dr.Abdullah Ugış, a faculty member from the Faculty of Forestry. 

Following a moment of silence and the reading of the Turkish National Anthem, the program commenced with an opening speech by Prof. Dr. Mahmut Gür, Dean of the Faculty of Forestry, who emphasized the significant importance of panels and workshops for students. Prof. Dr. Gür said, "Events like this held today are extremely valuable for you to see the practical applications of the theoretical knowledge you have gained throughout your education. When you step onto the field, you realize more clearly the vast impact of the discipline you're in. Therefore, it is of great importance for you to closely follow these processes," he stated. 

Following Prof. Dr. Gür, Assist. Prof.Dr. Abdullah Ugış emphasized the importance of sustainable management of forest ecosystems, the preservation of biodiversity, and the enhancement of human-environment relationships, extending beyond the protection of specific species. Ugış stated that wildlife faces numerous threats, including habitat loss and fragmentation, climate change, illegal hunting, infrastructure and land use pressures, invasive species, and increasing human impact.

Assoc.Prof.Dr. Özkan Evcin, who delivered the first speech of the session, highlighted the critical roles of wildlife within the ecosystem, stating that the conservation of biodiversity is not only vital for nature but also for the sustainability of human life. Assoc.Prof.Dr.  Evcin emphasized the scientific responsibility of universities in this field.

Following this, Assoc.Prof.Dr.  Akın Kıraç, a faculty member at Çanakkale 18 Mart University, took the stage and drew attention to the impact of human activities on natural life. Stating that habitat loss, climate change, and unplanned land use are increasing the pressure on wildlife every day, Assoc.Prof.Dr.  Kıraç emphasized the importance of science-based conservation policies.

Following Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kıraç, Veterinarian Gökhan Yılmaz from the General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks took the floor, providing examples from field experiences to inform participants about the rehabilitation of injured wildlife, the fight against poaching, and ongoing conservation activities. Yılmaz highlighted the decisive role of inter-institutional cooperation in conservation efforts.

The final speaker of the program, Assist. Prof.Dr. Kerim Güney addressed the problems arising from increased human-wildlife interaction and shared solution proposals for preventing human-wildlife conflicts. Assist. Prof. Dr. Güney particularly emphasized that awareness and education efforts are crucial in this process.

The event, which was followed with interest by the participants, concluded with a photo shoot to commemorate the day.

Kastamonu University continues to make significant academic contributions in the field of health technologies. In the project supported by TÜBİTAK's 1002-A Rapid Support Program, Lecturer Merve Özkan from our university is participating as a researcher. 

The project titled "Detection of Colorectal Cancer on Histopathological Images Using Basic Models" is being carried out by Associate Professor Dr. Caner Özcan, a faculty member at Karabük University's Faculty of Computer and Information Sciences, and Lecturer Merve Özkan from our university's Taşköprü Vocational School's Department of Computer Technologies. Merve Özkan, who is also pursuing doctoral studies at Karabük University, is working as a researcher on the project.

The project aims to develop an artificial intelligence-based decision support system that can automatically analyze histopathological images used in the diagnosis of colon cancer.

Upon completing the study, the goal is to establish a domestic artificial intelligence infrastructure that delivers rapid and accurate results in colon cancer diagnosis.

The developed model is expected to detect cell structure damage and morphological changes with high accuracy, and to support diagnostic processes by reducing the workload of pathologists through the use of self-supervised learning methods. 

Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, made the following remarks in his evaluation of the project:

In addition to its educational activities, our university also conducts research in the fields of health and technology. This project will contribute to both the academic field and healthcare services as a high-quality study on the application of artificial intelligence in cancer diagnosis.

We would like to thank our academician and all the academics involved in the project for their efforts and wish them success in their work. " 

Our Rector stated that the system to be developed is expected to be structured in a way that can be integrated into healthcare institutions in the future, and expressed that our University's support for scientific research will be continued with determination. He also thanked YÖK President Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar and YÖK members for their support of research activities in higher education, as well as TÜBİTAK President Prof. Dr. Orhan Aydın for their project support.

A ceremony was held to present certificates of achievement to Kastamonu University student communities that were eligible for support and successfully completed their activities within the scope of the 2024-2025 UNIDES (University Student Communities Cooperation and Support Program), which is carried out under the coordination of the General Directorate of Youth Services of the Ministry of Youth and Sports.  

The ceremony, held in the Kağan Talip Tığlı Youth Center Conference Hall with a large turnout, was attended by Provincial Director of Youth and Sports Sami Kuşcu, Head of the Health, Culture and Sports Department of our University, Mehmet Sena Aygül, youth leaders, community advisors, and numerous students. 

The program highlighted the contributions of projects implemented under the UNIDES framework to our students, social life, and the province as a whole.  

Certificates of achievement were presented to student groups that successfully completed their project processes throughout the semester. Students stated that through these projects, they gained both field experience and achievements in areas such as teamwork, leadership, and social responsibility.  

Our university, by supporting a total of 86 projects across four terms in the UNIDES program during the 2024-2025 period, has become the third province with the most approved projects, following Istanbul and Ankara. The ceremony concluded with the taking of a commemorative photograph.  

Our university, by supporting a total of 86 projects across four terms in the UNIDES program during the 2024-2025 period, has become the third province with the most approved projects, following Istanbul and Ankara. The ceremony concluded with the taking of a commemorative photograph. 

We congratulate all our student organizations involved in these projects and hope that their successes will continue to grow in the upcoming semesters.

The project titled "An Examination of Science Teachers' Classroom Practices Participating in a Formative Assessment-Focused Professional Development Program," prepared within the scope of the TÜBİTAK 1002 – Fast Support Program under the leadership of Research Assistant Seda Çalık from the Department of Science Education, Faculty of Education, Kastamonu University, has been awarded support. 

The 12-month project is being advised by Prof. Dr. Murat Pektaş, a faculty member from the Department of Science Education at the Faculty of Education, and Prof. Dr. Salih Ateş, a faculty member from the Department of Science Education at Gazi University. 

The project aims to develop a unique professional development program to enable science teachers to use formative assessment more effectively in their classrooms. 

The aim is to digitize the applications and materials prepared within the scope of the program and make them accessible to all teachers. Thus, a comprehensive digital material pool will be prepared to contribute to strengthening teachers' in-class assessment practices, along with a user guide for all science teachers across Turkey.

In his statement evaluating the project, our Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal used the following expressions:

“We are very pleased that our university's academic contributions to teacher education are increasing day by day. This project will contribute to both improving our science teachers' classroom practices and spreading a culture of formative assessment in our country. I congratulate the project team and wish their work will provide valuable outputs for the scientific world and the field of education.”

Our Rector also expressed gratitude to YÖK President Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar and YÖK members for their support of quality research in higher education, and to TÜBİTAK President Prof. Dr. Orhan Aydın for their encouragement of university projects.”

The closing meeting of the project titled "Supporting Sustainable Rural Development with the Home Boarding Training Module and Developing a Digital Eurasian Cookbook," supported within the framework of Erasmus+ Cooperation Partnerships in Adult Education, led by Kastamonu University, was held on December 9, 2025, at the Guesthouse. 

The 24-month project, which received a total of 250,000 Euros in support, concluded with an event program that included the promotion of project outputs, the presentation of participant certificates, and evaluations of the project process. 

In addition to our university, the project, a collaboration between the University of Benevento Sannio in Italy, the University of Seville in Spain, and the University of Stavanger in Norway, saw 1,000 trainees participate in the Online Home Accommodation training module and receive certificates. Additionally, 80 local food recipes were added to the system as part of the project. 

The meeting was attended by Project ManagerAssoc.Prof. Dr. Nagihan Çakmakoğlu Arıcı, as well as numerous academics, representatives of non-governmental organizations, and students. 

The meeting, which began with a moment of silence followed by the reading of the Turkish National Anthem, was opened by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nagihan Çakmakoğlu Arıcı, Project Manager.

Associate Professor Dr. Çakmakoğlu Arıcı highlighted the project's contribution to regional development, stating that it has developed a viable training module for home-based hospitality and recorded the cultural gastronomy heritage on a digital platform. 

Additionally, Associate Professor Çakmakoğlu Arıcı emphasized that they are very concerned about empowering the local population for the sustainable development of rural tourism and highlighted their happiness in sharing the study's results. 

As part of the event, certificates were presented to the participants involved in the project process. The event concluded with a meal program and a photo shoot to commemorate the day.

Kastamonu University's project titled "Tracing Time Thru Sundials: An Analysis and Digital Modeling of the Paphlagonia Region and the Ancient City of Pompeiopolis from the Perspective of Science History," prepared under the leadership of Dr. Ömer Fatih Tekin from the Department of History of Science, Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, within the scope of the TÜBİTAK – 3005 Innovative Solutions Research Projects Support Program in Social and Human Sciences, has been awarded support. 

This study aims to comprehensively examine the hemicyclium-type sundial discovered in 2021 in the ancient city of Pompeiopolis from a scientific history perspective.

The project will analyze the technical structure of the sundial, its astronomical knowledge, engineering properties, and socio-cultural context using interdisciplinary methods. The fact that research on ancient sundials in Turkey in the humanities is quite limited places this project in a unique and scientifically novel position. 

As part of the project, the sundial will be remodeled using computer-aided light-shadow simulations to test its accuracy; a comparative analysis will be conducted with similar examples. 

The project involves expert researchers from various universities, including our own. In the project, which is being carried out by Assist. Prof. Dr. Ömer Fatih Tekin, researchers from our university, including Prof. Dr. Yavuz Unat, Assistant. Prof. Dr. Tuba Uymaz, Assist.Prof.Dr. Sinem Demir, Assist. Prof. Dr. Okan Demir, Assist.Prof.Dr. Suat Yazan, Lecturer, Samet Doğan, and Res. Assist.Dr. Göknur Çetinkaya, from Harran University, Assist. Prof. Dr. Buğra Kara, from Van Yüzüncü Yıl University, Assist. Prof. Dr. Elif Ela Erberk, and from Karabük University, Associate Professor Dr. Mevlüt Eliüşük. 

Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, made the following remarks in his evaluation of the project:

We are pleased that this study, which contributes to the scientific activities of our university, has been supported by TÜBİTAK. The reinterpretation of the sundial discovered in the ancient city of Pompeiopolis from a scientific history perspective will also make valuable contributions to the region's cultural heritage. I would like to thank the entire research team, especially the project leader, Dr. Ömer Fatih Tekin, for their efforts, and wish them success in their work. 

Our Rector also expressed gratitude to YÖK President Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar and YÖK members for their support of quality research in higher education, as well as to TÜBİTAK President Prof. Dr. Orhan Aydın for their encouragement of university projects.

The project titled "Raising Volunteer Youth in Social Sensitivity," prepared by Associate Professor Dr. Erol Tekin, a faculty member in the Department of International Trade and Logistics at Kastamonu University's Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, was selected for support under the "We Are Volunteers Support Call" initiative led by the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

The project, prepared with a focus on social inclusion and accessibility, as well as themes of social well-being and healthy living, disaster awareness, and humanitarian aid, also fosters collaboration led by our University. The project's stakeholders include the AFAD Kastamonu Provincial Directorate, the Kastamonu Yeşilay Branch, and the Special Individuals and Families Solidarity Association.

Within the scope of the project, which will be carried out until the end of the Fall Semester of the 2025-2026 academic year, various trainings, practical studies, and awareness activities will be conducted to support our students' sense of volunteerism. 

The project aims to increase young people's desire to participate in disaster and humanitarian aid processes, and to support the integration of individuals with special needs and those struggling with addiction into social life. 

In a statement regarding the project, our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, noted the following:

We are pleased to support this project, which will enhance the value of our university's work in the field of social responsibility. I would like to thank Assoc. Prof. Dr.Erol Tekin, who contributed to the preparation of the project, our partner institutions, and all our student,s who will provide voluntary contributions. 

We would also like to express our gratitude to our Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr. Osman Aşkın Bak, for their valuable support for the development of our youth.

Our Rector stated that young people who raise awareness in areas such as disaster preparedness, humanitarian aid, social inclusion, and healthy living are an investment in our future, and added that our University will continue to support projects that impact every segment of society.

The "Green Data: Geographic Information-Based Solutions for Digital Transformation in Forestry Workshop" will be held at Kastamonu University on December 8-9, 2025. 

The event, held at the Kastamonu Technopark Ilgaz Conference Hall, is organized by the University's Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing Application and Research Center and supported by the Forestry and Nature Tourism Specialization Coordination. 

The workshop aims to comprehensively address the contributions of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) technologies to the monitoring, protection, planning, and sustainable management of forest resources, thru collaboration between academia, the public sector, and the private sector. The event, which addresses critical topics such as spatial data management, lidar technologies, artificial intelligence-supported analyses, data sharing, and institutional integration, brings together academics from forestry faculties across Türkiye, experts from relevant public institutions, and industry representatives.

In his speech, Assoc. Prof.Dr.  Aktürk emphasized that digital tools and spatial data are needed more than ever to manage forest resources effectively, quickly, and holistically. He stated that the joint study, conducted in collaboration with four different forestry faculties, would make significant contributions to the development of sustainable policies.

Stating that a data-driven approach is no longer an option but a mandatory component of sustainable forest management, Assoc. Prof.Dr. Aktürk said, "Institutions and organizations that analyze, transparentize, and make geographical data sustainable in the data age have the power to change the game in many areas, from forest management to combating climate change, from disaster risk reduction to nature tourism." 

Following Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aktürk, Akın Kısa, Deputy Director General of the General Directorate of Geographic Information Systems at the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change, provided information to the participants about the structure and working areas of the institution. He stated that the general directorate, established in 2011, aims to organize, standardize, and make accessible the data produced by public institutions and local governments through a single channel.

Dr. Kısa stated that the legislative studies conducted between 2015 and 2017 established important standards regarding how data will be obtained and managed, and emphasized that producing transparent and accessible data is a fundamental goal. 

Dr. Kısa said that, highlighting the importance of human resources in data management, stated, "Having qualified experts to manage the data is just as critical as collecting it. Our efforts to raise awareness on this issue in Türkiye are ongoing," They also stated that they are open to cooperation with all institutions and organizations, especially forestry faculty students, and invited participants to the General Directorate. 

Following Dr. Kısa, Professor Ayhan Ateşoğlu, Head of the Department of Geodesy and Cadastre at Bartın University's Faculty of Forestry, took the floor and stated that today's tracking technologies, high-resolution satellite systems, drone-based observation mechanisms, and artificial intelligence-supported analyses have brought about a radical transformation in forest management. Emphasizing the need for proper planning and effective utilization of technologies by institutions, Ateşoğlu stated that these technologies, supported by scientific approaches, form the basis of sustainable forest policies. 

Following the opening remarks, a pre-assessment survey was administered to the participants. The subsequent session titled "Sustainable Forest Management in Spatial Technologies" was chaired by Prof. Dr. Arif Oğuz Altunel. During the session, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Can Vatandaşlar presented "The Historical Development of GIS and Remote Sensing in Forestry in Türkiye," outlining the evolution of these technologies. Assoc. Prof.Dr. Uzay Karahalil, with his presentation titled "Current Data Sources and New Horizons for Use in Forestry," evaluated the application areas of new data sources. The session delved into the role of spatial technologies in sustainable forest management and technology-driven planning approaches in detail.

On the second day of the workshop, Prof. Dr. Ayhan Ateşoğlu will chair the session titled "New Generation Technologies and Inter-Institutional Collaborations." In his presentation titled "Following the Earth: Spatial Data Production with Digital Observation Technologies and Nature-Based Solutions," Prof. Dr. Ateşoğlu will discuss the contributions of new digital observation technologies to nature-based applications. 

In the continuation of the session, Assoc.Prof. Dr. Celalettin Duran, Assoc.Prof. Dr. Emre Aktürk, and Assist. Prof. Dr. Alper Bulut will provide comprehensive evaluations on the application areas of new-generation observation technologies, data production processes, artificial intelligence-supported analysis models, and cloud-based solutions. Panelists will also present sample applications related to data sharing and corporate integration models. All session outputs will be compiled by the workshop moderators to prepare a comprehensive "Results and Evaluation Report."

The study titled "Allium sativum L. Essential Oil-Loaded Bi-functional Sodium Alginate Film as a Postoperative Adhesion Prevention Barrier," developed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. G. Ülke Çalışkan, a member of Kastamonu University İhsangazi Vocational School, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nuray Emin, a faculty member at our University's Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, and our graduate student Havva Yazar, have been registered by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office. 

Sodium alginate film structures developed within the scope of the project, supported by TÜBİTAK ARDEB-1001, demonstrated a high success rate in preventing postoperative intra-abdominal adhesions. The registered biomaterial can be applied in various fields, including health sciences, biomedical engineering, chemistry, biochemistry, bioengineering, food science, and agriculture. The invention in question offers an innovative biomedical solution developed to prevent adhesions that can form after surgery. Combining the biofunctional properties of Allium Sativum L. (garlic) essential oil with the biocompatible structure of a sodium-alginate film enables the development of a new generation barrier material suitable for medical interventions.

Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, stated that the completion of the patent process contributed to our University's scientific production capacity and made the following assessment:

"The development of domestic and innovative biomaterials by our University's researchers adds great value to both the scientific world and our country's technological independence goals. Converting our regional treasures, such as Taşköprü Garlic and İnebolu algae, into scientific production is fully aligned with our vision of developing value-added products, which we, as a university, prioritize. I congratulate all our academics and researchers who contributed to this success."

Kastamonu Education and Research Hospital (KEAH), in collaboration with Kastamonu University Faculty of Medicine, has achieved another success in cardiac surgery. The first minimally invasive (small incision) heart bypass surgery was successfully performed at KEAH.

This modern surgical method, performed through a small incision between the ribs without cutting the breastbone (sternum), offers significant advantages for patients. This technique allows for a reduction in pain, an accelerated healing process, and a shorter hospital stay. This way, patients can return to their daily lives quickly. 

The operation was performed by a team consisting of Dr. Assoc. Prof. Güler Gülsen Ersoy and Dr. Assoc. Prof. Nurcan Ayabakan Eski from the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery at our University's Faculty of Medicine, along with Op. Dr. Burak Bozkurt. The minimally invasive bypass technique, previously only available in large cities, can now be safely performed in Kastamonu as well. With this development, patients gained access to advanced cardiac surgery services in their own cities. 

It was stated that the health condition of the 64-year-old patient, M.N., who underwent surgery, is progressing well, and that he was discharged after undergoing check-ups. With the implementation of minimally invasive surgery, the aim is for citizens to access modern medical services without having to travel to other provinces for such treatments.

The Department of Nursing at the Faculty of Health Sciences, Kastamonu University, organized an event titled "Strengthening the Social Structure for Individuals with Disabilities" as part of World Disability Day on December 3rd.

The program, held on Thursday, December 4, 2025, in the Sezai Karakoç Hall of the Central Library, was attended by academics, students, representatives from civil society organizations, public institutions and organizations, and individuals with special needs. 

The Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Prof. Dr. Abdülkadir Tuna, who delivered the opening speech of the event, reminded that they must support individuals with special needs to participate fully and effectively in social life, and pointed out that being an individual with special needs is not a deficiency but a matter related to the egalitarian approach of the social order. Prof. Dr. Tuna continued, saying, "As the Faculty of Health, we are aware that reducing barriers is only possible through scientific knowledge, sensitivity, empathy, and qualified human resources." 

The opening speeches of the program were delivered by Huriye Boyraz, President of the Kastamonu Special Individuals and Families Association and President of the Western Black Sea Autism Federation, and Serhat Yolaşığmazoğlu, President of the Turkish Disabled Association Kastamonu Branch. Speakers called for solidarity toward a more inclusive society, stating that the difficulties faced by individuals in social life can only be reduced with the contributions of all stakeholders. 

Among the speakers at the event, Mihriban Yazıcı, the principal of Hüseyin Üster Application School, discussed the challenges faced in educating children with special needs and proposed solutions. Şerife Çim, a student at the Barrier-Free Life Center, shared her experiences with the audience regarding the center's activities and the participation of individuals with special needs in social life. 

The program included a performance of the Aydın Efe play by Hasan Efe Sarıcı and Cengizhan Koç, as well as a theater performance by fourth-grade students 

In the panel section of the program, the topic "Problems Faced by Individuals with Special Needs" was discussed. In the panel moderated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Havva Kaçan, nurse Gülçin Gümüş Çalış, disability employment coach Nurcan Yargı, and social worker Eylem Aydın provided evaluations on the access of individuals with special needs to healthcare services, their participation in social life, and employment processes.

As part of the event, Daniyar Ergashov, a student in the Nursing Department, shared the composition he had prepared with the audience.

Kastamonu University hosted a panel discussion on green economy policies within the framework of the effects of global climate change and the Sustainable Development Goals. 

The panel, organized in collaboration with the Faculty of Forestry, the Specialization Coordination for Forestry and Nature Tourism, and Kastamonu Technopark, was held on December 4, 2025, at the Technopark Building.  

The event, which began after a moment of silence and the playing of the national anthem, was met with great interest from academics, industry representatives, students, and numerous participants interested in environmental policies. 

In his opening remarks, the Panel Chairman  Assist. Prof. Dr. Alper Bulut stated that climate change has become one of the greatest global threats of the 21st century, posing serious risks not only environmentally but also economically and socially. 

Assist. Prof. Dr. Bulut emphasized the need for a new economic approach aimed at breaking the link between environmental degradation and economic growth, stating, "The concept of Green Economy, born from this need, is defined by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) as an economic model that eliminates environmental damage without compromising social welfare and equality." 

Following Assist. Prof. Dr. Bulut, Dean of the Faculty of Forestry, and Professor Dr. Mahmut Gür stated that the panel would provide valuable contributions for both students and the academic community. Prof. Dr. Gür stated that he believes the topics scientists will address will shed light on the development of the field, and thanked all stakeholders, especially Assist. Prof. Dr. Bulut, for their efforts in organizing the event.

The first speaker of the panel, Assist. Prof. Dr. Bulut, a faculty member at our university's Faculty of Forestry, stated that universities are pioneering institutions that generate scientific knowledge, develop innovative solutions, and raise public awareness in the process of developing green economy policies. He emphasized the need to increase sustainability-focused projects and strengthen university-industry cooperation.  

 Dr. Devlet Toksoy, a faculty member at Karadeniz Technical University, drew attention to the destruction caused by climate change on ecosystems, stating that green economy policies have become a fundamental condition for sustainable economic growth. Prof. Dr. Toksoy emphasized that nature-based solutions based on the protection of forests and natural resources must be integrated into economic strategies. 

Stating that the public and private sectors need to develop common mechanisms in this process, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bayramoğlu emphasized the importance of economic incentives for reducing the country's carbon footprint, being more strongly integrated into the country's policies.  

The final speaker of the panel, Dr. Seda Erkan Buğday, Assistant Professor at Çankırı Karatekin University, stated that climate change necessitates radical transformations in fundamental sectors such as agriculture, industry, and energy. Assist Prof.Dr. Erkan-Buğday stated that the widespread adoption of green production technologies and the adoption of environmentally friendly business models are indispensable for long-term economic stability.

The event concluded with a photo shoot to commemorate the day.

The "Joint Master's Program in Contemporary Turkish Languages and Literatures," planned to be conducted between Kastamonu University and Karaganda Buketov University in Kazakhstan, has been approved by the Council of Higher Education (YÖK).

Our university's application dated November 14, 2025, was evaluated at the YÖK Executive Board meeting on November 26, 2025, and deemed suitable for opening a joint program. 

The program, developed to strengthen academic cooperation between the two universities, encourages joint research and fosters cultural interaction, aiming to benefit a large number of students.

Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, stated that the approval granted by YÖK is a development that contributes to our University's internationalization process. In his statement, our rector said: 

This joint master's program, which we are conducting in collaboration with Karaganda Buketov University, is a valuable partnership that brings together the cultural and scientific heritage of the Turkic world at an academic level. We will offer our students who wish to specialize in the field of Contemporary Turkish Languages and Literatures the opportunity to benefit from the academic resources of both universities. Emphasizing that the program will support the mobility of both students and faculty, our Rector stated, "Such international joint programs contribute to the development of our University's scientific capacity while offering our students an international educational environment." 

Our Rector, the President of YÖK, Prof. Dr. He thanked Erol Özvar, the YÖK members, and all stakeholders.

The "Disaster-Resilient Ecological Timber Structures Panel," hosted by the Department of Forest Industry Engineering at Kastamonu University's Faculty of Forestry, brought together academics and industry representatives. 

At the event held on December 2, 2025, in the Ilgaz Hall of Kastamonu Technopark, the resilience of wooden structures against disasters and their critical role in sustainable architecture were discussed. In the panel discussion, which saw strong participation, it was emphasized that wood is not only a traditional material but also holds strategic importance for the cities of the future.

In his opening remarks as Panel Chair, Assoc. Prof.Dr. Emre Birinci highlighted the contributions of wood from both ecological and engineering perspectives. First, in his speech, he used the following expressions: 

“Wood is not only a traditional material; it is also resistant to disasters, especially earthquakes, environmentally friendly, and an important component of the sustainable cities of the future. We want to make this potential more visible through scientific and sectoral collaborations.” 

Speaking at the panel, Göksel Korkmaz, President of the Turkish Forest Products Industrialists and Businessmen's Association (TORİD) and a member of the TOBB Forest Products Council, made important observations about the current state of the sector. Referring to the survey studies they conducted, Korkmaz stated that there was a problem with the efficiency of raw material use and that there was no widespread monitoring mechanism in place.

Korkmaz also highlighted the inadequacy of certified production that meets standards, emphasizing the urgent need to standardize this area. 

Following Korkmaz, Architect Celalettin Akça, Chairman of the National Wood Association's Board of Directors, stated that the mass needs brought about by modern city life necessitate standard applications. Akça, who argues that the current building codes predominantly favor a reinforced concrete approach and neglect wood, stated that increasing the use of wood will play a key role in combating climate change. Akça touched upon the role of wood in reducing the carbon footprint, waste generation, and energy consumption. Akça emphasized that environmentally friendly, fast, energy-efficient, and recyclable building models could revitalize the construction industry and the country's economy, stating that structures focused on Akça and wood, sustainable local development, and the transition to a circular bioeconomy could be achieved.

Panelist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Osman Emre Özkan stated that wooden structures reinforced with modern engineering techniques are a strong alternative in terms of disaster safety. Stating that the tests conducted showed the capacity of well-designed wooden structures to absorb and dissipate earthquake energy to be extremely high, Özkan emphasized that the priority is to put these scientific results into practice. 

Cevdet Korkmaz from Ünsal Ahşap Ağaç Ürünleri, who participated in the panel as a sector representative, stated that the industry can now produce more durable, lightweight, and environmentally friendly materials, and drew attention to Turkey's growth potential in this area. 

Cevdet Korkmaz from Ünsal Ahşap Ağaç Ürünleri, who participated in the panel as a sector representative, stated that the industry can now produce more durable, lightweight, and environmentally friendly materials, and drew attention to Turkey's growth potential in this area. 

The event concluded with photos taken to commemorate the day after the Q&A session

Students from the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture at Kastamonu University have achieved another prestigious success in the fields of defense and technology. The project titled "Artificial Intelligence-Supported Biosensor-Based Monitoring System for Operator Situation Awareness," prepared by Computer Engineering Department student Kerem Mert and Electrical and Electronics Engineering Department student Osman Furkan Özipek under the supervision of Associate Professor Kemal Akyol, has been accepted into the 2025-2026 Academic Year HAVELSAN SUIT Program. 

The HAVELSAN SUIT Program, which supports innovative ideas in the fields of defense, aviation, and information technologies, is among the important technology development platforms that offer young researchers the opportunity to closely familiarize themselves with and experience professional R&D processes. As part of the program, our students will receive one-on-one technical mentorship from HAVELSAN engineers for their projects and will have the opportunity to develop innovative solutions for defense technologies.

In his assessment of the students' success in the program, our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, used the following expressions:

 We are pleased that our university students have been accepted into distinguished research and development programs at the national level. The support of a strategic institution like HAVELSAN for the projects developed by our youth in critical areas, such as artificial intelligence and sensor technologies, is both an indicator of our high-quality education and a valuable contribution to our country's technology vision. Congratulations to our students and their advisors, and I wish you all the best in the program process.

Our Rector also stated that the supported projects aim to generate benefits for society as a whole, and thanked the President of the Council of Higher Education, Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar, and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of HAVELSAN, Prof. Dr. Hacı Ali Mantar, for their support of R&D studies.

The invention titled "Digital White Desk: AI-Supported Multi-Modal Problem Reporting and Management System," developed by Associate Professor Dr. Kemal Akyol, a faculty member in the Computer Engineering Department of the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture at Kastamonu University, and Associate Professor Dr. Ümit Atila, a faculty member in the Computer Engineering Department of the Faculty of Engineering at Gazi University, and applied for registration under the ownership of Kastamonu University, has been registered by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office. 

Our university has added another achievement to its academic productivity in the fields of digital transformation and artificial intelligence-based applications. The system, which analyzes user needs, provides multi-modal communication, and accelerates problem-solving processes with artificial intelligence, aims to contribute to university-ecosystem collaborations, corporate communication structures, and service processes.  

Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, made the following statement regarding this registered patent:  "It is a great source of happiness for us to see the academic knowledge of our university translated into tangible outcomes. The Digital White Desk project offers an innovative model for institutions by combining artificial intelligence and user-centered management processes. This type of work strengthens both our scientific productivity and our country's technological capacity. I sincerely congratulate our inventors and wish them continued success."

Our Rector also thanked the President of the Council of Higher Education, Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar, and the President of the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office, Prof. Dr. M. Zeki Durak, for their support of R&D studies.

Kastamonu University has renewed its TS EN ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System Certificate and is entitled to receive the IQNET Certificate. 

In the document renewal audit conducted by the Turkish Standards Institution (TSE) from October 21 to 23, 2025, our University's academic and administrative processes were evaluated. With the completion of the audit, the TS EN ISO 9001:2015 certificate was renewed for the fourth time. 

The university continues to implement the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle in external audits that have been ongoing for four years. At the end of this year's audit process, our University was found eligible to receive the internationally recognized IQNET Certificate. IQNET is known as an international network comprising certification bodies from over 30 countries. 

Commenting on the matter, our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, stated that the achieved result reflects the quality culture of our university. 

In his statement, our Rector said: “The renewal of our TS EN ISO 9001:2015 certificate and the acquisition of the IQNET Certificate are a concrete demonstration of our understanding of excellence and our commitment to continuous improvement. The IQNET certificate will further enhance our visibility on the international platform and our potential for collaboration. I would like to thank our Quality Coordination representatives and all academic and administrative staff who contributed to the process. I wish for the continued success of our university to increase.”

The Social Responsibility Projects Office (Social Office), operating under the auspices of Kastamonu University, continues its efforts to raise social awareness and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. 

Since the 2023-2024 academic year, the Social Office, which has supported hundreds of projects, announced the "Addiction Prevention Project Call" in October 2025. The applications received were evaluated, and it was decided to support 20 new projects. 

The supported projects aim to raise awareness among young people about addiction, increase educational activities, promote a culture of healthy living, and disseminate preventive work targeting at-risk groups. The projects aim to raise social awareness across a wide range of issues, from smoking, alcohol, and substance abuse to digital addiction. In this process, it is planned that students, academics, public institutions, non-governmental organizations, and local stakeholders will actively participate in a collaborative effort. 

201 Project Approved

The Social Office also conducts various thematic project calls throughout the year to raise social awareness. During the January-October 2025 period, a total of 201 social responsibility projects were approved and implemented in various areas, including artificial intelligence, family, education, environment, health, cultural heritage, social awareness, and digital literacy. In this process, collaboration was undertaken with different academic units.

Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, stated that he welcomed the work of the Social Office with great satisfaction, adding:

Our university continues to address social problems with sensitivity and a solution-oriented approach. Our Social Responsibility Projects Office is a concrete example of this vision. Within the scope of the 'Combating Addiction Project Call', 20 new projects were supported, and a total of 201 social responsibility projects were implemented throughout the year, encompassing a range of areas, from artificial intelligence to environmental conservation, and from education to healthcare.

With the contributions of our academics, students, and all our partners, these projects strengthen our mission to raise social awareness. I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this effort.

Kastamonu University Faculty of Fine Arts and Design (GSTF) has implemented another investment aimed at enhancing students' proficiency in the field of digital design. The modern Mac Atelier, established within the faculty, was inaugurated with a ceremony attended by our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal. 

Speaking at the opening ceremony, our Rector emphasized that investments to strengthen the University's educational infrastructure are ongoing. In his speech, our Rector stated the following:

“Design is a field where the human imagination meets technology. Success in this field requires not only talent but also support from state-of-the-art facilities. The Mac Atelier we are opening provides an environment where our students can fully utilize their creativity. By providing our students with the powerful equipment they need, we enable them to combine their imaginations with technology. We believe that the software infrastructure, high-quality screens, and professional systems offered by the workshop will benefit our students, and we wish all our faculty and students the best.

Following the opening, our Rector and the accompanying delegation toured the Mac Atelier, chatted with the students, and learned about the work being done and the projects planned for implementation. 

The faculty administration expressed their gratitude to our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, and the relevant units of the university for their support in establishing the Atelier, stating that the Mac Atelier will enhance the quality of education at the faculty. 

The Atelier will enable students to undertake their graphic design, animation, video editing, and other multimedia projects in a professional environment, utilizing high-performance Apple Mac computers. 

Additionally, the workshop aims to help students translate their theoretical knowledge into practice, develop innovative projects, and produce work that meets industry standards.

Four programs affiliated with the Faculty of Education at Kastamonu University have been granted the right to use the Turkish Qualifications Framework (TYÇ) logo on their graduation certificates, as per the decision made at the 51st Türkiye Yeterlilikler Çerçevesi (TYÇ) Kurulu Meeting held on October 24, 2025. 

The programs that have been granted the right to use the TYÇ logo are announced as Science Teaching, Primary School Mathematics Teaching, Classroom Teaching, and Social Studies Teaching. These programs will gain international recognition by using the TYÇ logo on graduation certificates and will offer their graduates broader career and academic mobility opportunities.

With the addition of programs from the Faculty of Sports Sciences, Faculty of Science, Faculty of Tourism, Faculty of Communication, and Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, which were awarded the TYÇ logo in recent months, the number of programs at our university authorized to use the TYÇ logo by 2025 has increased to 16. 

Commenting on the issue, our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, emphasized that our University aims to continuously improve the quality of education. 

Our Rector stated the following: "As a university, our primary goal is to equip our students to compete not only nationally but also internationally. Adopting the TYÇ logo is one of the steps we have taken toward this goal. This logo not only demonstrates that our programs have successfully passed quality assurance processes but also gives our graduates' diplomas international recognition. Thus, our students will have easier access to career and educational opportunities in Europe and in various global locations."

Stating that efforts are underway to disseminate a quality-focused approach across all academic units, our Rector noted that educational programs are constantly updated, teaching processes are continually improved, and projects aimed at enhancing the student experience are being implemented. He also expressed his thanks to the academic and administrative staff who contributed to this process.

Our Rector also conveyed his thanks to YÖK President Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar, YÖKAK President Prof. Dr. Ümit Kocabıçak, and YÖK members for their support of the quality assurance and compliance processes of our higher education system.

The Ünilig Volleyball Group Qualifiers, organized by the Turkish University Sports Federation (TÜSF), kicked off on November 23–28, 2025, hosted by Kastamonu University (KÜ). A total of 11 teams from 6 different universities are competing in the tournament.

Held at our Ay Yıldız Sports and Life Center, the event brought together the regional university sports community. In addition to host KÜ, teams from Bartın University, Çankırı Karatekin University, Ondokuz Mayıs University, Bülent Ecevit University, and Karabük University are competing fiercely to advance to the next round from their groups.

Opening Ceremony Held

The official opening ceremony of the event was held on November 24, 2025, at the Ay Yıldız Sports and Life Center.

The ceremony was attended by Kastamonu University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Atalan, Director of Health, Culture and Sports Department Mehmet Sena Aygül, as well as academics, athletes, and a large audience.

During his speech, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Atalan highlighted the university administration’s support for sports and student-athletes’ achievements, stating, “We consider it our duty to support our students not only in their academic life but also in developing themselves on the sports field.”

Prof. Dr. Atalan also extended his best wishes to all participating teams for success in the matches.

Following the opening speeches, the thrilling matches of the Ünilig Volleyball Group Qualifiers continued. The elimination games are scheduled to take place throughout the week.

A special program was organized by Kastamonu University Faculty of Education on the occasion of November 24th, Teachers' Day. The program, organized with the enthusiastic participation of academics, students, and guests, commenced after a moment of silence and the playing of the national anthem. 

In his opening speech, the Dean of the Faculty of Education, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Kaçar, emphasized in his address that the teaching profession is the most fundamental force in building the future of society. Prof.Dr. Kaçar stated that he remembered with mercy all teachers who had passed away, especially Chief Teacher Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, and congratulated all teachers currently in service, retired teachers, and teacher candidates on their day. 

In his speech, Prof.Dr. Kaçar mentioned the absence of a professional association for teachers that could provide professional solidarity. He therefore stated that November 24th is a special day when teachers meet with society, are remembered, and their value is strongly felt. Stating that today should be celebrated with enthusiasm, Prof.Dr. Kaçar invited teacher candidates to share this meaning with their social circles. 

Stating that the Faculty of Education is celebrating Teachers' Day with a week-long series of events, Prof. Dr. Kaçar mentioned that various activities will be organized throughout the week, including professional experience sharing with experienced teachers, student community introduction stands, poster presentations of projects prepared within the scope of the Community Service Applications course, and a conference by a teacher with the title of "master teacher" in their field. 

Stating that teaching is a "profession of love," Prof.Dr.Kaçar said that teacher candidates should invest not only in academic success but also in their personal development. He offered advice on how they could become individuals who produce social responsibility projects, are entrepreneurial, and contribute to society through the opportunities provided by the university. 

Following the opening speech, the program continued with a video presentation that reflected the value and impact of the teaching profession. The screening was watched with interest by the participants. 

In the academic section of the event, Associate Professor Dr. Burcu Öztürk, a faculty member from the Faculty of Education, addressed the participants with her conference titled "Building Bridges from Past to Future: The Teacher Through the Window of Literature." Öztürk gave a comprehensive presentation highlighting the historical and cultural aspects of teaching. 

Following the conference, Associate Professor Dr. Öztürk was presented with a certificate of appreciation by Dean Professor Dr. Ahmet Kaçar.

The program concluded after the group photo shoot.

Kastamonu University ranked in the 351–400 band in the 2026 Interdisciplinary Science Rankings (ISR) announced by Times Higher Education (THE). In the ranking, which evaluated 911 universities from 94 countries worldwide, 82 universities from Türkiye were included, and our university successfully ranked 28th nationally. 

The ranking published by THE is based on a comprehensive evaluation under three main headings: inputs (19%), processes (16%), and outputs (65%). In this evaluation, the interdisciplinary research capacity of universities, the quality of their scientific processes, and the impact of their academic output are analyzed with a holistic approach. 

Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, commenting on the achievement, stated the following:

Our university continues its journey with an understanding that is based on a culture of interdisciplinary work in scientific research. I congratulate all our academics and researchers who contributed to this success. Also, for their support of academic research, we thank the President of YÖK, Prof. Dr. I would like to express my gratitude to Erol Özvar. 

Detailed information about the Interdisciplinary Science Rankings 2026 can be accessed through the Times Higher Education Interdisciplinary Science Rankings.

A panel titled "Nature-Based Approach in Early Childhood Education and Forest School Pedagogy" was organized by the Kastamonu University Child Education Application and Research Center on November 14, 2025. The event, held in the Cemil Meriç Hall of the Central Library, was met with great interest from academics and educators. 

The program, which began with a moment of silence and the Turkish National Anthem, featured an opening speech by Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Selahattin Kaymakcı. In his speech, Prof. Dr. Kaymakcı emphasized the importance of children learning about nature and integrating it into their education. 

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aysun Ata Aktürk, Director of the Child Education Application and Research Center and panel chair, gave a brief speech on the podium. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aktürk highlighted the critical role of nature-based education in child development, stating, "Children's contact with nature not only fosters cognitive development but also nourishes their emotional and social growth. "It is the duty of us educators to prepare qualified environments for this contact," she said. 

Following the panel discussion, Professor Berat Ahi, Coordinator of Excellence in Education, stated that the forest school approach is becoming increasingly widespread in Turkey, adding the following: "Nature-based learning models not only enhance children's problem-solving skills but also boost their self-confidence. This approach deepens learning through experiences that go beyond the traditional classroom environment. In our country, the concept of nature-based learning is becoming widespread in both public and private schools." 

Dr. Öğr. Üyesi Fatma Yalçın, a faculty member at TED University, emphasized the lasting impact of early experiences. Yalçın said, "Nature is like a natural laboratory for children. "Processes like trial and error, exploration, and risk-taking are experienced in their purest form in nature". 

Lecturer Ömer Dilek from Bursa Uludağ University, sharing the practical aspects of forest school applications, stated that being in natural environments psychologically relaxes children. Lect. Dilek stated that children are happier, more playful, and more focused on exploration when they are in nature. Stating that games played with natural materials such as tree branches, leaves, and stones allow children to get to know their environment and integrate with nature, Lect. Dilek also emphasized that teachers have an observational and guiding role in this process. 

Vahide Yılmaz, the director of Özel Vahide Yılmaz Kindergarten, who attended the event, stated that they created learning environments with natural materials, inspired by nature-based and Reggio Emilia approaches.  Yılmaz stated that children can move freely, find their own rhythm, explore their emotions, relieve stress, and learn faster as they interact with nature. 

The panel, which continued throughout the day with presentations, Q&A sessions, and expert evaluations, concluded with the presentation of certificates of appreciation to the participants and a group photo taken in memory of the day.

The project titled "Deep Learning-Based Change Detection in Aerial Images," prepared by Emre Kazancı, a Computer Engineering student at the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture at Kastamonu University, under the supervision of Assistant Professor Dr. Ahmet Nusret Özalp, has been accepted within the scope of the 2025–2026 SAYZEK (Defense Industry Artificial Intelligence Capability Cluster) Academic Thesis Program. 

The project aims to detect changes in images obtained from manned and unmanned aerial platforms at different times and angles using artificial intelligence-based methods and to transfer this data to geographical maps.

The expected outputs are designed for use in critical areas, such as post-disaster damage assessment, forest fire monitoring, and security applications. The study aims to identify real changes occurring in fixed objects, such as buildings, forests, and roads, with high accuracy by filtering out scene changes caused by moving platforms, like cars. 

Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, made the following assessment regarding the project:

The defense industry and artificial intelligence technologies are among the most strategic fields of study today. We are extremely pleased that our students are producing high-quality projects in these areas. I believe that the project in question will make valuable contributions to disaster management and environmental monitoring efforts. We congratulate our student, Emre Kazancı, and his advisor, Assist. Prof. Dr. Ahmet Nusret Özalp, and wish them continued success". 

Our Rector also thanked YÖK President Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar for his contributions to supporting qualified research in higher education. He also expressed his gratitude to Prof. Dr. Haluk Görgün, the President of Defense Industries, for the encouragement and support provided to the projects carried out at our university.

A ceremony was held at Kastamonu University to honor administrative staff (civil servants, contract personnel, and permanent workers) who demonstrated outstanding performance in their duties.

The ceremony, held on November 13, 2025, in the Rectorate Meeting Hall, was attended by our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Atalan, Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Ömer Küçük, and Acting Secretary General Assoc. Prof. Dr. İbrahim Demirbaş, Acting Head of Personnel Department, Tayfun Tiryaki, and numerous administrative staff.  

As part of the ceremony, awards were presented to selected personnel, recognizing their efforts, dedication, and work discipline within our university.  

Speaking at the event, our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, emphasized the contribution of administrative staff to the development of our University, stating, "The labor and dedication of our administrative staff are of great importance to the institutional success of our University.  Rewarding success is the most valuable investment in the future. I congratulate all our award-winning personnel and wish for their work to continue to increase.   

The program concluded with a group photo after the award-winning personnel were presented with their certificates.

The project titled "Development of Deep Learning Models for Diagnosis of Tropical Theileriosis in Cattle from Microscopic Images of Peripheral Blood Smears," was prepared under the leadership of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kenan Çağrı Tümer, a faculty member at Kastamonu University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, was awarded support under the TÜBİTAK 3501 Career Development Program. 

The project team, which will run for a total of 30 months, also includes Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abdülkadir Karacı from Samsun University, Dr. Murat Uztimür from Bingöl University, and Dr. Mehmet Can Uluçeşme from Fırat University.

Within the scope of the project, the aim is to develop artificial intelligence-based models for the diagnosis of Tropical Theileriosis, a disease commonly seen in cattle raised in our country and transmitted by ticks. With the development of deep learning-based diagnostic systems, the aim is to rapidly, accurately, and reliably detect the disease from microscopic blood smears.

The artificial intelligence models obtained as a result of the project are expected to contribute to diagnostic processes not only in Türkiye but also in regions where the disease is widespread, such as the Far East, Africa, and Southern Europe. 

In his assessment of the project, our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, stated, "It is extremely pleasing to see the scientific productivity of our university's faculty members. These types of innovative projects will contribute to both the livestock sector and the global health field. He congratulated Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kenan Çağrı Tümer, who is involved in the project, and the project team, wished them continued success. 

Our Rector also expressed his gratitude to YÖK President Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar for their support of high-quality research in higher education, and to TÜBİTAK President Prof. Dr. Orhan Aydın for their encouragement of university projects.

Kastamonu University Faculty of Forestry participated in a tree planting event organized under the slogan "Our witness is the soil, our signature is the sapling, our love is the green homeland" as part of the National Tree Planting Day on November 11th. 

The event, held under the supervision of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and organized by the General Directorate of Forestry (OGM) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, with the theme "Breathe for the Future," took place simultaneously in 81 provinces. In Kastamonu, the event was held in the Aksinir Village afforestation area on the İnebolu road. 

The event was attended by Deputy Governor Ahmet Atılkan, our Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Ömer Küçük, Acting Mayor of Kastamonu Hasan Fehmi Taş, Deputy Mayor Ahmet Üstün Göksoy, Regional Forest Director Hakan Yaslıkaya, Deputy Police Chief Hasan Berberoğlu, academic and administrative staff of our University's Faculty of Forestry, and a large number of citizens. 

As part of National Afforestation Day, a total of 25,000 saplings were planted across Kastamonu in 19 districts and 128 forest management offices. At the afforestation area at the 15th kilometer of the İnebolu road, 5 blue spruces, 5 western hemlocks, 5 cedars, and 3,650 fruit saplings were planted. 

Officials from the Kastamonu Regional Forestry Directorate stated that the goal is to plant 250,000 saplings across the city by the end of the year.

Within the scope of the TÜBİTAK 2237-A Scientific Training Activities Support Program 2025 2nd term application call, five projects from our university were among those deemed worthy of support. 

Among the projects supported by TÜBİTAK is the project titled "Components of the Scientific Process in the Fields of Biological Sciences and Applied Natural Sciences - 3," led by Research Assistant Dr. Aysun İnan Genç from the Faculty of Science, which aims to promote scientific process-focused education. 

The project "The Use of Artificial Intelligence-Based Language Models within the Framework of Publication Ethics," prepared under the leadership of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Erkam Temir from the Faculty of Communication, aims to improve the ability of academics to use artificial intelligence tools within an ethical framework. 

The project titled "Teaching Northwest Group Turkish Dialects as a Foreign Language," prepared by Assist.Prof.Dr. Döne Arslan from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, aims to contribute to students' Turkish dialect learning processes. 

The project "Building Behavior in Earthquakes: Material Strength and Soil Effect," led by  Assist. Prof.Dr. Mehmet Uğur Yılmazoğlu, a faculty member from the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, aims to promote earthquake-resistant buildings. 

The project titled "Training on Athletic Performance and Physical Education Technology Applications" by Assoc. Prof. Dr.  Binnur Çelebi from the Faculty of Sports Sciences will contribute to the development of technological skills in sports education during the digital transformation process. 

Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, stated that our University is working toward sustainable development goals in the fields of research and education, and that the supported projects will contribute to broader scientific events in the future. 

“Our rector congratulated the project managers on their success, saying, "Our university places importance on projects that develop a culture of scientific research and improve the quality of education. Projects supported under the TÜBİTAK 2237-A program demonstrate the dedicated efforts of our academic staff. With these projects, we will continue to increase our contribution to scientific productivity at the regional and national levels" .

Our Rector also expressed his gratitude to YÖK President Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar and YÖK members for their support of quality research in higher education, and to TÜBİTAK President Prof. Dr. Orhan Aydın for their encouragement of university projects.

Kastamonu University hosted a meaningful event on the 87th anniversary of the death of Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of our Republic.

 The "A World Leader Atatürk" Panel, organized in collaboration with the Directorate of the Turkish World Application and Research Center and the Directorate of the History and Archeology Application and Research Center, was held on November 10, 2025, in the Cemil Meriç Hall of our University's Central Library.

At the event, moderated by Prof. Dr. M. Serhat Yılmaz, Atatürk's leadership qualities, intellectual world, and emergence on the historical stage were examined from different perspectives. The event was attended by the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Prof. Dr. Fatma Zehra Pattabanoğlu, the Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, Prof. Dr. Orhan Kandemir, the Dean of the Faculty of Education, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Kaçar, as well as our academic staff and students.

The program, which began with a moment of silence and the reading of the Turkish National Anthem, continued with the opening speech by Associate Professor Dr. Rabia Aktaş, Director of the Center for History and Archeology Application and Research. 

In his speech, Assoc.Prof.Dr.Aktaş stated that commemorating Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, is not merely a historical reminder, but also a matter of a civilizational ideal, a journey of modernization, and national consciousness. Emphasizing that Atatürk's legacy is not a thing of the past, but rather a guide that shapes the future, Aktaş stated that they are working to carry this legacy into the future. 

In the opening remarks of the panel, moderator Prof. Dr. M. Serhat Yılmaz stated that Atatürk's leadership sets a universal example, expressing that his ideas are among the common values not only of Turkey but of the entire world, and thanked the participants. 

The first speaker of the panel, Prof. Dr. Sevda Özkaya Sofu, discussed the influence of Atatürk's personal characteristics, education, and the era he lived in on the formation of his leadership understanding in her presentation titled "From Mustafa Kemal to Atatürk: The Life Story of a Leader.". Prof. Dr. Sofu stated that Atatürk was not only a soldier but also a statesman who analyzed national and international conditions well, and that his ideas, which transcended his time, are still guiding today. 

Following this, Prof. Dr. Ercan Çelebi took the floor and discussed "The Birth of a Leader: The Process of Mustafa Kemal Pasha's Landing in Samsun," touching upon Atatürk's military strategies during the National Struggle period. Prof. Dr. Çelebi stated that Mustafa Kemal Atatürk served on many fronts before the War of Independence and achieved numerous successes thanks to his military genius.

The event concluded with the presentation of certificates of appreciation to the participants by Prof. Dr. Fatma Zehra Pattabanoğlu, Prof. Dr. Orhan Kandemir, and Prof. Dr. Ahmet Kaçar, following the Q&A session, and a photo shoot to commemorate the day.

Kastamonu University has implemented structural changes to maximize student satisfaction and accelerate digital transformation in service processes. The "Central Student Affairs Structure" project, led by the Student Affairs Department, was launched to provide students with more effective, faster, and coordinated services.

As part of the pilot application, the Faculty of Education, the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, the Faculty of Theology, the Faculty of Communication, and the Faculty of Tourism were initially included in the project. Student affairs personnel working in these faculties will operate under the coordination of our University's Student Affairs Department, ensuring that processes are managed from a single center.

With the new restructuring, the aim is to shorten response times to student requests, move document and application processes to digital platforms, and make information flow between academic and administrative units more efficient. Through this pilot application, our university aims to implement a student-centered service model. As part of the project, it is planned to create a more integrated structure for student information systems, expand digital application channels, and establish effective feedback mechanisms.

The Student Affairs Department aims to expand the system to all faculties and colleges based on the data obtained from the application and student feedback. Thus, our University will achieve a structure that can quickly respond to the needs of each student by balancing "central management—local access" in student services.

Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, emphasized that the centralized structure is a step taken in line with the university's long-term goals and used the following expressions regarding the project:

“We see a student-centered management approach not just as a principle, but as a goal that we place at the heart of every practice. Our university continues to implement innovations in student services that meet the requirements of the age, just as it does in every field. The Central Student Affairs Structure will enable our students to complete their transactions more quickly, efficiently, and regularly. Our goal is to reduce bureaucratic processes, allowing our students to focus more on their academic lives."

Our rector concluded by emphasizing that this transformation is not just an administrative arrangement but also an institutional change.

“We are working with determination to create a university model that supports academic success with the goal of excellence in education and quality, focuses on student satisfaction, and makes the best use of digital technologies."

Kastamonu University was included in the 2025 Leiden Ranking, one of the world's leading academic ranking organizations, for the first time.

Our university, evaluated in the Open Edition category of the Leiden Ranking, ranked 2,129th globally, 649th in Europe, and 68th in Türkiye based on the 2025 results. In area-based assessments, "Life and Earth Sciences" stood out as a notable area of focus. In this field, our university is ranked 1,203rd globally, 360th in Europe, and 24th in Türkiye.

In other areas, our university's rankings were as follows: In the field of Biomedical and Health Sciences, our university ranked 1,842nd globally, 581st in Europe, and 77th in Türkiye. It is ranked 1,839th globally in the field of Physical Sciences and Engineering, 548th in Europe, and 60th in Türkiye. It is ranked 1,839th globally in the field of Physical Sciences and Engineering, 548th in Europe, and 60th in Türkiye.  In the field of Social Sciences and Humanities, our University ranked 1,615th globally, 599th in Europe, and 52nd in Türkiye.

The Leiden Ranking, which evaluates the scientific research performance of universities based on objective indicators such as publication quality, citation rate, and international collaborations, is considered one of the most prestigious rankings measuring academic performance worldwide.

With these results, Kastamonu University has successfully been represented in seven different ranking organizations, including the Round University Ranking (RUR) and Leiden Ranking, in addition to the five international ranking organizations it was included in as of 2024. 

Commenting on the issue, our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, emphasized our University's research-based development vision, stating the following: “Being included in the Leiden Ranking is an important indicator for making our university's scientific productivity visible internationally. Thanks to the dedicated work of our academic staff, we continually increase our research capacity each year. To ensure this progress is sustainable, we will continue to support high-quality scientific research and international collaborations. "

The Department of History at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences of Kastamonu University organized a panel titled "The 102nd Anniversary of the Republic: The Rebirth of a Nation" on the occasion of the 102nd anniversary of the declaration of the Republic. The panel discussion, held on October 30, 2025, in the Central Library's Cemil Meriç Conference Hall, was moderated by Prof. Dr. Mehmet Serhat Yılmaz. 

The panel was attended by Kastamonu Deputy Governor Ahmet Atıkan, Deputy Mayor Ahmet Üstün Göksoy, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences Prof. Dr. Fatma Zehra Pattabanoğlu, as well as academic and administrative staff, and a large number of students. 

The panel featured Prof. Dr. Evren Küçük, a faculty member in the Department of International Relations at our university, Prof. Dr. Nadir Yurtoğlu, a faculty member in the Department of Turkish and Social Sciences Education, and Prof. Dr. Şerif Demir, a faculty member in the Department of History, as speakers. 

The program, which began with a moment of silence and the reading of the National Anthem, continued with the opening speech by Dean Prof. Dr. Fatma Zehra Pattabanoğlu. Prof. Dr. Pattabanoğlu emphasized the great importance of young people understanding how the Republic was founded and its subsequent development. 

In his opening remarks, the panel moderator, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Serhat Yılmaz, stated that the Republic is not only a form of government but also a result of the Turkish nation's modernization process.  Stating that societies that could not keep up with the modernization process that emerged after the French Revolution were erased from history, Prof. Dr. Yılmaz said that in this process, citizenship awareness and national feelings came to the forefront.

Speaking as the first speaker, Prof. Dr. Şerif Demir emphasized that the people's will lies at the heart of the Republic. Stating that national holidays represent the most significant turning points in Turkish history, Prof. Dr. Demir emphasized the need to move forward with stronger steps, drawing lessons from the past. Stating that the enthusiasm for the Republic continues to grow every year, Prof. Dr. Demir gratefully remembered the heroes who gifted this enthusiasm.

Prof. Dr. Demir also stated that the Republic of Türkiye was not established by overthrowing the Ottoman Empire, but rather after the Ottoman Empire collapsed with the Armistice of Mondros. Emphasizing that there has never been a dictatorship in Turkish history, Prof. Dr. Demir stated that the Republic is the most suitable form of government for the Turkish social structure. Stating that secularism and education are among the most important achievements of the Republic, Prof. Dr. Demir emphasized that great sacrifices were made during this process.

Secondly, Prof. Dr. Nadir Yurtoğlu took the floor, explaining the concepts of the Republic and democracy and stating that the idea of the Republic had been in Atatürk's mind since his youth. Prof. Dr. Yurtoğlu stated that the revolutions carried out during the Atatürk era formed the foundation of modern Türkiye, and that these reforms changed not only institutions but also the thot worlds of individuals and society.

 Stating that Atatürk implemented innovations considering the conditions of the time, Prof. Dr. Yurtoğlu noted that economic development became one of the priority goals after the declaration of the Republic. Additionally, Prof. Dr. Yurtoğlu stated that significant economic breakthroughs were achieved thru the support of local merchants and the establishment of new companies in the fields of transportation, logistics, and banking.

Following Prof. Dr. Yurtoğlu, Prof. Dr. Evren Küçük addressed the foreign policy and representation dimensions of the Republic of Türkiye. Emphasizing the need to fill the Republic with democracy, Prof. Dr. Küçük highlighted the importance of determining Türkiye's position in the changing global conditions. He stated that the Ottoman Empire pursued a policy based on non-change, while the Republic of Türkiye has a dynamic structure that constantly adapts to change.

Stating that Türkiye's Muslim identity is a determining factor in Middle Eastern politics, Prof. Dr. Küçük said that our country's strategic location has both advantages and disadvantages. Stating that security issues and foreign policy balances are constantly changing, Prof. Dr. Küçük noted that Türkiye stands out as a country that has adopted democracy and turned its direction toward the West, despite its challenging geography.

The panel concluded after the participants' questions were answered. At the end of the program, certificates of appreciation were presented to the participants by Deputy Governor Atıkan and Deputy Mayor Göksoy. Dean Prof. Dr. Pattabanoğlu presented gifts to Atıkan and Göksoy in recognition of their participation.

 The 5th International Aviation Management Congress (ICAM25), hosted by the Kastamonu University School of Civil Aviation, was held from October 23-25, 2025. At the congress, which brought together representatives from academia and industry, current developments, problems, and proposed solutions in the aviation field were discussed.

As part of the congress, a workshop titled "The Role of Safety Culture in the Sustainability of Aviation Safety" was held on October 23, 2025.

At the workshop, which was held with the participation of experts from Eskişehir Technical University, Malatya Turgut Özal University, State Airports Authority, Turkish Airlines, HAVAŞ Ground Services, and various non-governmental organizations, aviation safety and sustainability issues were evaluated from multiple perspectives. At the end of the workshop, plaques were presented to the participants, and a group photo was taken. 

The opening ceremony of the congress was held on October 24, 2025. The Congress Term President, Prof. Dr. Engin Kanbur, delivered the opening speech. Subsequently, Taner Tonbul, President of Young Entrepreneurs in Kastamonu, and Dr. Hakan Kubalı, Deputy Governor of Kastamonu, assessed the development of aviation and its regional impacts. 

The program continued with a presentation titled "Civil Aviation and Paradigm Shift" by Dr. Musa Güngören, General Manager of Okan Holding Aviation. The opening program was held with high attendance and concluded with Deputy Governor Dr. Kubalı presenting a plaque to Dr. Güngören. 

In the parallel sessions that began after the lunch break, undergraduate students participating in the TÜBİTAK 2209-A program presented their projects for the first time this year. Thus, young researchers had the opportunity to gain significant experience in the academic field. The day concluded with a gala dinner where the participants gathered. 

Parallel sessions continued on the third day of the congress, October 25, 2025. A total of 122 participants from 31 different universities presented 54 papers on various aviation-related themes. Additionally, 41 undergraduate students participated by presenting 14 TÜBİTAK 2209 projects.

At the closing session, the best paper awards in the undergraduate and graduate categories were presented to their recipients. Dr. Musa Güngören presented thank-you plaques to Prof. Dr. Engin Kanbur, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Yaşar, Asst. Prof. Dr. Selçuk Kayhan and Prof. Dr. Aysun Kanbur for their contributions to the congress.

The program concluded with a closing photo shoot and a city tour of Kastamonu.

The patent titled "Production and Method of Oriented Strand Board (OSB) with Nano Additive-Reinforced Adhesive," invented by Prof. Dr. Alperen Kaymakcı, a faculty member in the Department of Forest Industry Engineering at Kastamonu University Faculty of Forestry, and Kadir Doğan, a doctoral graduate in Forest Industry Engineering, has been registered by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office. 

This method, developed under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Kaymakcı, is obtained by adding nano additives such as magnesium oxide (MgO), zinc dioxide (ZnO), and silicon dioxide (SiO₂) to traditional adhesives. In this way, the produced panels become both more durable and long-lasting, aiming to increase resistance to fire, moisture, and mold. Additionally, a safer building material is presented for the environment and human health by reducing formaldehyde emissions.

Thanks to this registered invention, our University aims to contribute to domestic and environmentally friendly production in sustainable forest products, technologies, and innovative building materials manufacturing. 

Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, stated that the patent is a result of the scientific research and applied studies conducted at our University, and said the following: This patent is a practical outcome of the studies conducted at our University in the fields of forest products and sustainable materials technologies. I congratulate our faculty member, Prof. Dr. Alperen Kaymakcı, and our doctoral graduate, Kadir Doğan, for their efforts. "

Our Rector also thanked the President of the Council of Higher Education, Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar, and the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office President, Prof. Dr. M. Zeki Durak, for their support of R&D studies.

Kastamonu University hosted an event as part of the Turkish Academy of Sciences (TÜBA) "University Conferences" program, with Prof. Dr. Fikrettin Şahin from Yeditepe University as the speaker. 

The program, held on October 23, 2025, in the Cemil Meriç Hall of our University's Central Library, was attended by Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Ömer Küçük, our faculty members, and a large number of our students. 

The "University Conferences" program, conducted by TÜBA, aims to bring scientists together with universities, encourage the sharing of academic knowledge, increase the scientific awareness of young researchers, and strengthen the scientific environment in universities. 

In this context, Prof. Dr. Fikrettin Şahin, Head of the Department of Genetics and Bioengineering at Yeditepe University Faculty of Engineering and a Full Member of TÜBA, delivered a presentation titled "New Generation Regenerative Medicine Products and Applications."

In his speech, Prof. Dr. Şahin stated that regenerative medicine is a branch of science that aims to develop new treatment methods for repairing and regenerating damaged or diseased organs. He stated that stem cells, gene therapy products, cellular products (e.g., exosomes), biologically active compounds, biomaterials, and artificial tissues are used in this field. 

Emphasizing the growing importance of exosomes, which play a role in intercellular communication, Prof. Dr. Şahin stated that exosomes obtained from plants such as lemon, beet, tomato, radish, and wheat support the proliferation of stem cells and yield effective results in cartilage regeneration. He stated that exosome applications are widely used in the treatment of joint wear in elderly individuals, and that plant exosomes possess properties that accelerate wound healing, reduce inflammation, and regenerate cells.

Prof. Dr. Şahin also touched upon the potential of garlic, one of Kastamonu's important local values, in this field, stating that exosomes derived from garlic have begun to be used in research for the treatment of breast, colon, and lung cancer, and that these studies have yielded promising results. 

Stating that boron compounds also have remarkable potential in the field of regenerative medicine, Prof. Dr. Şahin emphasized that boron possesses antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer properties, and that this element can be actively used in the treatment of many diseases in the future.  

At the end of his presentation, Prof. Dr. Şahin emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, stating, "Interdisciplinary collaboration in scientific research is the most powerful way to produce sustainable health solutions."  

The event concluded after the Q&A session. Participants particularly asked questions about clinical applications and biotechnology-based treatment methods. At the end of the program, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Ömer Küçük presented a certificate of appreciation and a gift to Prof. Dr. Fikrettin Şahin.

The TÖMER Orientation Program for the 2025-2026 Academic Year, organized by Kastamonu University, was held on October 22, 2025, in the Faculty of Communication Conference Hall.

The program began with a moment of silence and the reading of the Turkish National Anthem, and was attended by Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Selahattin Kaymakcı, General Coordinator of International Relations Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Öztürk Akcaoğlu, TÖMER Director Assoc. Prof. Dr. Onur Hasdedeğlu, academics, and many international students. 

At the opening ceremony, Prof. Dr. Selahattin Kaymakcı stated that our university places great importance on international students, adding that 1689 foreign students are currently studying here. He emphasized that students would have the opportunity to learn Turkish and get to know Kastamonu's culture and people.

Prof. Dr. Kaymakcı said, "You have come from very far away to meet a new geography, a new university, and new people. "We wish that you have the education you desire here and that you graduate as individuals who have gathered beautiful memories and look to the future with hope when you leave Kastamonu".

Stating that students will have the opportunity to get to know both Turkish and Turkey closely through TÖMER, Prof. Dr. Kaymakcı said, "With TÖMER, you will learn Turkish and at the same time get to know Kastamonu, our culture, and our people. You will have the opportunity to get to know the environment and the city up close through the activities planned by our instructors. "We will continue to support you in this process," he said. 

Following the opening remarks by Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Selahattin Kaymakcı, TÖMER Director Assoc. Prof. Dr. Onur Hasdedeğlu delivered his speech. 

Assoc. Prof. Hasdedeoğlu emphasized that students coming to Turkey from different countries are not only stepping into an academic year but also into a new culture. and "Today is not just the beginning of an academic year for you; it is the first step toward a door opening to Turkey's rich history, ancient culture, and most importantly, our beautiful Turkish language. He used the expressions. Stating that learning Turkish is not just about memorizing grammar rules, Associate Professor Dr. Hasdedeoğlu concluded her remarks by saying, "Learning Turkish means understanding the intellectual worlds of Mevlana and Yunus Emre, knowing the forty-year memory of a Turkish coffee, feeling the taste of a Turkish delight, and most importantly, being able to express yourself in this language." 

Students were given detailed information about academic units, student services, and social activities. Additionally, the importance of guidance and counseling services in facilitating life in Turkey was emphasized. It was stated that these types of programs contribute to the cultural adaptation processes of international students and help them adjust to university life more quickly.

Students from different countries, including Kazakhstan, Sudan, Indonesia, Yemen, Morocco, and Afghanistan, participated in the orientation event. Students had the opportunity to get to know each other and also experience firsthand the facilities offered by our university. 

As part of the program, there was a booth showcasing Turkey's cultural values and geographical richness. Turkish delight was offered to the students at the event.

Kastamonu University ranked 4th nationally in the 5th term applications for the University Student Communities Cooperation and Support Program (ÜNİDES), which is carried out by the General Directorate of Youth Services of the Ministry of Youth and Sports. 

A total of 3,764 project applications were submitted to the program, which was attended by student communities from all 81 provinces across Turkey. Our university students, with 141 projects, ranked high in the standings.

Applications for the 5th term of UNIDES, which will be implemented in two phases during the 2025-2026 period, were accepted online via the  e-genc.gsb.gov.tr  address between September 16 and October 15, 2025. Projects that are eligible for support in the new period will receive financial assistance of up to 75,000 TL at the local level and up to 125,000 TL at the national level. 

Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, stated that this result achieved by the students is satisfactory, adding:

The 141 applications received for the ÜNİDES program demonstrate our students' sense of social responsibility and their desire to generate innovative ideas. We encourage our youth to think, create, and contribute to society. Ranking 4th overall in Turkey is a testament to the efforts of our students and the effectiveness of our University in this field. I would like to thank all our students, our advisor academics, and the Kastamonu Provincial Directorate of Youth and Sports for their contributions to this process. "

Our Rector also stated that the supported projects aim to generate benefits for the university and the community as a whole, and thanked the Minister of Youth and Sports, Dr. Osman Aşkın Bak, for their support.

Kastamonu University ranked 66th among 198 universities in the 2025-2026 URAP Turkey ranking. Our university maintained its previous years' success graph this year with a score of 674.30. 

In the 2025-2026 URAP Turkey ranking, among 126 state and private universities established after 2000, our university is ranked 22nd. Our university ranked 16th among 72 state universities established after 2000.

Criteria Used in the URAP Evaluation 

In the 2025-2026 URAP Turkey ranking, which evaluates the academic performance of universities, data published by Clarivate Analytics/InCites and the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) were used. In the URAP ranking, parameters such as the number of articles, citations, scientific documents, the number of doctoral students, students per faculty member, international collaboration score, domestic collaboration score, TÜBİTAK project score, and total score were taken as a basis.

"URAP Results Reflect Our University's Academic Studies" 

Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, stated that the result achieved in the URAP rankings reflects the progress our University has made in recent years in the areas of research, publication quality, and project production capacity. Our rector stated that the dedicated work of the academic staff, scientific productivity, and the emphasis on international collaborations played a decisive role in this success. He also stated that the results obtained were a consequence of our university's planned efforts, qualified academic staff, and developing research environment.

Our rector thanked all academic and administrative staff, as well as students, who contributed to the success achieved, and wished them continued success.

The Erasmus Days events organized by the Erasmus Coordination Office of Kastamonu University continued with the Erasmus+ Student Information Meeting and Experience Sharing program held on October 15, 2025, in the Hoca Ahmet Yesevi Hall. 

At the event, organized to increase the recognition of the Erasmus+ program, raise project visibility, and encourage students to participate in international exchange programs, presentations were given by Erasmus Institutional Coordinator Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gökhan Kaya and Erasmus Coordination expert Lect. Pınar Zeydan. 

In his speech, Associate Professor Dr. Gökhan Kaya provided information about Erasmus+ Learning and Traineeship Mobility, offering detailed insights to students regarding the application process, selection criteria, financial support, and study abroad opportunities. 

Lecturer Pınar Zeydan touched upon the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) mobility program, explaining the contributions of volunteering activities to the personal and cultural development of young people.

At the event, students who participated in Erasmus+ study and internship mobility in previous years also shared their experiences, providing participants with information about education, culture, and social life abroad.

The innovative design developed by  Asssit.Prof. Dr. Erman Zurnacı, an academic staff at Kastamonu University, has been registered by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office under the name "Circular Prism Cover and Mechanism." 

This invention aims to make the plug-socket connection of electrical devices more ergonomic, safe, and practical. The new system significantly enhances user experience and safety by making plug-socket interaction possible from all directions thanks to a connection mechanism that can be installed at an angle of approximately 360°. Its structure, which can be used with both surface-mounted sockets and extension cord power strips, allows the invention to have a wide range of applications.

The system, which offers ease of use in home, office, and industrial environments, is considered a remarkable innovation in terms of both energy efficiency and user safety. The circular prism cover and mechanism stand out due to their low-cost production advantage, the possibility of a secure connection with a large contact surface, and the optional LED lighting feature.  

Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, commented on the invention:

Our university stands out not only for the production of academic knowledge but also for innovative ideas that can be transformed into social benefit. The 'Circular Prism Cover and Mechanism' developed by Assist. Prof. Dr. Erman Zurnacı is an exemplary invention that simplifies daily life, enhances safety, and creates technological added value. This success once again demonstrates the R&D strength of our university and its innovation-focused efforts. I congratulate our teacher and everyone who contributed, and I wish them continued success. "

Our Rector also thanked the President of the Council of Higher Education, Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar, and Prof. Dr. M. Zeki Durak for their support of R&D studies.

The "Workshop on the Development of Materials and Models for Nature-Based Nutrition Education with Forestry Materials," supported by the Kastamonu University Specialization Coordination Office for Forestry and Nature Tourism and coordinated by the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at the Faculty of Health Sciences, was held on October 10-11, 2025, hosted by Kastamonu University.

At the workshop, which was held with the participation of a wide range of experts from public institutions, non-governmental organizations, and academia, the processes of developing materials and models for nature-based nutrition education for children aged 0-18 were addressed with an interdisciplinary approach.

In the process of adapting forestry materials obtained from nature (wood prints, seed collections, etc.) to educational processes, fundamental elements such as safety, pedagogical suitability, sustainability, cultural context, and scientific accuracy were evaluated holistically.

The opening remarks of the workshop were delivered by Kastamonu University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Ömer Küçük, Faculty of Health Sciences Dean Prof. Dr. Abdulkadir Tuna, and Head of the Nutrition and Dietetics Department Tuğba Tatar. 

Project and Workshop Chair Dr. Asst. Prof.Dr. Mücahit Muslu shared information about the event's purpose, scope, and operation in his opening presentation, creating a common ground for interdisciplinary collaboration. While round table discussions were held in the morning session with the participation of experts, the afternoon sessions delved into the critical topics identified, concretizing actionable recommendations. The findings obtained at the end of the day were systematically recorded by the rapporteurs.

Two separate work tables were set up as part of the workshop. In the Work Table 1 (Material Development) session, critical control points were identified under the headings of material type selection (printed, digital, physical), content alignment with reliable sources such as TÜBER, Turkish Food Codex, WHO/FAO/EFSA, pedagogical adaptation, accessibility, inclusivity, safety, hygiene, cultural adaptation, and sustainable production.   

Within the scope of Study Table 2 (Model Development), the target audience and benefits of the model, a safe learning environment (Ministry of National Education approved areas, National Parks, risk analysis, AFAD protocols), age-appropriate pedagogical approaches, scientific and cultural foundations, activity plan, material and resource planning, and evaluation and monitoring processes were addressed.  Additionally, safety-focused implementation criteria were defined, such as the elimination of environmental hazards, emergency plans, water and hygiene standards, and surveillance rates.

At the end of the workshop, the critical point tables produced at both tables will be compiled by the Organizing Committee in a scientifically sound manner and transformed into a draft "Consensus Report on Scientific Recommendations and Standards." The draft will be shared with participants within two weeks, accompanied by the Consensus Assessment Form, and will be revised based on the feedback received, resulting in a book co-authored by all participants.  Thus, it is aimed that the outputs of the workshop will serve as a permanent resource, guiding both practical applications and contributing to the scientific literature.

The workshop was supported by local stakeholders including the Kastamonu Provincial Directorate of Youth and Sports, the Kastamonu Provincial Directorate of National Education, the Kastamonu Provincial Directorate of Health, the Kastamonu Provincial Directorate of Family and Social Services, the Kastamonu Mountaineering and Nature Sports Club (KADASK), Kastamonu Yeşilay, Kastamonu YEDAM, Kastamonu TEMA, and the Kastamonu Association for the Support of Contemporary Life. Internal stakeholders included the Scientific Research Projects Coordination Office, the Forestry and Nature Tourism Specialization Coordination Office, the TTO Social Responsibility Projects Office, the Department of Health, Culture and Sports, the Faculty of Health Sciences, the Faculty of Education, the Faculty of Forestry, and the Faculty of Sports Sciences.

The Turkish Dietitians Association (TDD), the Pediatric Dietitians Association (PEDİDER), the Sustainable Life Association (SUYADER), the International Children's Rights Ambassadors Association (ICHILD), and the Climate Pioneers organizations also contributed to the workshop as national supporters.

Academics from Kastamonu University have launched a new scientific research project that will contribute to the protection of the region's water resources and sustainable environmental management. The project titled "Evaluation of Water Quality Around Küre Mountains National Park (Ulukaya) Using Water Analysis and GIS Techniques," which will be carried out in collaboration with public institutions outside the university, was accepted on October 8, 2025.

The research project, supported by a budget of 799,285 TL and lasting 16 months, is led by Prof. Dr. Ekrem Mutlu, a faculty member from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. In the project, Dr. Elif Seda Özbek serves as the advisor, and Associate Professor Dr. Dilek Aykır Akdağ from İzmir Kâtip Çelebi University serves as the project coordinator. Additionally, Research Assistant Büşra Kırcı, Assistant Professor Esma Mutlu, and master's students Yasin Boztepe and Dilara Kıvanç from our university's faculty are participating as researchers.

As part of the project, physical, chemical, and biological analyses of water resources around the Küre Mountains National Park and Ulukaya Waterfall will be conducted. Additionally, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) techniques will be used in the project to analyze water quality data in the region, map the data, and create a scientific model for the protection of water resources and sustainable environmental management. The results obtained are expected to make significant contributions to the ecosystem health and conservation policies in the region.

Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, stated that the project is in line with the regional development vision and made the following assessments:

Our university continues to transform its accumulated academic knowledge into concrete projects focused on the environment, ecology, and sustainability. Kürek Mountains National Park and Ulukaya Waterfall are of great importance for our natural heritage. The scientific examination of the water quality in this valuable area will be a guiding light for both environmental protection and local government policies. Congratulations to our project team, and I wish them success in their work. "

Kastamonu University has added another new study to its scientific research in environmental and sustainability. The project titled "Analysis of Water Quality at Küre Mountains Azdavay Saray Waterfall using Geographic Information Systems (GIS)," which will be carried out in collaboration with public institutions outside the university, has been approved for funding.

The research project, which will last 16 months and is supported by a budget of 399,742 TL, is being led by Prof. Dr. Ekrem Mutlu, a faculty member at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. In the project, Dr. Elif Seda Özbek is the advisor, and Prof. Dr. Ahmet Evren Erginal, a faculty member at Çanakkale On Sekiz Mart University, is the project coordinator. Researchers include Res. Assist. Büşra Kırcı and Assist. Prof. Dr. Esma Mutlu from Kastamonu University and graduate students Yasin Boztepe and Dilara Kıvanç.

Within the project's scope, the quality of water resources around the Küre Mountains National Park and the Azdavay Saray Waterfall will be evaluated using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with spatial analysis. The scientific data obtained from the study will contribute to protecting the region's natural resources, monitoring water quality, and developing sustainable environmental strategies. Additionally, water quality parameters and metal distribution will be revealed using GIS-based mapping and visualization techniques during the analysis process. 

Kastamonu University Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal emphasized that the project is in line with the university's sustainability policies, stating the following:

Our university continues transforming its accumulated academic knowledge into concrete projects focused on the environment, ecology, and sustainability. The Küre Mountains and the Azdavay Saray Waterfall are important to Kastamonu's natural heritage. The scientific examination of the water quality in this valuable area will be a guiding light for both environmental protection and local government policies. Congratulations to our project team, and I wish them success in their work. "

The "Student Community Introduction Days" event, organized by the Department of Health, Culture, and Sports at Kastamonu University, was held in front of our university's Central Cafeteria from October 6th to 10th, 2025.

Our Vice Rector, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Atalan, along with the Acting Secretary General, Assoc. Prof. Dr. İbrahim Demirbaş, Student Affairs Department Head Aydın Caymaz, and Health and Culture Department Branch Manager Ali Acarca visited the event area on October 10, 2025.

During the visit, our university administration toured the community stands, learned about their activities, and had the opportunity to listen to the students' questions and understand their expectations. During this process, students were served chicken and rice.

 At the event organized to promote the activities of student communities within our university, a large number of students came together and had the opportunity to get acquainted with the communities

During the open days event, which runs until October 10, 2025, student communities from cultural, social, academic, and sports fields set up booths to introduce themselves. By learning about the goals, activities, and projects of the communities, students had the opportunity to actively participate in areas they were interested in. Additionally, students were encouraged to join communities at the event.

Kastamonu University's Head of the Department of International Relations, Assist.Prof.Dr.  Murat Yılmaz implemented a social responsibility project to draw attention to the humanitarian crisis in Palestine.

With the project implemented in collaboration with Kastamonu University International Relations Student Community and Kastamonu Governorate Open Door Branch Directorate, Palestinian students studying at the university aim to raise awareness on peace, human rights, and empathy through events organized in middle schools in Kastamonu. Additionally, the project aims to raise awareness among secondary school students in Kastamonu about the humanitarian situation in Palestine.

As part of the events, Palestinian students are sharing the humanitarian drama in Palestine with young people, drawing on their own life experiences. At these events, where university students and middle school students come together, children are encouraged to reflect on peace, human rights, and humanitarian values.

The first event organized within the scope of the project was held on October 7th at Kastamonu Central Middle School.

While emotional moments were experienced at the event, various workshops were also held to strengthen the students' feelings of empathy and solidarity. 

"Our goal is to raise awareness among young people."

Project leader Assist.Prof. Dr. Murat Yılmaz explained the aim of the "Bridge of Hearts" project with the following words: "With this project, we aim to raise awareness of the Palestinian issue among middle school students and strengthen the sense of social solidarity among Palestinian students at our university." Developing the conscience of young people is an important step toward a more peaceful world in the future. "

Assist. Prof.Dr.  Murat Yılmaz stated that the program will continue to be implemented in different schools in the coming weeks, thus contributing to strengthening social awareness.

The opening ceremony of the "Specialization Universities Workshop," hosted by Kastamonu University, was held on October 6, 2025, in the Central Library Cemil Meriç Hall.

The ceremony was attended by our Vice Rectors, Prof. Dr. Ömer Küçük and Prof. Dr. Selahattin Kaymakcı, as well as representatives from 25 universities specializing in specific fields, academics, and students. The program began with a moment of silence and the playing of the Turkish National Anthem, followed by a screening of the Kastamonu University trailer. 

Assoc.  Prof.Dr.  Emre Birinci, the Specialization Coordinator for Forestry and Nature Tourism at Kastamonu University, who gave the opening speech, emphasized the importance of sharing experiences gained during the specialization process, disseminating successful practices, and finding common solutions to encountered problems.

Stating that the thematic tables in the workshop will play a critical role in this process, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Birinci said, "I believe that we will create a strong synergy with our shared knowledge and transform this synergy into concrete policy recommendations. "The workshop outputs will be shaped in line with the principles of environmental sensitivity, scientific rigor, and public benefit," he said. 

Following this, our Vice Rector, Prof. Dr. Ömer Küçük, took the floor and stated that universities are not only responsible for producing knowledge, but also play a significant role in transforming this knowledge into ecosystems that serve innovation and regional development. 

Stating that universities have taken on multi-layered roles in this process, from regional integration to training a qualified workforce, from developing an entrepreneurial ecosystem to providing R&D and consulting services, Prof. Dr. Küçük used the following expressions:  "Today, not only faculties related to the field of specialization but also all components of the university need to be involved in the process. It is extremely valuable that all of our units, from communication and public relations to business, management, organization, marketing, engineering, design, and education, are directly or indirectly involved in specialization efforts during this process. On the other hand, producing policies and strategies at the regional and national level by spreading specialization not only to the university but to the entire city, and even transforming these into national policies, is among the important goals we need to pursue in the coming period. "

Prof. Dr. Küçük stated that the workshop provided a significant opportunity to share experiences gained in the specialization field and develop solutions to the challenges encountered.

The two-day workshop will conclude on October 7, 2025, announcing the final statement following sessions conducted in six thematic groups.

The " Introduction Days of Student  Communuties " organized with the participation of student clubs operating under the Department of Health, Culture and Sports at Kastamonu University have begun.  During the event, which will take place from October 6-10, 2025, students will have the opportunity to learn about the activities of the clubs and become members at the booths set up in front of the Central Cafeteria.

The event, which is attracting significant interest from university students, will feature 78 student clubs operating in various fields. Communities that carry out a wide range of activities, from aviation to entrepreneurship, from theater to photography, from environmental projects to social responsibility activities, will introduce their projects, events, and planned activities for the new term at the booths they set up.

Students who participated in the event said that seeing dozens of clubs from different fields together was very motivating, and that they didn't want to limit their university life to just classes, aiming to develop themselves by taking an active role in the clubs.

As part of the introduction days, students not only learn about the past activities of the clubs but also have the opportunity to take an active role in areas they are interested in. Communities operating in various fields such as sports, culture, art, science, and technology will offer university students a colorful atmosphere for a week with the visuals, event promotions, and various performances they have prepared.

"Introduction Days of Student  Communuties" will continue until October 10, 2025. Throughout the event, students will have the opportunity to make the most of their university life by joining communities that align with their interests, making their experience more active and productive.

The Kastamonu Pediatric Days, organized by the Pediatric Specialization Academy Association (PUADER) and hosted by Kastamonu University, began on October 4, 2025, at the Hoca Ahmet Yesevi Cultural Center.

The event, which discussed current developments in the field of child health, was held with the participation of academics and physicians. The aim of the Kastamonu Pediatric Days is to contribute to the sharing of new approaches to child health and the development of collaborations.

The program began with a moment of silence and the performance of the Turkish National Anthem. Then, the piano recital performed by Duru and Miray Yıldız was highly appreciated by the audience.

The first of the opening speeches was delivered by Associate Professor Dr. Eren Yıldız, Co-Chair of the Pediatric Specialization Academy Association (PUADER). Associate Professor Yıldız stated, "Investing in child health is actually an investment in the future," and expressed her hope that the Pediatric Days, held for the first time in Kastamonu, would become a tradition. Associate Professor Yıldız concluded her remarks by thanking everyone who contributed to the event.

Following Associate Professor Yıldız's presentation, the PUADER’s trailer was shown to the participants. Following the film screening, Prof. Dr. Bumin N. Dündar, President of PUADER, took the floor to discuss the association's activities, emphasizing the importance of supporting young doctors and making them feel they are not alone in Anatolia.

Following the film screening, Prof. Dr. Bumin N. Dündar, President of PUADER, took the floor to discuss the association's activities, emphasizing the importance of supporting young doctors and making them feel they are not alone in Anatolia. Speaking about UADER's activities, Prof. Dr. Dündar also called for contributions to Çocuk Sağlığı TV, which was prepared for child health during the pandemic.

 Following Prof. Dr. Dündar, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Avcı, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, took the stage and emphasized that the pediatrics meeting was a valuable achievement for Kastamonu, stating that similar events should be held in other branches as well. Emphasizing the importance of children being physically and mentally healthy, Prof.Dr. Avcı expressed his hope that the field of pediatrics would return to its former glory.

Following Dean Prof. Dr. Avcı, our Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal took the floor and stated in his opening speech, "The healthy growth, development, and realization of the potential of each child is of vital importance not only for them but for the future of all humanity. "Every investment in the health of our children is actually an investment in our future," he said.  Additionally, our rector stated that the field of pediatrics is influenced by the changing times and that continuous innovative studies are important in this area. Our rector concluded his remarks by thanking everyone who participated in the event, emphasizing that as a parent, he closely followed the dedicated work of pediatricians.

Following the opening speech, PUADER President Prof. Dr. Bumin N. Dündar and Co-President Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eren Yıldız presented a plaque of appreciation to Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal for their support.

The event continued with scientific sessions. The first session, titled "Growing Concerns: Oh No, There's a Problem with My Child!", was held. In this section, Dr. Erdal Eren presented "Early Puberty in Cases: When is it Normal and When is it Pathological?", Dr. Şeyma Kayalı presented "The Athlete's Child's Heart: What to Pay Attention to? A Pediatric Cardiology Perspective", and Dr. Sadrettin Ekmen presented "Infantile Colic: Parents' Nightmare and Solution Suggestions".

The second session continued with the theme "Big Worries for Little Ones: Current Approaches." Dr. Dilek Kahvecioğlu presented "Newborn Baby Screening Results: When Should We Be Worried?" Dr. Rukiye Ünsal presented "Approach to Anemia: When to Use Iron, When to Use B12, and at What Dosage?", and Dr. Hatice Emel Özyürek presented "Children with Neck Swelling in Cases: When Should We Consider Malignancy?".

 In the third session, the topic "Small Microbes, Big Effects: An Evidence-Based Approach to Infections" was discussed. Dr. Eren Yıldız presented her study on "Upper Respiratory Tract Infections," Dr. Burcu Ceylan Cura Yayla presented her study on "Exanthematous Diseases," and Dr. Seçil Arslansoyu Çamlar presented her study on "Urinary Tract Infections."

 The final session focused on "Food-Related Problems in Pediatrics: Allergies, Malnutrition, and Constipation." In this section, Dr. Özge Uysal Soyer discussed "Cow's Milk Protein Allergy: From Diagnosis to Elimination," Dr. Hayriye Hızarcıoğlu Gülşen covered "Malnutrition: Clinical Intervention for Undernutrition," and Dr. Eylem Sevinç presented on "Constipation in Childhood: Current Diagnostic and Treatment Approaches."

 The Kastamonu Pediatric Days concluded with a group photo taken in memory of the event.

Students from the Faculty of Theology at Kastamonu University organized a meaningful event on October 3, 2025, to draw attention to the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza and to show solidarity with the Palestinian people.

The march, which began in front of our university's Central Library, continued to the Faculty of Theology with a large turnout. Aiming to be the voice of the Palestinian people with the banners they carried and the slogans they chanted, the students reacted to the events with expressions like "Down with Israel" and "Gaza is not alone."

Students reading the press release as part of the event strongly condemned Israel's blockade of Gaza and the attack on the Sumud Fleet, which was carrying humanitarian aid in international waters. The statement included the following expressions:

"Today, we are not just reading a statement here; we are making a promise to our history, our faith, and humanity. What is happening in Gaza is a disgrace to humanity. Israel's attack on the Sumud Humanitarian Aid Flotilla is a clear violation of law and human dignity."

In the continuation of the statement, the international community was urged to take urgent action. Students demanded the establishment of a safe humanitarian corridor for Gaza, the immediate release of civilians detained in the Sumud Fleet, and concrete steps against Israel's attacks.

Additionally, our university students declared that they will carry out the boycott, awareness campaigns, and peaceful protest actions with determination.

The program was supported by our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, and Vice Rector, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Atalan, who also attended to show their support to the students.

The event concluded with the message "We are here; we will not be silent," followed by a prayer.

The White Coat Ceremony for the 2025–2026 Academic Year at Kastamonu University Faculty of Medicine was held on October 3, 2025, in the Sezai Karakoç Hall of the Central Library with high participation.

The 144 medical students who began their education this year took their first steps into the medical profession by donning white coats at the ceremony. Academic and administrative staff, students, and families attended the program.

The ceremony began with a moment of silence and the reading of the Turkish National Anthem. Following the introduction video of the Faculty of Medicine, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Avcı delivered the opening speech, stating that he had begun his new role and using the following words:

"We aim to provide our students with the best education through our 85 academic staff members. In society, medical doctors are considered individuals who can make decisions and distinguish right from wrong.Our main job is to be able to listen to people and find solutions to their problems. When you become a solution to people's problems, you will see that sharing their happiness will bring you great joy as well.My door is always open to our students. Medicine is a profession that requires lifelong reading and research. Medicine is a profession that requires lifelong reading and research. In this process, it is also of great importance for our families to support our students."

Following his speech, Prof. Dr. Avcı invited Yiğit Karamusaoğlu, who was admitted to the Faculty of Medicine with the highest score, and his family to the stage and presented him with a gift. Following the award ceremony, Yiğit Karamusaoğlu took the floor and spoke about the importance of the white coat, stating, "From the first day at our faculty, we were met with the care, sincerity, and smiles of our esteemed professors." We didn't feel like strangers at all. It was also a source of pride to be addressed as 'doctor ma'am' or 'doctor sir.' As students of Kastamonu University Faculty of Medicine, we promise to work with all our might to be worthy Turkish doctors who live up to the trust expressed in Gazi Mustafa Kemal Atatürk's words, "Entrust me to Turkish doctors," and I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the organization of this meaningful ceremony."

Following the speeches, the students put on their white coats with the support of Prof. Dr. Ahmet Avcı, Vice Dean Dr. Öğr. Üyesi Murat Ali Çiçekler, and faculty members. The ceremony continued with the students reciting the White Coat Oath together, accompanied by Associate Professor Dr. Uğur Akpulat, a faculty member in the Department of Medical Biology.

During the ceremony, which was filled with emotional moments, students and their families shared the pride and excitement of taking their first steps into their chosen profession.

The project titled "Emergency Landscape Restoration Planning in Areas Damaged by Forest Fires: A Remote Sensing Approach Based on Land Use-Land Cover and Land Surface Temperature," led by Assist.Prof.Dr. Merve Kalaycı Kadak, a faculty member at the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, has been awarded support under the TÜBİTAK 1002-B Emergency Support Program.

 In the project, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Mert from Isparta University of Applied Sciences and Dr. Öğr. Üyesi Ebru Gül from Çankırı Karatekin University are participating as researchers.

The project, which received a grant of 53,539 TL from TÜBİTAK and will last for three months, aims to develop urgent landscape repair proposals for areas damaged by the fire. The project, which will utilize remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS)-based methods, will provide scientific and technical contributions to the transformation of post-fire areas into a functioning ecosystem.

Additionally, the student under the supervision of project leader Assist.Prof.Dr. Üyesi Kalaycı Kadak will be supported as a scholarship recipient throughout the project.

In his assessment of the project, our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, stated the following:

This valuable project, carried out by our university's academics, will not only contribute to the scientific world but will also help develop concrete solutions for combating forest fires, one of our country's most significant environmental problems.

Our Rector also expressed gratitude to YÖK President Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar and YÖK members for their support of quality research in higher education, and to TÜBİTAK President Prof. Dr. Orhan Aydın for their encouragement of university projects.

The "Future of Climate: Climate of the Future 3" Project, led by Kastamonu University, which specializes in forestry and nature tourism, has been completed.

 The project, coordinated by Lecturer Dr. Berkan Güngör, was supported for the third time within the scope of the TÜBİTAK 4004 Nature Education and Science Schools Call and was held between September 1-6, 2025.

 The project aimed to increase awareness among young people aged 18-30 from different cities and universities in Turkey regarding environmental and climate change issues. Participants gained knowledge on many topics, including wildlife awareness, sustainable policy development, the state of forest and water resources, sustainable consumption, recycling, disaster management, and governance models.

 In addition to the theoretical training provided by expert academics for six days, technical visits to forest fire sites in Daday and Taşköprü were organized to provide participants with field experience. Through brainstorming sessions held at the end of each day, young people had the opportunity to discuss and evaluate the information they had acquired.

On the final day of the project, during the "Workshop and Policy Document Creation" session, young people expressed their proposed solutions to the climate crisis and developed concrete policy recommendations.

 Within the scope of the project, which is supported by the General Directorate of Combating Desertification and Erosion of the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change, the Provincial Disaster and Emergency Management Directorate of Kastamonu Governorate, Daday Municipality, Kastamonu Technopark Inc., Kastamonu Sarı Konak Women's Production and Business Cooperative, and Gölköy Yaşam Resort as stakeholders, a total of 6 workshops and 40 hours of training were conducted.

Kastamonu University participated in the European Researchers' Night event, which was one of the activities of the "Imagine, Innovate, Create Impact (i3)" project supported within the framework of Horizon Europe Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA).  The event, hosted by Van Yüzüncü Yıl University on September 26-27, 2025, stood out as one of the largest science communication organizations held simultaneously across Europe.

This year's theme, "Imagine, Innovate, Impact (i3)," aimed to enable researchers to share their scientific work with society and to quantify the societal impact of science. 

Our university was represented at the event by the project manager, Associate Professor Dr. Gökhan Kaya, and the i3 Kastamonu Project team. Our team conducted four different workshops aimed at developing scientific process skills by directly interacting with the participants.

In the workshops, children and young people practically experienced their skills in questioning, observing, and drawing conclusions while exploring scientific phenomena related to daily life. The discovery of microscopic organisms in particular, and the experience of producing their own technological tools, captured the participants' interest.

Our university2s Lecturer  Dr. Fevziye Işıl Kesbiç, also participated in the event as a speaker in the Café Scientifique session. Dr. Kesbiç shared his views with the participants on the importance of sharing scientific knowledge with society and the social responsibilities of scientists.

The European Researchers' Night event was a great success, attracting thousands of visitors. The event, which reached a wide audience from children to young people, and from teachers to families, contributed to increasing the scientific awareness of society.

TEKNOFEST 2025, Turkey's largest aviation, space, and technology festival, will once again be a gathering where thousands of young people showcase their projects in technology and science this year.

Serap Herkiloğlu, a master's student in the Computer Engineering Department of our university's  Institute of Graduate School, won the second-place award in the Health Category at the 2242 University Student Research Projects Competition organized by TÜBİTAK as part of TEKNOFEST 2025.

The project, which stands out for its innovative and solution-oriented approach, aims to contribute to technological developments in the healthcare field. 

Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, expressed his satisfaction with this achievement as follows: The successes of our university students on national and international platforms make us happy. The award won by our student Herkiloğlu at a prestigious event like TEKNOFEST highlights both our university's scientific productivity and our young researchers' potential. This success is a step toward contributing to the National Technology Initiative. Congratulations to our student, and I wish them continued success in their future endeavors. "

Our rector also expressed his gratitude to all stakeholders and the TEKNOFEST team who contributed to the organization's preparation.

The "Anatomy of Violence: Understanding, Preventing, and Transforming" symposium, organized by the Midwifery Department of the Faculty of Health Sciences at Kastamonu University and the Midwifery and Women's Health Community, was held on September 24, 2025, with broad academic and community participation, as part of the UNİDES project supported by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and with an interdisciplinary approach.

The event was attended by the Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Prof. Dr. Abdulkadir Tuna, vice deans Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nesrin İçli and Assist. Prof. Dr. Nihal Aydın, Director of Health Services at Kastamonu Education and Research Hospital Saide Pakize Çetin, Student Affairs Officer Serap Nurgül Söyler, academics, healthcare professionals, lawyers, social workers, and students, who contributed to addressing the different dimensions of violence.

The symposium began with a moment of silence and an opening ceremony. The opening remarks were given by the Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Prof. Dr. Abdulkadir Tuna, and the President of the Midwifery and Women's Health Community, Midwife Büşra Yıldız. In the discussions, attention was given to the multi-dimensional nature of violence, and it was emphasized that the main goal of the symposium was to understand, prevent violence, and contribute to social transformation.

 In the first session of the program, Assoc Prof. Dr. Nihal Aydın, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, presented "Definition and Types of Violence," where she discussed the conceptual framework, types, and social repercussions of violence. "Misogyny in Today's World," a speech by Assist.Prof.Dr.  Simge Evrenol Öçal, a member at İzmir Kâtip Çelebi University Faculty of Nursing, explored the structural and cultural factors that contribute to violence against women.

 Dr. Fatma Nazlı Demir, a gynecologist at Kastamonu Education and Research Hospital, raised attention to the dimension of violence against women in healthcare services in her presentation titled "The Right to Respect in Childbirth: Raising Awareness Against Obstetric Violence." The first session concluded with a musical performance followed by a lunch break.

In the second session, the multiple aspects of violence against women's health, children's rights, and legal dimensions were addressed. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şahika Şimşek Çetinkaya, Head of the Department of Midwifery at the Faculty of Health Sciences, presented "The Effects of Violence on Women's Health," highlighting the negative impacts of violence on physical, mental, and reproductive health.

In her speech titled "Conscious Youth, Effective Justice," the President of Halime Çavuş Women's Association, Attorney Hikmet Şule Özbay, emphasized the necessity of raising awareness among young people and strengthening legal mechanisms.  Social Worker Mehtap Büyükçağlayan from the Kastamonu Provincial Directorate of Family and Social Services evaluated early marriages from a child rights perspective in her presentation titled "Early Marriage: A Violation of Child Rights."

Sema Güneş Yanık, a specialist midwife at Kastamonu Education and Research Hospital, emphasized the preventive role of midwives and healthcare professionals in her presentation titled "The Role and Responsibilities of Midwives in Preventing Violence." The session concluded with a "Violence Awareness Show" performed by 4th-year midwifery students.

 At the end of the symposium, significant outcomes were achieved regarding violence prevention, increasing social awareness, emphasizing the professional responsibilities of midwives, and raising awareness among young people. It was stated that these achievements are guiding for sustainable efforts aimed at protecting women's and community health.

At the end of the event, Res. Assist Demet Güney, Advisor to the Midwifery and Women's Health Community, and Community President Büşra Yıldız, Vice Presidents Çağla Aşut and Melike Köse, were presented with plaques by Assoc. Prof.Dr. Nesrin İçli, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, for their contributions to the symposium.

The White Coat Ceremony for the 2025-2026 Academic Year at Kastamonu University Faculty of Medicine was held on September 29, 2025, in the Central Library Sezai Karakoç Hall with high participation.

A total of 89 students, including two foreign nationals, who began their education in the 2024-2025 academic year, took their first steps into the medical profession by donning white coats at a ceremony. The program was attended by the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Avcı, academic and administrative staff, students, and families.

 The ceremony began with a moment of silence and the reading of the Turkish National Anthem. Following the medical school promotional video, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Prof. Dr. Ahmet Avcı delivered the opening speech, stating that he had recently assumed his new position and adding: “With nearly 80 academic staff members in our faculty, we aim to provide our students with the best education possible. Medicine is a profession that requires lifelong reading and research. It is also very important for our families to provide all kinds of support to our students during this process. "

Following his speech, Prof. Avcı presented gifts to Bayram Burak Karakay, who was admitted to the Faculty of Medicine with the highest honors, and Nisa Duru Bora, who completed the first year with the highest honors.

 After the award ceremony, Bayram Burak Karakay took the floor and made the following remarks, drawing attention to the meaning of the white coat: This coat, which has brought us together here today, is not just a symbol; it is a great responsibility and a promise to serve society.

This apron will remind us of the importance of compassion as well as knowledge, and of conscience alongside science. Today, we not only carry our own dreams on our shoulders, but also the efforts of our families who brought us to this point and the wisdom of our teachers. "

Then, Nisa Duru Bora, who took the stage, shared the pride of taking her first step into medicine, using the following words: Today, on this path we've embarked on for our dreams, we're taking our first steps in medicine and putting on our white coats that will be our companions on this journey. We are at the moment when we will be proud to put on our aprons, thinking of the people we will be helping. Seeing the sparkle in people's eyes, I would like to thank everyone who contributed to this precious moment in the journey we began to add value to our homeland. "

Following the speeches, the students put on their white coats, which were presented by Prof. Dr. Ahmet Avcı, Vice Dean Assist.Prof.Dr. Murat Ali Çiçekler, and faculty members from the Faculty of Medicine.

The ceremony continued with the students, accompanied by Assistant Professor Dr. Nurtaç Sarıkaş, reciting the White Coat Oath together.

At the ceremony, which was filled with emotional moments, students and their families shared the pride and excitement of taking their first steps into the profession.

Kastamonu University continues to increase its contributions to the national and international scientific community with a new project supported by TÜBİTAK. The project, prepared under the guidance of Assist. Prof. Dr. Serbun Ufuk Değer, a member at Kastamonu Vocational School, was awarded support under the TÜBİTAK 1002-A Fast Support Program.

As part of a 10-month project with a budget of 68,212 TL, the aim is to develop a new synthetic data generation method called "ABP-SMOTE" to produce more reliable and realistic artificial data in imbalanced datasets.

The project team includes Assoc. Prof. Dr. Uğur Değer from the Department of Mathematics, Faculty of Science, Mersin University, and Lect. Hakan Can from Kastamonu Vocational School, Kastamonu University, as researchers. 

The method to be developed aims to address the shortcomings of existing SMOTE-based methods by combining difference equations with percentile integration.The outputs obtained will be of a quality that can be used in many areas, such as health, finance, cybersecurity, and social media analysis.

In his assessment of the project, our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, stated the following: This project, which showcases the research capacity and scientific productivity of our university, will make significant contributions to our country in the field of artificial intelligence and data science.

Developing innovative methods that can be used in critical areas such as healthcare and cybersecurity will add value to both academia and society. I congratulate the project team for their efforts in this success and wish them outstanding achievements in their work. "

Our Rector also expressed gratitude to YÖK President Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar and YÖK members for their support of high-quality research in higher education, and to TÜBİTAK President Prof. Dr. Orhan Aydın for their encouragement of university projects.

The project, prepared under the guidance of Serhat Karabıcak, a doctoral student in the Department of Biology at the Institute of Graduate Education, Kastamonu University, and under the supervision of Faculty of Science faculty member Prof. Dr. Talip Çeter, was granted  support under the TÜBİTAK 1002 – Fast Support Program.

 The paper titled "Hourly Examination of Ambrosia Pollens in the Atmosphere of Kastamonu (2018-2019)," presented by Serhat Karabıcak, Prof. Dr. Talip Çeter, and Oktay Bıyıklı at the 30th National Allergy and Clinical Immunology Congress held in 2024, was awarded first prize. This study was developed and turned into a TÜBİTAK project.

The project titled "Hourly Detection and Source Determination of Ambrosia L. (Ragweed) Pollen Detected in the Atmosphere of Kastamonu" will be carried out over a period of 12 months and will be supported with a budget of 100,000 TL.

The project, which will examine the pollen of the ragweed plant (Ambrosia artemisiifolia), an American native and invasive species, aims to determine whether this pollen reached the region from local sources or by long-distance transport. The project, which will examine the pollen of the ragweed plant (Ambrosia artemisiifolia), an American native and invasive species, aims to determine whether this pollen reached the region from local sources or thru long-distance transport. These pollens, which cause an economic loss of approximately 7 billion euros annually in Europe, are also significant for local and regional health policies.

The project aims to guide asthma and allergy sufferers in taking preventive measures during pollen season and to contribute to public health with the results obtained.

In his assessment of the project, our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, stated the following:

This type of scientific study conducted within our university contributes to both public health and the accumulation of scientific knowledge. These studies, which directly impact the quality of life for asthma and allergy patients, will also shed light on local and national health policies. We are pleased that our young researchers are achieving success at both national and international levels. We believe that this project, supported by TÜBİTAK, will contribute to both academia and public health. "

Our Rector expressed gratitude to YÖK President Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar and YÖK members for their support of high-quality research in higher education, and also extended his thanks to TÜBİTAK President Prof. Dr. Orhan Aydın for their encouragement of university projects.

The "Study, Project, and Feasibility Training Program for Hydrometeorological Disasters," organized by the General Directorate of Combating Desertification and Erosion (ÇEM) of the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change, began at Kastamonu University.

As part of the training held from September 25 to 27, 2025, professionals from different provinces of our country, representatives of public institutions, academics, and students came together in Kastamonu.

Speaking at the opening session, İlyas Boztaş, Head of the ÇEM Study and Project Department, emphasized that the program's aim is to develop technical knowledge and practices aimed at reducing disaster risks.

Our Vice Rector, Prof. Dr. Ömer Küçük, spoke about the studies our university is conducting on disaster management and ecosystem research, stating, "We are pleased to host such a program in Kastamonu."

In his speech, ÇEM General Manager Prof. Dr. Kasım Yenigün highlighted the importance of sharing information and experience regarding the effects of climate change, flood and landslide risks, upstream basin planning, and ecosystem-based solutions. He stated that the flood disaster in Bozkurt in 2021 once again highlighted the necessity of being prepared for disasters.

Prof. Dr. Yenigün also stated that a total of 8 upper basin flood control projects were completed in 2021-2022 within the scope of the studies carried out by ÇEM in Kastamonu, the "Model Carbon Sink Area Afforestation Project" was implemented in cooperation with Kastamonu University, and the research conducted within the scope of the International Erosion Control Training and Application Project carried out in Tosya was successfully concluded.

In his speech, Kastamonu Deputy Governor Ahmet Atlkan said, "Natural disasters, especially floods and landslides, heavily affect our region." Therefore, the training program organized provides an important opportunity for local governments and relevant institutions,” he said.

The opening program concluded with a group photo session. The presentations, discussions, and field trips during the three-day training are aimed at contributing to efforts to reduce disaster risks.

The project titled "Determination of Flame Resistance in Kastamonu Humid Region Plant Communities with Pyro-Ecophysiological Properties," prepared under the leadership of Dr. Öğr. Üyesi Nursema Aktepe, a faculty member in the Department of Biology at Kastamonu University Faculty of Science, has been awarded support under the TÜBİTAK 1002-A Fast Support Program. 

The project, which highlights the increasing forest fire risks in Kastamonu and surrounding provinces in recent years and the pressures of climate change on ecosystems, aims to evaluate the flammability characteristics of plant species found in humid region ecosystems at the leaf level through pyro-ecophysiological parameters.

 The scientific data obtained from the project is expected to contribute to understanding fire ecology and plant adaptation strategies, as well as to the development of ecosystem-based fire management strategies.

The project will receive a grant of 93,830 TL over 12 months, and two undergraduate students will serve as scholarship recipients. In this way, it is aimed to support the participation of young researchers in scientific studies at an early stage and their academic development.

Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, made the following assessment regarding the project:

We are closely following the work of our university faculty members in producing scientific solutions to regional problems. The effects of forest fires and climate change are an issue of importance not only for Kastamonu but for our entire country. This project, which has been approved for funding under the leadership of our esteemed Dr. Nursema Aktepe, will benefit both scientific knowledge production and yield applicable results in fire management. Our university will continue to add value to its region and country thru such projects."

Our Rector expressed his gratitude to the President of the Council of Higher Education, Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar, and the members of the Council for their support of high-quality and qualified studies in higher education. Our Rector also thanked TÜBİTAK President Prof. Dr. Orhan Aydın for their approach that encouraged our University in the project studies.

Kastamonu University Central Research Laboratory (MERLAB) successfully passed the accreditation renewal audit conducted by the Turkish Accreditation Agency (TÜRKAK) on April 7-8, 2025. As a result of the investigation, the laboratory's compliance with the TS EN ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard was reconfirmed, and the accreditation period was extended until 2029.

MERLAB was first accredited in 2021 for HMF and sugar parameters in honey according to the "TS EN ISO/IEC 17025 General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories" standard. In the surveillance and scope extension review conducted on August 19, 2022, the accreditation was renewed until 2025; the number of accredited parameters was increased to 9 by adding pH, free acidity, diastase number, electrical conductivity, moisture, proline, and maltose determinations to the analysis parameters.

With the latest review, MERLAB has once again certified the accuracy and reliability of its services. The laboratory, which will continue to provide internationally valid analysis results to regional producers and researchers, thus aims to strengthen the quality of scientific studies.

In his evaluation of the issue, our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, emphasized the importance of strengthening the university's research infrastructure, stating:

"MERLAB's successful completion of the accreditation process and renewal of its certificate until 2029 is a gain not only for our University but also for regional producers and researchers. This success reflects our university's quality and reliability-focused vision while also increasing the international validity of our scientific studies. I would like to thank all our professors and staff who contributed."

Kastamonu University welcomed its newly enrolled students for the 2025-2026 academic year with an "Orientation Program." The program, organized under the coordination of the Career Development Application and Research Center, was held on September 22, 2025, in the Central Library Sezai Karakoç Hall.As part of the program, introduction booths were also set up for student clubs and some administrative units, contributing to the new students' adaptation process to our university.

The program continued with a moment of silence and the playing of the Turkish National Anthem, followed by the screening of promotional films about Kastamonu and our university.

The program's opening speech was delivered by Associate Professor Dr. Adem Yılmaz, Director of the Career Development Application and Research Center. Associate Professor Yılmaz provided information about the purpose and scope of the program and advised students to evaluate the academic, artistic, and sporting opportunities available at our university. He concluded his remarks with wishes for a happy and successful educational journey for the students.

Following Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yılmaz, Lecturer Dr. Zuhal Arife Küçük took the stage to introduce the activities of Kastamonu Technopark. Dr. Küçük shared examples of projects completed by students in previous years and emphasized that their doors are always open to all students who wish to become entrepreneurs. He also emphasized the importance of using time wisely and wished the students a peaceful academic year.

Following Dr. Küçük, Lecturer Serap Balcı spoke on behalf of the Specialization Coordination for Forestry and Nature Tourism, highlighting the purpose and importance of specialized universities in her speech. Lecturer Balcı discussed the ongoing efforts to improve the quality of education in the private and public sectors and shared examples of best practices in action. Additionally, Balcı provided a brief overview of the 48 projects being carried out within the scope of specialization.

The program continued with a presentation by Emre Çobanoğlu, a staff member of the Press and Public Relations Office, who spoke after Balcı. Çobanoğlu provided students with information about the unit's structure, ongoing work, and the personnel working in it. Çobanoğlu also gave a brief introduction to our university's social media accounts.

 Following Çobanoğlu, Assist. Prof. Dr. Mücahit Muslu, the Social Office Unit Manager, took the stage and emphasized the importance of social studies in addition to academic knowledge. Speaking about the opportunities provided by the Social Office, Assist. Prof. Dr. Muslu stated that students' ideas could be transformed into social projects. He invited students to be active in social projects, stating that a social transcript is as valuable as academic achievement.

Following Assist Prof. Dr. Muslu, Assoc Prof. Dr. Ömer Erdoğan, a faculty member in the Department of Psychology at the Faculty of Human and Social Sciences, gave a presentation titled "Addiction and Combating Addiction." Assoc. Prof. Erdoğan drew attention to dangers such as digital addiction and virtual gambling, emphasizing that help should not be hesitated when encountering these problems.

Following Assoc. Prof. Dr. Erdoğan, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kemal Akyol took the stage and, after conveying his best wishes to the students, provided information about the Teknofest competitions. Stating that they started with the students' ideas and that the university provided great support in this process, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Akyol said that the experiences gained in national and international competitions made significant contributions to the students' post-graduation lives.

Unit Head Fırat Çoşkun from the Department of Health, Culture, and Sports delivered the presentation after Assoc. Prof. Dr. Akyol. Starting his speech by mentioning that the university has been awarded the title of "Sports-Friendly Campus," Unit Head Çoşkun spoke about the wide range of opportunities the university offers students in the fields of sports, health, and culture.

Following Unit Head Coşkun, Onur Altıntaş, a member of the Information Technology Department staff, took the floor to introduce the university's information technology infrastructure and share information on how students can utilize these resources.

 The last speech of the program was given to Police Officer Hasan Şahin, who works in the Crime Research and Investigation Unit of the Kastamonu Police Department's Cyber Crimes Division. Şahin provided students with information about cybercrimes, illegal gambling, bank fraud, fake internet pages, and different fraud methods.

On the first day of the orientation program, students from the Faculty of Education, Faculty of Science, Faculty of Forestry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, and School of Civil Aviation participated in the morning session, while students from the Faculty of Tourism, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Faculty of Fine Arts and Design, Faculty of Communication, and Faculty of Sports Sciences attended the afternoon session.

On the second day of the program, students from the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, the Faculty of Theology, the Faculty of Health Sciences, and the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences will attend the morning session; students from Kastamonu Vocational School will meet with academic and administrative staff in the afternoon session.

Kastamonu University is preparing to welcome its newly enrolled students for the 2025-2026 academic year with an "Orientation Program." The program, organized under the coordination of our university's Career Development Application and Research Center, aims to help students quickly adapt to university life and consciously step into academic life.

The program will take place on September 22-23, 2025, in the Sezai Karakoç Hall of the Central Library at Kastamonu University. During the two-day events, students will be provided with essential information they will need throughout their university life, delivered by expert academic and administrative staff in their respective fields.

As part of the orientation, students will have a chance to get to know the social, cultural, and academic opportunities offered by the University up close, while also expanding their social circles by making new friends.

On Monday, September 22nd, the first day of the program, students from the Faculty of Education, Faculty of Science, Faculty of Forestry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, and School of Civil Aviation will come together from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. On the same day, between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM, students from the Faculty of Tourism, the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, the Faculty of Fine Arts and Design, the Faculty of Communication, and the Faculty of Sports Sciences will participate in the program.

 On Tuesday, September 23rd, between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM, students from the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, the Faculty of Theology, the Faculty of Health Sciences, and the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences will meet with academic and administrative staff. Between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM, students from the Kastamonu Vocational School will also meet with academic and administrative staff.

The new episode of the "Genç Başarı" program, which will be broadcast on the TRT Genç and TRT Spor Yıldız channels, will be filmed at Kastamonu University between September 16 and 19, 2025. 

In the program, which is still being filmed under the direction of Erdal Erdoğan, the inspiring story of Tuğçe Çelik, a student at the Faculty of Sports Sciences and a member of the national badminton team for Turkey's Paralympics, will be shared with viewers. The filming will take place in our university's sports areas and in the historical sites of Kastamonu. 

Our university continues to support the outstanding performance of its students in sports, in addition to their academic achievements. Tuğçe Çelik's success story is important, as it inspires both the higher education community and future generations.

TRT officials emphasized that athletes under the age of 20 are playing a critical role in the future of Turkish sports by rising through the ranks to the national teams and made the following assessment:

 Young people like Tuğçe are on their way to becoming tomorrow's Olympic champions. Their stories serve as an example for young people. "

With the filming to be done at our university, both the opportunities our university offers to young talents and Tuğçe Çelik's journey to success will be brought to a wider audience.

Kastamonu University Continuing Education Center (KASÜSEM) has achieved more success with its digitalization and innovative applications in education. As of September 15, 2025, KASÜSEM can receive a digital badge certificate.

Thanks to the digital badge application, trainees can document their acquired knowledge, skills, and competencies according to national and international standards. These digitally verifiable badges provide a contemporary and dependable approach to certification procedures, increasing the visibility of participants' accomplishments and acting as a reliable resource for educational institutions and the business community.

 With this development, our university aims to increase the accessibility and visibility of its educational activities regionally, nationally, and globally. 

The digital badge certificate will contribute to our university's understanding of sustainable education while also preparing the ground for trainees to gain an advantage in their career journeys.

The Turkish Patent and Trademark Office has registered a patent called "Production of Mo5SiB2-SiC Composite Material for High-Temperature Applications by Powder Metallurgy Method," which was invented by Prof. Dr. Serkan Islak, who teaches at Kastamonu University Faculty of Engineering and Architecture.

 It was noted that the patent obtained as a result of the application made in 2022 offers a method that will contribute to the production of high-temperature-resistant materials, particularly for use in the aviation, energy, and defense industries.

 Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, commented on patent registration, saying that our university's faculty members' scientific research adds value. Stating that this patent obtained by Prof. Dr. Islak will contribute to both our University's research and development vision and its understanding of applied science for industry, our Rector said that they will continue to support academics in such studies. He congratulated Prof. Dr. Serkan Islak. He also thanked YÖK President Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar and TÜRKPATENT President Prof. Dr. Muhammed Zeki Durak for their support of R&D studies.

The treatment process, carried out in collaboration between Kastamonu University Faculty of Medicine and Kastamonu Training and Research Hospital, restored the health of 67-year-old Safiye Kuru, who had been unable to walk for years.

Kuru, who began experiencing weakness and fatigue in her 40s, later developed gait abnormalities, which made it nearly impossible for her to walk by her 60s. Having suffered from limited mobility for a long time, she was examined by Associate Professor Dr. İdris Kocatürk, Head of the Department of Neurology at Kastamonu University Faculty of Medicine, and admitted to the Neurology Service of Kastamonu Training and Research Hospital. Following the examinations, Kuru was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

The patient, who was started on corticosteroid therapy as part of her treatment, began walking again from the third day onward. After a nine-day hospital stay, Kuru was discharged and experienced the joy of walking on her own for the first time in seven years.

Expressing her happiness, Safiye Kuru said: “I used to say I couldn’t walk anymore. My leg felt like wood. Thank God, thanks first to Allah and then to my doctor, I started walking without needing anyone. I am grateful to our government and our doctors.”

Associate Professor Dr. İdris Kocatürk, Head of the Department of Neurology at Kastamonu University Faculty of Medicine, who evaluated the treatment process, explained that MS progresses slowly with complaints such as fatigue, loss of strength, and numbness in later years, which makes diagnosis difficult.

Dr. Kocatürk added: “Thanks to the efforts of our faculty’s physicians at KEAH, early diagnosis and treatment of such diseases are becoming possible. Our multiple sclerosis outpatient clinic, which is open every Friday, also provides an important opportunity for MS patients.”

The Coordinatorship for Excellence in Education, established within Kastamonu University, continues its work to create an educational environment where our students and faculty feel valued, qualified, and happy. 

The coordinationship aims to continuously monitor teaching and learning processes, taking into account the expectations of students and academics, highlighting strengths and developing concrete policy recommendations for areas open to improvement. 

In this context, activities such as analyzing student satisfaction surveys, transparent reporting at the faculty and vocational school levels, and publishing brochures and bulletins that will contribute to the pedagogical development of teaching staff are being carried out. All the studies carried out are available at emk.kastamonu.tr.

In his statement, Professor Dr. Berat Ahi, the Coordinator of Excellence in Education, stated that they aim to create a happier and more productive learning environment not only with numerical data but also by listening to the opinions and expectations of students and faculty members.

Prof. Dr. Ahi emphasized the importance of shaping the future of our University together with a data-driven, transparent, and solution-oriented approach, highlighting that the Directorate aims to develop a participatory and innovative educational culture by working hand in hand with all stakeholders.

Prof. Dr. Ömer Küçük Evaluates Western Black Sea Forest Fires and Türkiye's Response Capacity

Following the recent forest fires in Kastamonu, our Vice Rector and Faculty Member of the Department of Forest Engineering at the Faculty of Forestry, Prof. Dr. Ömer Küçük, evaluated the situation and emphasized Türkiye's significant success in responding to wildfires. Küçük stated, "Due to meteorological conditions, we will witness major wildfires in geographies such as the Western Black Sea, where previously we did not expect fires."

Prof. Dr. Küçük conducted field examinations in the fire zones of Karabük and Kastamonu, where the blazes lasted for three days. He underlined that our University specializes in forestry and nature tourism and is actively engaged in studies on wildfires. Highlighting the impact of climate change, Küçük noted, "Large-scale forest fires are now being observed in the Western Black Sea. Türkiye is demonstrating great success in wildfire response."

Pointing out that "we have seen major fires in the western parts of the Western Black Sea within the last 2-3 months," Küçük explained that the increase in fires this year is closely linked to meteorological conditions:

"Especially when temperatures remain between 30–40°C, relative humidity drops below 20% at intervals, and strong winds are present, wildfire risks rise significantly. When these conditions unite, we have faced large fires in the Aegean, Mediterranean, Marmara, and western parts of the Western Black Sea. As long as such meteorological conditions persist, we refer to this as the 'new normal.'"

University's Contribution to Wildfire Studies
Prof. Dr. Küçük also drew attention to projects carried out by our University in cooperation with the General Directorate of Forestry:

"Within the scope of our Scientific Research Projects Coordination Unit and specialization budget, we have projects that support wildfire management. Moreover, we have actively participated in workshops organized with the General Directorate of Forestry. Our University came to the forefront at the 4th Agriculture and Forestry Council. In the coming years, we have contributed significantly to developing innovative strategies for Türkiye's fight against wildfires."

"Wildfires Are No Longer Exclusive to Summer"
Küçük stressed that fires are no longer limited to summer months:

"In Türkiye, we used to face wildfires only in summer, but now they also occur in spring and autumn. The wildfire season is no longer confined to the summer period. Therefore, we must move to a new stage in strategic wildfire planning. The General Directorate of Forestry intensively conducts efforts to establish fire-resistant forests that put climate change at the center. As a university, we take part in these projects. We also conduct climate-model-based studies specifically for the Western Black Sea."

"Türkiye Ranks First in Europe in Wildfire Response"
Noting that Türkiye has 776 fire lookout towers, Küçük highlighted the importance of the data collected:

These data make Türkiye the fastest country in Europe regarding wildfire response. We utilize fire safety roads and corridors for the rapid arrival of fire trucks, vehicles, and first-response teams. In addition, the General Directorate of Forestry has constructed over 4,700 fire ponds and reservoirs in sensitive areas, creating an infrastructure capable of meeting water needs within about five minutes. We can identify fire-sensitive regions days in advance thanks to meteorological early warning systems and deploy our teams accordingly."

"Türkiye's Air and Ground Forces Are Effective in Major Fires"
Küçük underlined Türkiye's operational power:

"Türkiye possesses 140 helicopters and airplanes dedicated to wildfire response. About 60% are stationed in fire-sensitive regions, covering nearly 13 million hectares. We also have a strong fleet of fire trucks and first-response vehicles on the ground. Through an integrated approach, wildfires are managed operationally by air and ground forces. Thanks to the AI-assisted wildfire management system, each vehicle's location, distance, and intervention status can be tracked. Our technological infrastructure, institutional capacity, and methods align with the most advanced systems worldwide."

Prof. Dr. Küçük added that large wildfires are not unique to Türkiye but are also prevalent in fire-sensitive regions of Europe and other parts of the world, citing examples from Canada, the United States, and Australia. He noted that controlling major fires in Türkiye generally takes 1–2 weeks, "thanks to our institutional capacity, organizational structure, teams, equipment, and applied methods, Türkiye holds an effective position in the global fight against wildfires."

The Dentistry Application and Research Hospital building construction within Kastamonu University is nearing completion. With a total indoor area of 14,950 square meters, the physical progress of the construction has reached 95%. Equipped with modern facilities and a large capacity, the hospital will contribute to the region's education and healthcare services.

120 Dental Clinics to Serve the Region

Once completed, the hospital will open with 120 dental clinics, 65 academic staff offices, and laboratories equipped with advanced technology. It will also include a preclinical laboratory with a capacity of 132 students, a simulation laboratory for 84 students, and prosthetics, plaster, orthodontics, and endodontics laboratories.

Modern Imaging and Advanced Infrastructure

The hospital will feature advanced imaging systems such as panoramic and periapical X-ray units and a computed tomography device. In addition, meeting rooms, a cafeteria, children's play areas, living spaces, an open car park, an energy center, and a dental installation building will form part of a modern campus area.

Kastamonu University Dentistry Application and Research Hospital will support the region's healthcare needs and students' practical training.

Within the framework of the Erasmus+ Program, Kastamonu University continues to offer its students and academic/administrative staff broad opportunities in education, youth, and sports. The activities carried out through the Erasmus+ Coordination Office under the Directorate of International Relations contribute significantly to the University’s vision and mission of internationalization.

Growing International Partnerships
Kastamonu University has signed bilateral agreements with 116 universities across 30 countries, providing students with diverse academic and cultural experiences. Within the scope of the 2025-KA131 project, the University secured a grant of €388,210. This budget will fund 157 mobilities, including 60 student study mobilities, 32 student internship mobilities, 34 staff teaching assignments, and 31 staff training activities. Compared to 2024, the grant amount increased by €105,430, ranking Kastamonu University 40th among 268 applicant universities/institutions in terms of grant allocation.

Regarding staff mobility, Kastamonu University ranked first in Türkiye with 65 mobilities. Under the 2025-KA171 project, partnerships with universities from 12 countries—including the United States, Nepal, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Ukraine, Palestine, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Nigeria—were approved, resulting in an additional grant of €87,448.

Application Requirements
Applications for the program are accepted at the end of the fall semester. Applicants must meet a minimum GPA requirement and achieve at least 55 points in the foreign language exam held annually from March to April. A minimum GPA of 2.20 is required at the undergraduate level, and 2.50 at the master’s and doctoral levels.

Participation Increases Every Year
In the 2024/2025 academic year, 57 students were sent abroad under Erasmus+ to pursue studies or internships at various European institutions, while seven international students studied at Kastamonu University for one semester. Poland, Italy, and Portugal were the most preferred destinations by students.

For the 2025/2026 academic year, 42 students will study abroad in the fall semester and 13 in the spring semester through Erasmus+. Regarding staff mobility, 32 international academic staff visited our University during the 2024/2025 academic year, while 97 of our educational and administrative staff worked at universities abroad.

Strategic Goal: Sustainable Partnerships and Visibility
The Erasmus+ Coordination Office of Kastamonu University continues its efforts with determination to ensure that students and staff benefit from the program at the highest level, to foster sustainable partnerships with European institutions, and to enhance the University’s international visibility.

With nearly 500,000 resources, spacious and modern study areas, and award-winning accessibility practices, Kastamonu University Central Library is a hub where students and researchers can easily access information. As the new academic year begins, the library is ready to welcome its students again.

Spacious Facilities and Study Opportunities
Covering a total area of 12,000 square meters, our library is designed to meet diverse study needs. It includes three reading halls, 15 individual study rooms, 3 group study rooms, and two student conference halls. In addition, unlimited internet access provides a productive study environment.

Rich Resource Collection
The library offers a wide range of resources for students and researchers. Its collection includes 82,458 printed books, 404,642 electronic resources, 887 periodicals, and 2,759 theses. The collection is continuously enriched through both purchases and donations.

High Visitor Numbers
Last year, our library hosted 411,000 visitors. Especially during midterm and final exam periods, the daily number of visitors reaches up to 4,000, reflecting the library's active use by students.

Accessibility Award
Kastamonu University Central Library received the "Orange Flag Award" in the category of Accessibility in Space within the framework of the "Barrier-Free University Awards 2023" organized by the Council of Higher Education. This award is a recognition of the library's exemplary practices in accessibility.

A Venue for Events
Beyond serving as a study space for individuals and groups, the Central Library is also a center for academic and cultural events. It houses two conference halls and one meeting room for conferences, workshops, and meetings. The Cemil Meriç Hall, with 176 seats on the ground floor, and the Sezai Karakoç Hall, with 506 seats on the first floor, host various academic and cultural activities.

An Open Information Center for Everyone
In addition to university students, high school students, researchers, and those preparing for the Medical Specialization Exam (TUS) can also benefit from the library. While literary works are among the most popular resources, user preferences vary depending on the academic period.

Extended Service Hours
The library operates seven days a week from 08:30 to 23:00 during the academic term to support students' academic success. During midterm and final exam periods, service hours are extended until 00:00.

Kastamonu University has partnered with an international Erasmus+ project, aiming to enhance technical and vocational skills for combating land degradation through nature-based solutions (NbS). The project, in which our University takes part, has been awarded funding under the European Union Erasmus+ Program.

Titled “Enhancing Technical and Vocational Skills for Implementing Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) to Combat Land Degradation”, the project will be coordinated by the General Directorate of Combating Desertification and Erosion under the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change of the Republic of Türkiye. With a budget of €250,000, the project will be supported under the code 2025-1-TR01-KA220-VET-000357096.

Among the Turkish partners are Kastamonu University and the Ankara Association for Intercultural Research. In contrast, international partners include Fondazione European Research Institute ETS (Italy), Regional Centre for Forestry and Rural Development – REFORD (North Macedonia), and Mixtura Ambiental (Spain).

The project aims to integrate nature-based solution approaches into vocational education systems in the fight against climate change and land degradation. This way, technical knowledge and skills will be improved, contributing to sustainable land management and strengthening ecosystem services.

Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, emphasized that with this accepted project, Kastamonu University expanded its international cooperation network. Highlighting that nature-based solutions play a key role in addressing environmental issues and achieving sustainable development goals, our Rector stated that the University will continue to transfer scientific knowledge into practice for the benefit of society.

Our Rector also extended his gratitude to İlker Astarcı, President of the Turkish National Agency, the General Directorate of Combating Desertification and Erosion, which will coordinate the project, and all national and international project partners for their support.

With its 24-month duration, the project aims to increase knowledge and experience sharing at regional and international levels, while developing innovative solutions to environmental challenges.

Kastamonu University has received approval from the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) to launch new master’s programs with thesis, aiming to enhance academic diversity in graduate education and provide students with opportunities to specialize in different disciplines.

This framework has established new programs under the Graduate School of Education in Nursing, Political Science and Public Administration (English), Musicology, Geography, and History of Science.

Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, stated that the diversification of master’s programs contributes to the academic structure of the University and expands the research opportunities available to students. He emphasized that each new program allows students to deepen their expertise and contributes to scientific production.

Highlighting that the programs will increase the number of highly qualified graduates, our Rector noted that they will bring significant benefits to the country and the academic community. He further underlined that through these new programs, Kastamonu University will become more visible and distinguished nationally and internationally.

The 2025 Higher Education Institutions Exam (YKS) placement results have been announced. Kastamonu University again ranked among the top choices in higher education this year, achieving a total occupancy rate of 99.45%.

According to the placement results, associate degree programs at our University reached 100% occupancy, while undergraduate programs achieved 98.90% occupancy. Additionally, all newly established programs in artificial intelligence, green transformation, healthcare, and digital technologies in agriculture reached 100% occupancy.

Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, shared his assessment as follows:

“With its student-centered approach, qualified academic staff, and research infrastructure, our University has once again become one of the most preferred higher education institutions. The 99.45% occupancy rate achieved in the 2025 YKS results indicates our commitment to excellence in education. The fact that all newly established programs in artificial intelligence, green transformation, healthcare, and digital technologies in agriculture have reached 100% occupancy clearly demonstrates that we are taking the right steps in areas that shape the future. I congratulate our newly admitted students to the Kastamonu University family and wish them success in their academic journey.”

The Western Black Sea Development Union (BAKAB) meeting was hosted by the Mayor of Düzce and Union President Dr. Faruk Özlü at the Düzce Culinary Arts Center.

The meeting was attended by the governors and mayors of Düzce, Zonguldak, Karabük, Bartın, Kastamonu, and Bolu provinces, as well as university rectors, provincial extraordinary administrations, presidents of chambers of commerce and industry, and the TÜRSAB Western Black Sea Regional Representative Committee.

Our University was represented at the meeting by our Vice Rector, Prof. Dr. Selahattin Kaymakcı.

In his opening speech, President Dr. Faruk Özlü emphasized the need to restructure BAKAB with a tourism-oriented focus, proposing that it should be transformed into the “Western Black Sea Tourism Union” to develop regional tourism. TÜRSAB Western Black Sea Regional President Ercan Güner supported this proposal, stressing the importance of considering the Western Black Sea as a holistic destination.

During the meeting, participants exchanged views on improving regional tourism, strengthening cooperation among provinces, and determining joint promotional strategies.

Kastamonu University has participated in another international project to be implemented within the 2025 Erasmus+ Key Action 2 – Cooperation Partnerships in School Education (KA220-SCH) call.

The project, titled "Cultivating Peaceful Communities: Non-Violent Communication via Gamification", has been awarded funding with a budget of €250,000 under the project number 2025-1-TR01-KA220-SCH-000365821.

Coordinated by our University, the project will be led by Prof. Dr. S. Tunay Kamer, Faculty Member of the Department of Educational Sciences at the Faculty of Education and Coordinator of Artificial Intelligence Studies. The 24-month initiative will be carried out with partner institutions from Italy, Estonia, Germany, Poland, and Türkiye.

The project's primary goal is to promote non-violent communication through gamification methods, contribute to developing peaceful communities, and design innovative models for conflict resolution in educational environments. To this end, tailored educational materials will be prepared for teachers, students, and educators.

The international partners of the project include: Arte e Cultura Sociale (Italy), Kohtla-Järve Maleva Põhikool (Estonia), Nextstapp UG (Germany), Uniwersytet Wrocławski (Poland), and Kastamonu Provincial Directorate of National Education (Türkiye).

Regarding the project, our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, stated:

"We are strengthening our international collaborations daily within the scope of the Erasmus+ program. This project, focusing on non-violent communication and gamification, will contribute to developing a peaceful communication culture both in educational environments and at the societal level. I want to thank Mr. İlker Astarcı, President of the Turkish National Agency, for his support. I wish all our academics and project partners a successful project process."

A project titled "Investigation of the Effects of 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 on TLR-4 and Cytokine Responses in LPS-Stimulated Neonatal Foal Neutrophils", led by Dr. Ömer Deniz, faculty member of the Department of Internal Medicine at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kastamonu University, has been awarded funding under the TÜBİTAK 1002 Rapid Support Program.

In the project, with Research Assistant Serkan Bozacı and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kenan Çağrı Tümer, as a researcher, will examine the role of vitamin D in regulating innate immune responses. The study aims to contribute to understanding the fundamental mechanisms of the immune system in neonatal foals.

The research will investigate the effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, the active form of vitamin D, on TLR-4 receptor levels and cytokine production in neutrophils obtained from neonatal foals after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. The study is expected to yield new findings on the functioning and regulation of neonatal immunity.

It is anticipated that the project will reveal the potential contributions of vitamin D to protecting foals against infections during their sensitive neonatal period, providing benefits to both the scientific literature and horse breeding practices.

Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, emphasized that our University's research capacity continues to grow day by day and congratulated the project team. He thanked the President of the Council of Higher Education, Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar, and YÖK members for supporting high-quality academic studies in higher education. Our Rector also thanked TÜBİTAK President Prof. Dr. Orhan Aydın for his encouraging approach toward the University's research activities.

Operating under the Child Education Application and Research Center of Kastamonu University, the Baby and Children’s Library has served children aged 0–8 with a development-oriented design since April 1, 2023. As one of the few examples in Türkiye, the library aims to introduce children to books early, foster reading habits, and help them explore different cultures.

Open to all children from Kastamonu city center and districts, the library also welcomes visitors from neighboring provinces and even abroad, making it a local and international hub for education and culture.

A Rich Collection in 20 Languages
The Baby and Children’s Library houses a collection of books in 20 languages, including Turkish. Puzzles, intelligence games, and sensory books for the 0–3 age group further support children’s development. With 2,500 Turkish books, the library reinforces children’s sense of curiosity and discovery from infancy, while allowing them to experience both the richness of the Turkish language and the diversity of other languages and cultures.

International Visitors
The library has hosted international academics from institutions such as the University of Malaga (Spain) and Mindanao State University (Philippines). Beyond these visits, the collection is continually enriched by works from our university’s academics during their international travels, expanding children’s horizons with new books in different languages.

Collaborations with Student Communities and Projects
The library organizes various events in cooperation with university student communities. For example, in collaboration with the Preschool Education Community, the “Preschool Education Festival” was held for the second time this year. Such events allow children and parents to engage in play-based learning activities while teacher candidates gain valuable experience interacting with children, contributing to their professional development.

A Busy Year
In the 2024–2025 academic year, the Baby and Children’s Library welcomed hundreds of children and families. Throughout the year, 85 school classes visited the library collectively, while 700 children visited independently with their families.

Featured Author Corner and Family Events
Through the “Author of the Month” corner, children are introduced each month to different children’s book authors and their works. Additionally, author-child meetings allow children to interact with the writers whose books they enjoy reading. The library also hosts thematic workshops inspired by children’s books, providing enjoyable learning experiences.

The center not only serves children but also supports families. Within the framework of the “Parent Academy” initiative, five sessions on different themes have been held so far. Moreover, various awareness programs are organized in cooperation with the Provincial Directorate of Family and Social Services.

Opportunities for Teacher Candidates
The Baby and Children’s Library is also open to university students, particularly those from the Faculty of Education. Open classes are organized for teacher candidates, and students can also work part-time at the library through İŞKUR, gaining professional and practical experience.

The Faculty of Communication at Kastamonu University equips its students with theoretical knowledge and practical experience through its modern studios and workshops. With its state-of-the-art studio, editing room, radio studio, and student-run newspaper, the Faculty offers students extensive opportunities to develop their professional skills.

Quality in Education with Accredited Departments
The accreditation of the Faculty's Radio, Television, and Cinema and Journalism departments demonstrates that the education provided meets national and international quality standards. This ensures that students strengthen their competencies through courses and practice, with the reliability and quality guaranteed by accreditation.

Education Integrated with the Industry
In addition to its expert academic staff, the Faculty regularly invites journalists, photojournalists, and communication professionals to engage with students directly. This interaction allows students to ask questions, learn from real-world experiences, and broaden their professional vision.

Enriched Experience with Practical Units
Students can prepare and present news bulletins, produce radio programs through the Faculty's practical units, and create digital content. Furthermore, workshops and seminars encourage students to showcase their creativity and advance their technical skills.

Offering a broad spectrum of education through its Departments of Sports Management, Coaching Education, and Physical Education and Sports Teaching, the Faculty of Sport Sciences at Kastamonu University will admit 125 students in the 2025–2026 academic year. The Faculty equips its students theoretically and practically, enabling them to specialize in various sports fields.

Practical Training with Advanced Facilities
Students of our Faculty pursue their education in classrooms and through hands-on practice in modern facilities such as the Combat Sports Hall, Dance Hall, Conditioning Hall, Squash Court, and Physiology Laboratory. In addition, the Multi-Purpose Sports Hall, football pitch, outdoor basketball and volleyball courts, and tennis courts located on our campus are actively used in classes. This provides students with a comprehensive education deeply integrated with sports.

A Sports-Friendly Campus
With its facilities, social spaces, and student-centered opportunities, Kastamonu University proudly bears the title of a “Sports-Friendly Campus.” This recognition highlights that the University promotes a culture of sports not only within courses but also throughout every aspect of campus life.

Academic Staff and Expert Trainers
Supported by an experienced academic staff, our Faculty provides students with scientifically grounded knowledge alongside practical training. This approach ensures that our graduates do not merely leave with a diploma, but also as qualified and competent individuals contributing to society in diverse fields of sports sciences.

The Faculty of Sport Sciences continues to demonstrate that sports are a physical activity and a scientific discipline, training the future professionals of the sports world.

Special Talent Exams for the 2025–2026 Academic Year Begin at Kastamonu University Faculty of Fine Arts and Design

The special talent exams for the Departments of Plastic Arts (Painting, Graphic Design, Ceramics and Glass, Traditional Turkish Arts) and Musicology at the Faculty of Fine Arts and Design, Kastamonu University, began on August 19, 2025.

Applications from Across Türkiye
This year, 168 applications were submitted for the Plastic Arts and Musicology departments. Sixty-four students took the Plastic Arts exam, with 56 students successfully passing. Forty candidates participated in the Musicology exam. While the Plastic Arts exam lasted 90 minutes, the Musicology exams were conducted individually and continued throughout the day.

Supportive Faculty Environment
During the examination process, the Faculty's well-equipped workshops, the arrangement of the exam halls, and the smooth organization gave candidates confidence. The facilities provided by our University and the examination committee's careful work helped the candidates comfortably demonstrate their talents.

After the exams, candidates expressed their satisfaction with the committee's approach. Although they admitted having difficulty controlling their excitement throughout the process, they stated that the exam was productive. Candidates also conveyed their best wishes for success to all their peers who took part in the exams.

The project titled “Investigation of the Potential Use of Haloarchaeal Bacterioruberin in Vegan Sunscreens”, prepared under the supervision of Dr. Fevziye Işıl Kesbiç, Lecturer at Kastamonu University Central Research Laboratory, has been awarded support within the scope of the TÜBİTAK-3501 Career Development Program.

Within the project, Prof. Dr. Özgür Kaynar, Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and faculty member of the Department of Biochemistry, will be an advisor. Dr. Aslı Uğurlu Bayarslan, faculty member of the Department of Biology at the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Serkan Erol, faculty member of the Department of Biochemistry at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Balıkesir University, will serve as a researcher.

The project aims to biotechnologically evaluate the natural pigment bacterioruberin, produced by haloarchaeal microorganisms living under extreme conditions. The original aspect of the study lies in its focus on the development of natural, sustainable, and animal-free products, which have come to the forefront in recent years in the fields of cosmetics and dermatology.

The findings are expected to contribute to developing eco-friendly and vegan sunscreens and add innovative value to Türkiye’s biotechnological production capacity.

Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, congratulated the academics for their work and expressed his gratitude to the President of the Council of Higher Education, Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar, and YÖK members for their support of high-quality academic studies. He also thanked TÜBİTAK President Prof. Dr. Orhan Aydın for encouraging the University’s research efforts.

With its scientific expertise, Kastamonu University Central Research Laboratory (MERLAB) is establishing a reputation for itself both nationally and regionally. The center, which is distinguished by its strategic objectives and advanced infrastructure, provides R&D solutions in a variety of fields, including academics, industry, the environment, and health.

The Higher Education Executive Board decided to create MERLAB on December 14, 2014, and it has been in operation since 2015. Its objectives are to organize courses, give testing and measurement services to the public and private sectors, and give faculty and postgraduate researchers opportunities for analysis and application. By supporting interdisciplinary initiatives and converting scientific data into technology, the center seeks to enhance the university's research capabilities.

Strong Infrastructure and Expert Staff with Advanced Technology

MERLAB, with a usable area of approximately 5,000 square meters, boasts a strong physical infrastructure with 26 laboratories, meeting rooms, field offices, electrical-mechanical workshops, cold storage facilities, and chemical storage rooms. Along with specialized areas for imaging, chromatography, nuclear research, thermal analysis, spectroscopy, mechanical testing, and biomaterials, they can also produce liquid nitrogen.

The personnel consists of a total of 19 people, including a director, two deputy directors, six unit heads, five specialists, one biologist, one technician, and three administrative staff.

 International Standard Analysis Service

MERLAB conducts measurements in accordance with international norms and standards. Plant, honey, food, water, and soil analyzes are conducted in accordance with the demands of public institutions and the private sector. A 35% discount is applied to analysis services in R&D-focused projects belonging to BAP, TÜBİTAK, and ministries. MERLAB is also strengthening its reliability by expanding its TÜRKAK accreditation scope.

High-Tech Equipment

MERLAB offers versatile analysis opportunities with advanced instruments such as AAS, AFM, GC-MS, HPLC, ICP-OES, LC-MS/MS, SEM, XRD, XRF, and FTIR. These devices serve research in the fields of basic sciences, engineering, and health.

Thanks to the laboratory automation system, all processes from sample acceptance to analysis tracking, invoicing, and proforma operations are carried out digitally, quickly, securely, and transparently. MERLAB, with its extensive service network spanning from academia to the private sector, contributes to regional development through water, food, soil, and honey analyses, primarily in Kastamonu and the Central Black Sea Region. Additionally, support is being provided for the scientific development of agriculture, with information meetings held in districts like Pınarbaşı, in areas such as soil and pathology analysis.

Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, stated that MERLAB adds value to both Kastamonu and the region with its technical infrastructure, expert staff, and services offered to international standards. Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal emphasized that the center continues to provide reliable, high-quality, and fast analysis services through its research activities within the university, as well as its work with the public and private sectors and producers.

The Ay Yıldız Sports and Life Center, located on the Kuzeykent  Campus of Kastamonu University, has become the intersection of sports, social life, and academia thanks to its diverse facilities. The center, built on a vast area of 36,103 m², serves both university members and the people of Kastamonu with its modern infrastructure and extensive facilities.

Kastamonu University, which was awarded the title of "Sports-Friendly Campus" by YÖK (Council of Higher Education), not only offers modern sports facilities with the Ay Yıldız Sports and Life Center but also successfully meets criteria such as strategic vision, sustainable social integration, and community participation. These features strengthen the university's mission to extend its healthy living and sports culture beyond the campus. 

Wealthy Prospects Fit for All Sectors

The facility features a 300-person restaurant and cafeteria, a five-lane semi-Olympic indoor pool, a multipurpose sports hall that can accommodate 730 spectators, two fitness rooms, a bowling alley, a reformer-pilates studio, table tennis, a gymnastics hall, and meeting/event spaces. In outdoor areas, there are two tennis courts, two futsal fields, two basketball courts, and two volleyball courts. For religious and health needs, there are separate prayer rooms for men and women, ablution areas, and a medical clinic; a 126-car parking area provides easy access.

Sports for Every Age, Activity All Year Round

The center organizes swimming, tennis, Pilates, and gymnastics courses for different age groups throughout the year, based on demand from sports enthusiasts. Event programs are updated during the term to provide participants with a dynamic and satisfaction-oriented service. Those who wish to benefit from the facilities can quickly complete their membership procedures for their desired sport at the reception. At the center, which caters to everyone with student and other special options, payments are accepted only by credit/debit card. 

Reservations for the evening sessions of the tennis court, indoor soccer field, and swimming pool can be easily made by phone or at the reception. A maximum of 4 people can play on a tennis court in one session, and 14 people on playground

Free and Equipped Outdoor Spaces 

Students and faculty at Kastamonu University have free access to basketball and volleyball courts. Balls and other equipment are available at reception upon request in return for identification. 

Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, described the facility's place in the university's vision with the following words:  Ay Yıldız Sports and Life Center contributes to everyone's acquisition of a healthy lifestyle culture, from our students to our academic and administrative staff, and from sports enthusiasts in our city to our youth. Our title of "Sports-Friendly Campus" is proof to this understanding. We see sport not just as an activity, but as a powerful bond that brings society together.

Kastamonu University implemented a meaningful social responsibility initiative in Antakya, bringing hope and awareness to children via the unifying force of art. The "Dreams Blossoming with Fairy Tales: Climate and Art Workshop," "Leave Your Mark: Paint, Print, and Have Fun," and the "Dreams and Traces: Thru the Eyes of Children" Exhibition, led by Assist. Prof. Dr. Sofya Cihan Canbolat from the Department of Graphic Design at the Faculty of Fine Arts and Design, met with children at the Antakya/Defne Döver Primary and Middle School from July 24 to 29, 2025.

 The projects, carried out with the assistance of the university's Technology Transfer Office, aimed to create awareness among children in the city, which is attempting to heal the wounds of disasters, about the climate problem, love of nature, and ecological balance. The workshops were planned for two separate age groups: 18 students aged 6-8 and 12 students aged 9-11 both learned and created. 

At the events, the fairy tales "The Little Leaf That Whispered to the Wind" and "The City Where Stones Whispered: Antioch," written by Assist. Prof. Dr. Canbolat, conveyed nature and environmental awareness to children in an inspiring language. Drama activities following the storytelling sessions allowed students to empathize with nature. Then, the children transformed their feelings into colorful drawings, creating their own unique works of art.

 All the original works produced in the workshops were presented to art lovers on July 29, 2025, in an exhibition titled "Dreams and Traces: Thru the Eyes of Children." Sergi demonstrated not only the children's creativity but also their sensitivity to nature.

 Arzu Deniz, the esteemed visual arts teacher from Mersin/Yenice Special Education Practice School and Hüseyin Polat Special Education Practice School, also volunteered to support the project.

 Assist Prof. Dr. Sofya Cihan Canbolat thanked the Kastamonu University Technology Transfer Office, Kastamonu Truva Book & Cafe, Değişim Toy & Stationery, Yakup Ağa Çekme Helva, and Çobanoğlu Çekme Helva for their contributions to the project.  Also Canbolat said, "Thanks to these contributions, we have made this journey with the children toward nature and imagination stronger."

Kastamonu University won the first prize with its Champions League Pavilion design in the 2025 TEKNOFEST Architecture and Visual Design Competition. The project brought together the architecture and technology of the future in an aesthetic, functional, and inspiring atmosphere, using the concept of a technology base equipped with the codes of the future. Our university has once again made its name known on a national scale in both architectural and technological design with this achievement.

 The project was supervised by Gökçen Gököz Gedik, a lecturer in the Construction Building Inspection department at Abana Sabahat-Mesut Yılmaz Vocational School. The team captain was Muhammed Irmak, a master's student at Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, and the members were İsmail Yüzgeç, a master's student at Kastamonu University, and Hamîde Nur Coşkun, a graduate of Amasya University.

 The pavilion design, which stands out with its futuristic and interactive architecture, was conceived to provide visitors with the highest level of feeling like a part of technology. In the design, an inspiring and innovative atmosphere reflecting the energy of young people was created. From the central stage to the tree design, from the amphitheater area to hologram-supported thematic presentations, every detail integrated technology with creativity. The design, where sustainability, creativity, nature, and technology converge, offers people the opportunity to discover themselves.

 Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, expressed their pride in the achieved success and said the following:  “Our team's experiences and accomplishments, including effectively representing our university at a major event like TEKNOFEST, will tremendously benefit their future projects and academic careers.I congratulate our successful team and wish them continued success in their work. Additionally, I would like to thank everyone who contributed to the organization of this event and the TEKNOFEST team for providing us with this opportunity.”

Kastamonu University continues its investments aimed at strengthening campus infrastructure and modernizing living spaces in line with its student-centered vision. Two major projects being carried out simultaneously at the central campus and the Alsancak Sports Hall aim to provide students with a safer, more aesthetic, and better-equipped environment.

Infrastructure and Landscaping Work Continues at the Central Campus

The "Central Campus Infrastructure and Landscaping Project," whose contract was signed in 2025, has been implemented. The project involves various improvements to campus roads, infrastructure systems, environmental landscaping, and social areas. The works aimed to be completed before the new academic year will ensure that the campus gains a more comfortable and functional appearance. 

Alsancak Sports Hall is Being Strengthened 

The Alsancak Sports Hall, which is heavily used by students, is being made more resilient and secure with the "Earthquake Strengthening Project." The gym will offer a modern environment where students can safely engage in sports activities in the new term.

"Our Campus is the Second Home for Our Students" 

Evaluating the investments, our Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal stated that the projects are planned to enhance the quality of life for students and made the following remarks: "We see our university as more than just an educational institution; it is also a living space where our students can feel safe and secure." With this understanding, we are strengthening the campus infrastructure and enhancing aesthetics and functionality through environmental regulations. To ensure that our students can safely continue their athletic endeavors, we are simultaneously strengthening the Alsancak Sports Hall against earthquakes. Our top priority is to provide our young people with a more modern, safer, and more livable campus.”

Kastamonu University Faculty of Medicine has added a new achievement to its success in the field of scientific research. The project, led by Assist. Prof. Hakan Küçüksayan, a faculty member of the Department of Medical Biology, has been granted support under the TÜBİTAK 1001 – Program for Supporting Scientific and Technological Research Projects. 

The project titled "Investigation of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP)-mediated regulatory role of HOXC4 transcription factor in the resistance of estrogen receptor positive breast cancer to tamoxifen" aims to contribute to the identification of new therapeutic targets, particularly in breast cancer patients who develop resistance to hormone therapies. 

The research team includes Assist. Prof. Dr. Nurtaç Sarıkaş and Assist. Prof. Dr. Erhan Bayrak from Kastamonu University Faculty of Medicine, as well as Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ertan Küçüksayan from Alanya Alaaddin Keykubat University. The project aims to both provide new perspectives on cancer biology and contribute to the scientific development of medical students by offering them practical research experience.

Scholarship support for project participants will encourage active participation in the research procedures. The project also seeks to develop skilled human resources by offering real research experience to medical students interested in pursuing an academic career in basic sciences.

 Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, made the following statements about the project: "Our institution views it as a vital role to foster a culture of research in all subjects, particularly health sciences, to encourage scientific production, and to increase the generation of information that will benefit humanity. The significant TÜBİTAK success of our Faculty of Medicine is extremely valuable in terms of demonstrating both our scientific competence and the level of our research infrastructure. This project will not only make significant contributions to the scientific community but also to our students who aim to pursue academic careers in the fundamental sciences."

Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, congratulated the academic team involved in the project, especially the project coordinator, Assist. Prof. Hakan Küçüksayan, and thanked them for their contribution to our University's scientific production capacity. Additionally, he expressed his gratitude to the President of the Council of Higher Education, Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar, and the members of YÖK for their support of scientific research, and to the President of TÜBİTAK, Prof. Dr. Orhan Aydın, for his encouraging contributions.

Kastamonu University Faculty of Forestry has signed another project that will lead the digital transformation in the field of forestry. The project titled “Determination of Some Tree and Stand Parameters in Pure Black Pine Stands Using Different UAV Based Sensors: A Case Study from Taşköprü Forest Management Directorate,” led by Prof. Dr. Fatih Sivrikaya, a faculty member in the Department of Forestry Engineering, has been awarded support under the TÜBİTAK 1001 Program.

With the project prepared to become a pioneer of digitalization in Türkiye’s forestry sector, the effectiveness of drone-based sensors in forest inventory studies will be scientifically demonstrated. The project is expected to make significant contributions in terms of efficiency, time, and cost savings in forestry.

Within the scope of the project, the use of RGB-NIR and LiDAR sensors based on Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in tree wealth inventories, which play a fundamental role in the preparation of forest management plans, will be evaluated. In this way, it is aimed to develop faster, more economical, and more effective data collection methods as an alternative to traditional terrestrial measurement methods.

In the project shaped by interdisciplinary collaboration, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Oytun Emre Sakıcı from Kastamonu University, Prof. Dr. Alkan Günlü and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sinan Bulut from Çankırı Karatekin University Assist. Prof. Dr. Hasan Aksoy from Sinop University, Res.Assist. Döndü Demirel from the Faculty of Forestry, and Forest Engineer Abdulgaffar Kaya from the Southeastern Anatolia Forestry Research Institute Directorate are involved as researchers. 

"Our university is shaping the future of the forest with technology."

In his evaluation of the issue, our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, emphasized that the project is not only an academic success but also a strategic development for Turkish forestry. Our Rector stated, "Integrating scientific knowledge into the field is of great importance for the sustainability of our forest resources. This project once again demonstrates how closely linked Kastamonu University's research-oriented mission is to the environment and the economy. Increasing efficiency in forestry with drone-based technologies will directly contribute to the 'stable-strong economy and competitive production' goals of the 12th Development Plan."

Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, congratulated the academic team involved in the project, especially the project coordinator, Prof. Dr. Fatih Sivrikaya, and thanked them for their contribution to our University's scientific production capacity. Additionally, he expressed his gratitude to the President of the Council of Higher Education, Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar, and the members of YÖK for their support of scientific research, and to the President of TÜBİTAK, Prof. Dr. Orhan Aydın, for his encouraging contributions.

Huriye Boyraz, President of the Kastamonu Association for the Solidarity of Individuals with Special Needs and Their Families, along with association members Seyhan Şahin, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Havva Kaçan, and an individual with special needs, Cengizhan Koç, visited Prof. Dr. Selahattin Kaymakcı, Vice Rector of Kastamonu University, in his office on August 6, 2025.

 During the visit, the participation of individuals with special needs in social life, equal opportunities in education, and the collaboration possibilities between universities and non-governmental organizations were discussed. During the visit, while exchanging ideas, Association President Huriye Boyraz informed Vice Rector Kaymakcı about their activities and future projects.

Our Vice Rector, Prof. Dr. Selahattin Kaymakcı, expressed his satisfaction with the visit and emphasized that the university is always supportive of individuals with special needs.

Prof. Dr. Kaymakcı said, "It is of great importance to us that all segments of society can benefit from educational opportunities. "As a university, we will continue to support the efforts in this field with a sense of social responsibility," he said.

 The visit ended with a photo session to commemorate the day.

The "Increasing Political Representation of Women in Local Governments: Barriers, Opportunities, and Solutions" 1002-A Rapid Support Project, prepared under the supervision of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eray Aktepe, a faculty member in the Department of Political Science and Public Administration at our university, has been deemed eligible for support by TÜBİTAK.The project, which received a budget of 75,260 TL, is considered an important step for women to have a greater say in local politics.

Within the scope of the project, the current situation regarding women's political representation in local governance in Türkiye will be analyzed through qualitative field studies; gender-based barriers to political participation and the role model effect will be examined in depth. Based on the findings obtained, it is aimed to develop policy and educational recommendations and provide concrete solutions to increase women's representation.

In the project, Dr. Öğr. Üyesi Özgür Öztürk will participate as a researcher, and the work will be carried out with the contributions of the Halime Çavuş Women's Association. The project aims to create social transformation starting from the local level and is expected to make women more visible in decision-making mechanisms. 

Evaluating the issue, Kastamonu University Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal stated the following: “The political representation of women and their participation in local governance are among the most important indicators of our democratic development. The project developed by our university in this field is not only an academic study but also an example of social responsibility. I would like to thank TÜBİTAK for supporting this meaningful project and our valuable academics who work selflessly. Strong representation of women means a strong Turkey.” 

Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, congratulated the academic team involved in the project, especially the project coordinator Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eray Aktepe, and thanked them for their contribution to our University's scientific production capacity. Additionally, he expressed his gratitude to the President of the Council of Higher Education, Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar, and the members of YÖK for their support of scientific research, and to the President of TÜBİTAK, Prof. Dr. Orhan Aydın, for his encouraging contributions.

Kastamonu University has achieved another significant success in line with its vision of internationalization. In the 2025 application period, the KA131 and KA171 projects prepared under Erasmus+ Key Action 1 Mobility of Individuals were deemed worthy of support and accepted by the Turkish National Agency.

Within the scope of the Erasmus+ KA131 project, our university has been awarded a grant of 388,210.00 euros. With this budget, a total of 157 mobility activities will be carried out, including 60 students for study, 32 students for internships, 34 academic staff for teaching, and 31 administrative/academic staff for training. With a project that showed an increase of 105,430 Euros compared to 2024, our university ranked 40th among the 268 universities/institutions that applied nationwide in terms of grant amount.

 First in Türkiye  for Staff Mobility Notably standing out in terms of staff mobility, 

Kastamonu University became the first in Turkey with 65 mobilities under the KA131 project. Fırat University and İzmir Katip Çelebi University had 52 and 51 mobilities, respectively. Within the scope of the Erasmus+ KA171 project, partnership applications with a total of 12 countries, including the United States, Nepal, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Ukraine, Palestine, Egypt, Ethiopia, and Nigeria, were accepted, and a grant of 87,448.00 euros was provided. This project will facilitate student and staff exchanges with partner universities in these countries. Additionally, it is planned to carry out mobility to the United States for the first time.

Our university, which ranked 14th among 115 universities that applied under KA171 last year, ranked 26th among 144 applications this year. Considering that the highest KA171 grant amount awarded in Turkey this year is 141 thousand euros, the performance of Kastamonu University is regarded as a significant achievement.

"Our international collaborations are becoming even stronger."

 In his evaluation on the subject, our Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal stated that the successes achieved within the scope of the Erasmus+ programs are a concrete indicator of the university's internationalization strategy.

 Our rector said, "With these achievements, we continue to offer our students and staff international experience opportunities." Our being first in Turkey in personnel mobility shows how strong our goal is to increase the global interaction of our academic staff. "I thank all the academic and administrative staff who contributed to this process." 

 Our rector also stressed the importance of Erasmus+ programs in expanding the university's recognition, as well as interacting with diverse cultures and enriching intellectual variety.

 Our Rector expressed his gratitude to the employes of the Erasmus Coordination Office and everyone who contributed to the process. He also thanked the President of the Turkish National Agency, İlker Astarcı, the President of the Higher Education Council, Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar, and the YÖK members for their dedication to internationalizing higher education institutions.

The Furniture and Decoration Program at Kastamonu University's Tosya Vocational School (MYO), with its strong collaborations with the industry and application-oriented education, offers its students a guarantee of employment after graduation. The department provides an education opportunity intertwined with the industry thanks to its location in Tosya, one of Turkey's leading furniture production centers.

 The Furniture and Decoration Program trains individuals equipped with practical education as well as theoretical knowledge. Department students get experience by engaging in real-world production processes in workshops throughout their studies. Internships and on-the-job training in local businesses prepare graduates for the industry.

 Graduates of the department can easily find jobs in furniture companies in and around Kastamonu, especially in Tosya. The university also facilitates the integration of students into the labor market through employment tracking systems and graduate support units.

In the Furniture and Decoration Program, the traditional aspects of woodworking are blended with modern production techniques. The program offers a great opportunity for both individuals with an entrepreneurial spirit and technical staff who want to specialize in the sector. Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, stated that the Tosya Vocational School Furniture and Decoration Department has created an exemplary model based on university-industry cooperation, and he provided the following statements: "This program, located in Tosya—considered the heart of the furniture industry—not only provides our students with technical knowledge but also equips them for a full profession with job opportunities awaiting them upon graduation."

 Our students can transition directly from education to business life."

Kastamonu University has been awarded a grant of 30,216 euros for a volunteer action that will be carried out under the European Union's European Solidarity Corps (ESC) program.

The project, to be carried out in collaboration with partner institutions from Greece and Italy, will make significant contributions to the university's internationalization goals. As part of the program, volunteer students will participate in projects abroad for a specified period.

With the project, it is aimed to increase understanding and tolerance toward different cultures, strengthen social cohesion, reduce discrimination, and support cultural diversity in society.

 Through this project, Kastamonu University aims to equip young people with a multicultural perspective. The project aims to produce significant outputs not only in intercultural exchange but also in the field of social responsibility. The university aims to increase access to education and social life for disadvantaged groups such as women, people with disabilities, those experiencing economic hardship, and individuals subjected to social exclusion.

Kastamonu University has previously proven its determination in this regard. The university, awarded 38 accessibility flags by the Higher Education Council in 2024, aims to continue this success not only in spatial accessibility but also in social participation and equal opportunities. Thanks to the collaborations with organizations in Greece and Italy, which are the international partners of Kastamonu University in this project, the active participation of young people in volunteer programs in Europe will be encouraged. This collaboration will contribute to building a more inclusive, tolerant, and solidarity-based society at both the individual and societal levels.

The Open Days for prospective students who will make their choices based on the results of the Higher Education Institutions Exam (YKS), organized by the Career Development, Application, and Research Center of Kastamonu University, started on August 4, 2025, at the Central Library. On the first day of the event, a large number of students and families showed interest in the booths set up by the academic units.

 As part of the event, the Faculty of Forestry, Faculty of Science, Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences (IIBF), Faculty of Sports Sciences, Faculty of Fine Arts and Design, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Faculty of Tourism, Kastamonu Vocational School, and the Career Development, Application, and Research Center set up booths to provide university candidates with information about educational activities, departmental contents, and post-graduation career opportunities. Candidates and their families had the opportunity to receive information directly from the faculty representatives. At the event, Prof. Dr. Selahattin Kaymakcı, Vice Rector of Kastamonu University, also met with prospective students and provided information about the university's academic infrastructure, student facilities, and campus life.

 At the event, Prof. Dr. Selahattin Kaymakcı, Vice Rector of Kastamonu University, also met with prospective students and provided information about the university's academic infrastructure, student facilities, and campus life. Prof. Dr. Kaymakcı emphasized that Kastamonu University offers students a strong future with its quality education and developing infrastructure.
Information and promotional events aimed at prospective students will continue with the participation of different faculties until August 8, 2025.

Kastamonu University continues to draw attention with its social responsibility projects. The project titled "Empowerment of Rural Girls through Judo," prepared within the scope of the Erasmus+ European Solidarity Corps Solidarity Projects ESC30, has been approved for support by the Turkish National Agency.

The project, to be conducted under the coordination of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bayram Ceylan and Res. Asst. Hasan Basri Taşkın from our university's Faculty of Sports Sciences, aims to support the physical, mental, and social development of 30 girls aged 8-12 living in rural areas by providing them with judo training.

Within the scope of the project, basic judo techniques, competition preparations, and belt exams will be conducted to help girls gain self-confidence. Additionally, interviews with Olympic and world champion female judokas, environmental awareness workshops, and awareness-raising meetings for families will also be held.

In the project, in collaboration with the Kastamonu Provincial Directorate of National Education, the Turkish Judo Federation, and the Kastamonu Municipality, volunteer teams composed of university students will also play an active role. 

Kastamonu University aims to promote the ethical values of judo, supported by UNESCO, and encourage girls to become licensed athletes with this project, which is a continuation of the previously conducted "Fit Kids with Judo" project.

Making a statement on the subject, Kastamonu University Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal emphasized that the project is not just a sports event and stated the following: As a university, we value not only academic achievements but also contributions to society. It is very valuable to us that our girls living in rural areas become empowered, gain self-confidence, and hold on to life more strongly through sports. This project will not only serve as a sports education but also as a life school. Every empowered girl child is a guarantee of a bright future.

Additionally, our Rector expressed gratitude to the President of the Turkish National Agency, İlker Astarcı, the President of the Higher Education Council, Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar, and the members of YÖK for their contributions and dedication to the internationalization processes of higher education institutions.

The Higher Education Council (YÖK) prepared data for the "University Monitoring and Evaluation General Report 2024," which shows that Kastamonu University achieved great success in the number of projects supported by TÜBİTAK, ranking 9th nationwide. In the first place on the list, Yıldız Technical University had 1,434 projects, followed by Ege University with 1,319 projects in second place and Gazi University with 1,150 projects in third place.

In the TÜBİTAK National and International Project Count category, Kastamonu University drew attention with 648 projects, ranking ninth on the list and surpassing many established universities across the country. This success is considered a concrete indicator of the university's performance in the fields of research, development, and innovation.

Making evaluations on the subject, our Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal emphasized that the university has made systematic strides in the fields of R&D and project production in recent years and said the following:

“This high level of project support received from TÜBİTAK, one of our country's most prestigious scientific support organizations, showcases our university's scientific productivity and academic potential. This success is the collective effort of our visionary academic staff, who prioritize research, inquiry, and problem-solving.” 

Our rector also stated that the infrastructure opportunities provided to students and academics, project writing training, and support for accessing national/international funds have made significant contributions to this process, and he expressed that Kastamonu University is making steady progress on its path to becoming a research university.

In his statement, our rector emphasized that this success is not an end for the university but a beginning, saying, "Our new goal is to place Kastamonu University among the top 5 universities in Turkey for TÜBİTAK project production. "In this direction, we will continue to work with determination together with all our departments," he said. 

According to the YÖK report, Yıldız Technical University ranked first in the list of universities receiving the most project support from TÜBİTAK, while Kastamonu University stood out by surpassing established universities such as Marmara, Istanbul, and Ankara.

Kastamonu University has achieved another significant success in the field of health technologies. The project titled "Development of a Rapid ApoB-100 Test Kit," which has been awarded support under the 2025-B-01 call by the Turkish Health Institutes Presidency (TÜSEB), aims to add a new dimension to digital diagnostic technologies.

In the project led by Prof. Dr. Özgür Kaynar, Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Seçkin Özkanlar from Atatürk University and Assist.Prof.Dr. Dilara Kaynar from Kastamonu University Devrekani Vocational School are also involved.

 In the project, which is being implemented with a budget of approximately 1 million 800 thousand TL, an innovative rapid diagnostic kit that allows quantitative ApoB100 measurement using smartphones will be developed. With this technology, it is aimed to provide a low-cost, easily accessible, and user-friendly diagnostic tool for the early detection of cardiovascular disease risk. Within the scope of the project, a new technique will be used for the first time, which, unlike traditional lateral flow immunoassays, allows for the high-precision transfer of antibodies to only a specific area on the nitrocellulose membrane, preserves the natural structure of the antibodies, and minimizes the risk of contamination.

 The test kit to be developed will be designed to measure ApoB100 levels above 80 mg/dL, and it will be optimized to the 130 mg/dL level to ensure clinical accuracy.

 Kastamonu University Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal evaluated the TÜSEB-supported project and stated the following: "As a university, we value the aspects of scientific research that touch the field and contribute to human life." This project is extremely valuable in terms of developing early diagnosis opportunities for public health, as well as the digital transformation of diagnostic technologies. I congratulate our project coordinator, Prof. Dr. Özgür Kaynar, and the entire project team, and wish them continued success.

Pulatkhon Lutfullayev, the Vice Rector for Academic Affairs of the Namangan State Institute of Foreign Languages, one of Uzbekistan's established higher education institutions, visited our University as part of the Erasmus Staff Mobility Program.  

As part of the visit, Acting Vice Rector Pulatkhon Lutfullayev held a meeting with our Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Selahattin Kaymakcı on July 28, 2025. The Director of the School of Foreign Languages, Lecturer Mehmet Bolluk, was also present at the meeting. 

In the meeting held, collaboration opportunities were discussed on topics such as providing academic advisory support to students enrolled in master's programs between the two universities, designing joint curricula, and organizing short-term in-service training and cultural programs for Uzbek academics hosted by our University.  

Expressing his satisfaction with the visit, Prof. Dr. Selahattin Kaymakcı said, "We are pleased to develop cooperation with the Namangan State Institute of Foreign Languages, which has a rich history and a strong academic structure. Such international contacts are of enormous importance in terms of sharing academic knowledge and experience. "Our university is always open to international collaborations," he stated.

Vice Rector Lutfullayev expressed his gratitude to our Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Kaymakcı for their hospitality and wished for the further development of cooperation between the two institutions.

The visit concluded with the exchange of gifts and a commemorative photo session.

Kastamonu University is providing scientific leadership for the 30th period of archaeological excavation work being conducted at the Elaiussa Sebaste Ancient City, located in the Erdemli district of Mersin. 

The excavations are led by Assoc. Dr. Hatice Asena Kızılarslanoğlu, a faculty member of the Department of Archaeology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, is financed by the Heritage to the Future Project by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.

In the historical city located in the Ayaş Neighborhood, a multidisciplinary team consisting of academics, archaeologists, anthropologists, and art historians from different universities is contributing to the excavation work.  While American experts and students are actively engaged in the field, a scientific team from Italy is also expected to join the efforts soon. Within the scope of excavation activities, not only archaeological excavations but also plant cleaning, landscaping, evaluation of finds, and maintenance, repair, and restoration works are being carried out simultaneously.

Stating that Elaiussa Sebaste was an important trade, production, and port city from the 2nd century BC to the early 7th century AD, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kızılarslanoğlu expressed that the site contains many public and religious structures, such as a theater, temple, bathhouse, and necropolis. Emphasizing that maintenance and restoration works are also ongoing for the floor tiles and the artifacts in the excavation house's storage, Kızılarslanoğlu stated that, especially in the northern necropolis area, burial structures have been unearthed and the vegetation has been completely cleared. It is aimed to open this area to tourism after environmental regulations.

Kastamonu University Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal expressed their satisfaction in contributing to the excavations and stated the following: "The preservation of cultural heritage and the unveiling of the past are important parts of our scientific responsibility. Projects like these, carried out by our academics, contribute to both the field of archaeology and our country's tourism potential. I congratulate Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hatice Asena Kızılarslanoğlu and her team.

The project titled "Examining Social-Emotional Learning Skills in Science at the Level of Achievement and Activity," led by Dr. M. Said Doğru, a faculty member of the Araç Rafet Vergili Vocational School of Higher Education at Kastamonu University, has been awarded support under the TÜBİTAK 2224-B Domestic Scientific Events Participation Support Program.

In the project, it will be addressed how teacher candidates develop social-emotional learning (SEL) skills such as empathy, self-awareness, collaboration, and responsible decision-making in science education. It is aimed to present the prepared activity examples in a practical manner at a national-level scientific event. The study aims to raise awareness of the integration of social-emotional learning with science education and to promote the widespread adoption of practices in this field.

Expressing his satisfaction with the support of the project by TÜBİTAK, our Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal made the following comments:

"Social-emotional learning is a holistic approach in today's educational understanding that aims not only to transfer knowledge but also to develop individuals' emotional and social skills. The support for such a project from our university makes us proud both academically and socially. I congratulate our academician who is involved in the project. "I congratulate our academician who took part in the project."

Our Rector also expressed his gratitude to the President of the Higher Education Council, Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar, and the members of YÖK for their support of scientific studies, and to the President of TÜBİTAK, Prof. Dr. Orhan Aydın, for his encouraging contributions.

Prof. Dr. Ömer Küçük: 85% of Fires Are Human-Caused, Wind Accelerates Spread

Kastamonu University, responsible for being designated a specialized university by the Council of Higher Education in the field of Forestry and Nature Tourism by the Council of Higher Education (YÖK), continues to inform the public by conducting scientific assessments regarding forest fires in our country. In this context, Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Ömer Küçük made essential statements on various television programs regarding the causes of forest fires, the necessary precautions, and Turkey's firefighting capacity.

As forest fires continue to rage in Turkey's provinces of Eskişehir, Bursa, Karabük, Bilecik, Uşak, Antalya, Mersin, and Kahramanmaraş, Prof. Dr. Küçük provided public information in live broadcasts on television channels such as NTV, Habertürk, TVNET, 24 TV, Haber Global, A Haber, Bengü Türk, and Akit TV, explaining the causes of the fires, the precautions citizens should take, fire organization, fire management, ecological impacts, and Turkey's robust infrastructure for responding to fires.

Prof. Dr. Küçük emphasized that most fires are human-caused, noting that lightning-caused fires are infrequent. He said that a fire requires a temperature of at least 250-300 degrees Celsius (300-400 degrees Fahrenheit) to start, adding that spontaneous forest fires are impossible under normal conditions. Emphasizing that protecting forests is a shared responsibility of society, Prof. Dr. Küçük stated that the importance of carbon sinks has increased with global climate change, and that forests hold critical value from both an environmental and social perspective.

The Cost of Neglect Cannot Be Recovered for Years

Prof. Dr. Küçük emphasized that fire prevention should not be viewed solely as the responsibility of the General Directorate of Forestry, adding that the entire society must develop a shared awareness of this issue. He emphasized the importance of prohibiting entry into forests during fire-sensitive periods, emphasizing that even the slightest negligence can cause irreparable damage for years. He noted that the ecological benefits of forests are being lost, the amount of carbon released into the atmosphere is increasing, and it takes many years to recover lost areas. He also stated that afforestation efforts following fires should favor the region's ecologically native tree species, saying that the change in species occasionally discussed in public is incompatible with forestry science and techniques.

He emphasized that citizens should avoid using forested areas during curfew periods, refrain from burning stubble, refrain from picnicking, refrain from throwing cigarette butts on roadsides, avoid littering in forested areas, and ensure that intersections between residential areas and agricultural lands adjacent to forests are cleared of flammable materials.

He Draws Attention to Stubble Fires

Prof. Dr. Küçük noted that approximately 45 percent of the fires responded to each year in Turkey are stubble or rural fires, and he emphasized the need to raise greater awareness on this issue. He stated that plowing and incorporating stubble into the soil, rather than burning it, could prevent stubble fires from spreading to the forest. He reminded us that forests and agricultural lands are intertwined, particularly in rural areas, and therefore, the risk of stubble fires spreading to the forest is very high.

He emphasized that meteorological conditions increase the risk of fires. Küçük stated that forest areas should not be used when temperatures exceed 30 degrees Celsius and wind speeds exceed 30 kilometers per hour.

Wind is the Most Important Factor in the Spread of Fires

Prof. Dr. Küçük, offering his condolences to the nation and those who lost their lives in the fires, emphasized that wind is the most critical factor in the spread of fires. He noted that a series of fires have broken out in various regions of our country, which have recently experienced a dry period. He added that wind corridors have formed, particularly in mountainous and rugged terrain, making fire control difficult.

Prof. Dr. Küçük explained that the black color of the smoke indicates the intensity of the fire, and that the flames' horizontal, rather than upward, movement reveals the influence of wind. He noted that wind speeds can sometimes reach 50-60 kilometers per hour, allowing fires to spread quickly across large areas. Küçük explained that under these conditions, small, spot fires merge into larger fires, making control difficult and making extinguishing the fire before its energy level decreases impossible.

Turkey Leads Europe in Firefighting

Prof. Dr. Küçük noted that Turkey possesses advanced technological infrastructure and strong institutional capacity for detecting and responding to forest fires, noting that uncrewed aerial vehicles are used in fire surveillance and that this system is actively implemented in only two countries. Turkey has the most powerful firefighting fleet in history.

The utility model titled "Sacral Area Heated Massage Vest for Labour," invented by Research Assistant Demet Güney from the Department of Midwifery at Kastamonu University's Faculty of Health Sciences, with Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tülay Yılmaz from Istanbul-Cerrahpaşa University, as a co-inventor, has been registered by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office.

This vest, developed to alleviate the pain women experience during labour and enhance birth comfort, aims to reduce stress during labor, shorten the duration of childbirth, and provide a more positive birth experience by combining heat application and massage.

This wearable technology's changeable massage modes allow the user to modify the massage speed and application region based on the severity of their discomfort, making a scientific and technical addition to the delivery experience.

In his evaluation of the matter, our Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal emphasized that the invention is valuable not only in the field of health but also in terms of our University's research and development vision, and he said the following: "It is gratifying for us that our university's academics are able to combine their field observations and experiences with innovative ideas and bring them to the level of resulting in patents.I congratulate our academician and all the stakeholders who contributed to the work. We will continue to support projects that benefit society and stand by every step that contributes to science.”

The Department of Special Education has been established within the Faculty of Education at Kastamonu University. With the quota approval from the Council of Higher Education (YÖK), the department will accept its first students in the 2025-2026 academic year as the Special Education Teaching Bachelor's Program. The program will accept 24 students this year. 

The Faculty of Education, which has maintained its teacher training tradition since 1956, aims to train qualified teachers in the field of special education by combining its deep-rooted experience with a contemporary understanding of teaching. 

Commenting on the issue, our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, stated that the establishment of the Department of Special Education within the Faculty of Education is a gain for both the university and the region. 

Our rector stated, "We aim to train well-equipped teachers who can meet the needs of the times and will be involved in the education of individuals with special needs. This step, aimed at extending our university's teacher training tradition to the field of special education, will contribute to our higher education system. I would like to thank all our academic and administrative stakeholders who contributed. He used the expressions.

The faculty administration, on the other hand, expressed gratitude to our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, for his contributions, planning, and guidance in the establishment of the Department of Special Education, the development of the academic staff infrastructure, and the student admission process for the undergraduate program. They also thanked the academic staff of the Department of Special Education, the relevant boards of our University, and all stakeholders involved in the faculty administration for their dedicated work in the student admission process.

A cooperation protocol was signed between Kastamonu University and Kazakhstan's Karaganda Buketov University for the establishment of a joint thesis master's program in the field of "Tourism Management."

With this protocol signed on June 3, 2025, by our Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal and Nurlan Dulatbekov, the Rector of Kazakhstan's Karaganda Buketov University, it is aimed to elevate international academic and cultural cooperation to an advanced level. The agreement was formalized by the Higher Education Council (YÖK) on July 2, 2025. 

The protocol also includes a multidimensional collaboration that supports academic staff exchange, student mobility, research projects, and mutual academic development. Within the framework of the protocol, principles regarding student admission, the education-teaching process, course contents, academic success criteria, diplomas, graduation, and disciplinary matters were determined. 

The relevant regulations of the two countries will govern topics such as the language of instruction, student admission criteria, examination system, and diploma equivalency. The language of instruction in the program will be Turkish, and it will be conducted in accordance with the joint curriculum of our University and Karaganda Buketov University. At the end of the program, students who succeed will be awarded a joint diploma approved by our University and Karaganda Buketov University. 

Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, stated in his announcement, "This protocol is not just an academic collaboration, but also a step that will strengthen the cultural ties between our countries."He stated, "Thanks to the international master's program in the field of tourism, our students will have the opportunity to obtain dual diplomas, and scientific and cultural exchange will increase even more." 

Recalling the protocol with Mindanao University in the field of forestry engineering made in May, our Rector emphasized that the collaborations in both fields would contribute to Kastamonu and our University as a university specializing in forestry and nature tourism.

Our Rector also expressed his gratitude to the President of the Council of Higher Education, Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar, and the members of YÖK for their encouraging contributions to the support provided for scientific studies.

A documentary film screening and photo exhibition were held on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, in the Faculty Foyer Area as part of the July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day by the Faculty of Communication at Kastamonu University. Academic and administrative staff participated in the event. 

In the exhibition opened in the foyer area, there were photographs taken by Anadolu Agency reporters during and after the July 15, 2016, coup attempt by the Fetullah Terrorist Organization (FETO). The photographs reflected the nation's resistance against the coup attempt and its determination to uphold democracy and the national will. 

As part of the event, a screening of the documentary titled "From Night to Dawn: July 15," prepared by TRT Haber, was held in the Faculty Conference Hall. The documentary focused on the events that took place on the night of the coup attempt and the heroic resistance displayed by the people. 

Visitors can view the Anadolu Agency-prepared photo exhibition until July 18, 2025.

Kastamonu University hosted a meaningful event on the occasion of July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day. "The 15 July Democracy and National Unity Day Commemoration Concert, organized under the theme "The Name of Victory is Turkey," took place on Monday, July 14, 2025, in the Cemil Meriç Hall of the Central Library. 

The concert was organized by the faculty members of the Department of Musicology at our university's Faculty of Fine Arts and Design, Assist. Prof. Elçin Ergin Talaka, Lecturer Ömer Gökhan, and Res. Asst. Tunahan Alan was attended by both academic and administrative staff, as well as citizens. 

At the event, folk songs from the regions of İzmir, Erzurum, Adana/Çukurova, and Yozgat were performed. The melodies, combined with the narration of the music, brought emotional moments to the audience. The event was organized to ensure that the treacherous coup attempt on July 15, 2016, is not forgotten and to commemorate the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for this cause.In the concert, which was conveyed through the language of music, the nation's will to uphold democracy was reflected in an emotional atmosphere.

The event was organized as an important awareness activity not only to reinforce the sense of loyalty to the martyrs but also to keep the consciousness of democracy alive. At the closing of the event, Dr. Faculty Member Elçin Ergin Talaka, Head of the Musicology Department, presented certificates of appreciation to Umut Kullukçu, Edanur Toplu, and Halil İbrahim Dönmez for their contributions to the event.

The event concluded with a group photo session.

Kastamonu University continues to train qualified human resources for the wood and furniture sector with the "Furniture, Education, Design, and Product Development" project, led by Associate Professor Dr. Önder Tor from the Department of Forestry Engineering, in line with its vision of specialization in forestry and nature tourism. 

The project implemented at our university's Wood Culture Application and Research Center allows students to reinforce their theoretical knowledge through practice and contributes to the industry's need for skilled personnel. The project, supported by our university's Specialization Coordination, aims to provide students with field experience in technical equipment and production culture, explicitly targeting the development areas of the furniture sector in the TR82 region. 

In the project, students from different faculties, primarily Forest Industrial Engineering, directly participate in the product design and production processes using machines commonly used in the industry.While explaining the project, Assoc. Prof.Dr. Önder Tor, a faculty member of the Department of Forestry Engineering and Project Coordinator, emphasized that the lack of qualified personnel is central to the development limitations faced by the furniture sector. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tor stated, "Kastamonu is one of the leading cities in Türkiye regarding board production." However, the furniture production sector is not fully utilizing this potential. The lack of a qualified workforce is one of the biggest obstacles to development. "We aimed to provide qualified human resources to the sector with this project," he said.

Stating that the design workshops and application areas established within the project scope provide students with production practice, Tor also mentioned that they are directed toward design registration and utility model applications for the products. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tor said, "With the support of our university's Technology Transfer Office, the production outputs of our students are also protected by intellectual property rights." He stated, "We will continue these kinds of practices in the short, medium, and long term." Stating that at least 60 students have directly benefited from the project so far, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tor added that the center could also create training programs for students, industry professionals, and job seekers. 

According to İrem Nur Atan, a second-year student studying forest engineering, participating in the project sparked a passion for entrepreneurship. She added, "I was interested in the furniture industry, but with what I learned here, I want to turn this interest into an initiative." My goal is to open my factory. 

Another student, Efekan Genç, stated that practical training significantly contributes to developing personal skills, saying, "We are developing our projects and bringing our designs to life." He stated, "This also increases our motivation."

As part of the July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day events, a panel titled "Islamic, National, and Social Reflections of July 15" was organized in Kastamonu. 

The panel held at the Public Education Center Conference Hall was attended by Kastamonu Governor Meftun Dallı, Kastamonu University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Atalan, representatives of public institutions and organizations, academics, students, and many citizens. 

The panel was chaired by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Fatih Kalın, a faculty member of the Faculty of Theology at Kastamonu University. In his opening speech, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kalın stated that July 15 was not just an attempted coup but also a multifaceted attack targeting Türkiye's social, political, and religious structure. He stated that the panel aims to contribute to the intellectual struggle in this context. 

The first speaker at the panel, Prof. Dr. Temel Yeşilyurt, addressed how FETO exploited religious legitimacy in its coup attempt. Yeşilyurt emphasized that the organization instrumentalized religious concepts and values for its interests, creating a perception of legitimacy, and in this process, it distanced itself from the fundamental moral principles of Islam. He stated that the distortion of religious discourse in this way leads to serious fractures at both the individual and societal levels. 

The second speaker of the panel, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cengiz Çuhadar, emphasized the significance of July 15 in terms of national unity and collective memory. Noting that the event caused society to unite around a common consciousness, Çuhadar stated that such historical turning points leave an eternal mark on the memory of nations. He stated that 15th July played a decisive role in the re-establishment of the spirit of national solidarity. 

Finally, Prof. Dr. Ali Albayrak, who spoke last, evaluated the civil resistance that emerged on the night of July 15 from a sociological perspective. Prof. Dr. Albayrak stated that the people took to the streets with an unorganized and spontaneous reflex, defending the democratic will. He said that this process has strengthened values such as civic awareness, democratic culture, and social solidarity. He stated that civil resistance has gone down in history as an important social response that demonstrated society's will to take charge of its destiny.

At the end of the program, the session chair, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Fatih Kalın, delivered a closing speech, emphasizing that July 15 should not be forgotten. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kalın emphasized the importance of accurately conveying the events to future generations and stated that the intellectual and moral struggle should continue.

The panel concluded with the presentation of plaques of appreciation to the speakers.

A program titled "The Name of Victory is Turkey" was organized as part of the July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day events. As part of this program, Prof. Dr. Şerif Demir, a faculty member in the Department of History at our University's Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, presented a conference titled "The Relationship Between Democracy and Coup in the Shadow of July 15." 

Speaking at the program held on July 11, 2025, in the Provincial Directorate of National Education Conference Hall, Prof. Dr. Demir stated that he has been conducting academic studies on coups and the Democrat Party for approximately 30 years, emphasizing that no coup can be legitimized. 

"We Must Confront Coups and Leave This Culture Behind"
Emphasizing the need to fight against coups in his speech, Prof. Dr. Demir highlighted that if we want to elevate the Republic of Türkiye to the level of contemporary civilization indicated by Atatürk, establish a democratic rule of law, and build a livable country, we must confront coups and strive to eradicate this phenomenon. 

Expressing that it is not correct to approach some coups positively and others negatively, Prof. Dr. Demir said, "Approaches like 'May 27 was good but March 12 was terrible, September 12 was bad but February 28 was necessary...' are wrong." No coup can be legitimized with justifications such as "but," "however," or "nevertheless." No coup has ever benefited this country. Therefore, we must confront the culture of coup-making and stop seeing the coup itself as a solution. He used the expression.

"We Must Distinguish Between the Army-Nation Tradition and Coup-Making"
Pointing out that the political and social histories of Europe and Türkiye are different from each other, Prof. Dr. Demir stated that the class conflicts, revolutions, and social dynamics there are distinct from those in Türkiye. 

Prof. Dr. Demir, "We are a society with a tradition of army-nation." The official founding date of our army dates back to 209 BC. There is a tradition, culture, and memory that spans 2200 years. However, history repeats itself. Every decade, a new constitution and a balancing adjustment occur. We need to leave these behind now," he concluded his words.

The program, which attracted great interest from participants, was appreciated as an event that made significant contributions to Türkiye's struggle for democracy and the process of raising awareness against coups.

A conference was held by the Kastamonu Probation Directorate to raise awareness within the scope of the 15th July Democracy and National Unity Day. The Kastamonu Courthouse Conference Hall hosted the event, which had a large turnout and featured Prof. Dr. Şerif Demir, Head of the History Department at Kastamonu University, as a speaker. 

The program, which began with a moment of silence and the National Anthem, included a recitation of the Quran by Institutional Preacher Fazıl Acar. Then, Prof. Dr. Demir gave a presentation shedding light on the historical struggle between coups and democracy in Türkiye. 

In his speech, Demir, who evaluated the military interventions experienced from the Ottoman Empire to the Republic in a historical context, emphasized that the treacherous coup attempt on July 15 was much bloodier and more destructive than other coups. In his speech, Demir emphasized the damage caused by coups to the rule of law, social peace, and the will of the people, and stated that the resistance shown by the people on the night of July 15 was a strong indication of the will to uphold democracy in Türkiye.

Stating that the bodies standing in front of the tanks demonstrated the love of the homeland and determination of this nation, Demir expressed that all coups leave deep scars in society and cannot be justified by any reason. 

At the end of the conference, the Director of Probation Services, İlker Öcal, stated that such events serve an important function in developing individuals' awareness of democracy and preserving historical memory.

Participants closely followed the event.

Assist. Prof. Dr. Ahmet Nusret Özalp, a faculty member of the Department of Computer Engineering at Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, has been appointed as a researcher in the "Digital Twin-Based Intelligent Attack Detection and Defense System 'SİBER İKİZ" project, which is conducted under the "Development of Next Generation Artificial Intelligence Methods - SAGA" call supported by the Presidency of Defense Industries.

The "SİBER İKİZ" Project aims to develop an anomaly detection model based on artificial intelligence, supported by digital twin technology. Additionally, the project aims to use reinforcement learning-based network defense algorithms to create a more resilient cybersecurity infrastructure against adversarial attacks.

Within the scope of the project, the behaviors of real military network systems will be modeled with high accuracy, enabling the detection of anomalies that may occur during data flow. At the same time, multi-layered efforts will be carried out to identify and neutralize adversarial attacks against AI-based systems.

Kastamonu University Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal congratulated Assist. Prof. Dr. Ahmet Nusret Özalp for being part of the research team of the project, stating, "It is gratifying that our university's scientific accumulation contributes to nationally conducted studies." I wish our professor success in their work. He stated, "We believe that the SİBER İKİZ Project will contribute to our country's cybersecurity."

The SİBER İKİZ Project is expected to contribute to our country's military network security. We congratulate Assist. Prof. Dr. Ahmet Nusret Özalp on this assignment and wish the project to be beneficial for our country.

A photo and poster exhibition themed "Zaferin Adı Türkiye / The Name of Victory is Türkiye" was opened by the School of Foreign Languages at Kastamonu University as part of the July 15 Democracy and National Unity Day Commemoration Events. 

In the exhibition, which can be visited on the classroom floor of the School of Foreign Languages between July 7-18, 2025, there are visuals related to the events of the night of July 15, 2016. The exhibition aims to convey the struggle of the nation against the coup attempt and its commitment to democracy through visual elements. 

The exhibition, which consists of posters, photographs, and logos from the Strategy Document, emphasizes the determination of the people who took to the squares and the power of the national will. The prepared content provides visitors with information while also leaving an emotional impact. 

The exhibition aims to raise awareness, especially among students, and to contribute to keeping the spirit of July 15 alive. The exhibition continues to attract the interest of academic and administrative staff, as evidenced by the ongoing visits. 

Evaluating the exhibition, the director of the Foreign Language School, Lecturer Mehmet Bolluk, said, "With this exhibition, we aimed to refresh the awareness of our students and staff about July 15 and to keep the spirit of national unity and solidarity alive." 

The School of Foreign Languages has organized an exhibition that is open to all our academic and administrative staff and students, eagerly awaiting visitors.

Kastamonu University has completed the "Artificial Intelligence Tools Training" organized for its administrative staff in line with its digital transformation goals. 

The training program planned by our university's Artificial Intelligence Studies Coordinationship was held in the Computer Laboratory of the Faculty of Engineering and Architecture from July 1-9, 2025. 

In the trainings, the staff of the Information Processing Department, as well as the executive committee members of the Artificial Intelligence Studies Coordination, Murat Yayla, Ufuk Acı, and Onur Altıntaş, thoroughly addressed topics such as the role of artificial intelligence technologies in increasing efficiency in public institutions, usage scenarios, and their integration into daily business processes. 

Participants were informed about practical examples in areas such as text processing with artificial intelligence, visual content production, data analysis, reporting, presentation preparation, and content editing. Additionally, awareness of privacy and ethical usage principles was also raised. 

Artificial Intelligence Studies Coordinator and Faculty of Education, Department of Educational Sciences Faculty Member Prof. Dr. Tunay Kamer, in a statement regarding the education program, noted that artificial intelligence is increasingly present in every aspect of life and emphasized the importance of effective use of these technologies in public services. "We carry out our activities to support the artificial intelligence policies of our University, our region, and our country. We are making steady progress toward becoming a university that uses technology better. We want to shape the future with artificial intelligence. He used the expressions " 

The training sessions, attended by a total of approximately 350 administrative staff, were conducted face-to-face in groups of 50. Additionally, an online session was planned for the seventh group. Starting in October, a similar training program is aimed to be organized for the academic staff as well.

At Kastamonu Education and Research Hospital (KEAH), interventional procedures carried out in collaboration with the Faculty of Medicine of Kastamonu University are providing hope to patients at risk of stroke. 

The Interventional Radiology Unit at KEAH successfully continues to apply stents for carotid artery stenosis. As part of the treatment process, this procedure has helped many patients regain their health and protect them from stroke risk. 

Plaques formed over time in the carotid arteries located on both sides of the neck due to reasons such as cholesterol and calcification can cause narrowing in the artery. If this condition is not treated, it can lead to serious consequences such as a stroke.In the method applied in the Interventional Radiology Unit, the narrowed artery is treated with a special balloon, and then a thin metal cage called a stent is placed to keep the artery open. In this way, blood flow returns to normal, and the risk of stroke is significantly reduced. 

In the angiography unit, patients show improvements in a short time thanks to this non-surgical procedure. Patients treated so far have achieved positive results, making this procedure a routine practice. 

"We Can Treat Our Patients Without Sending Them Out of Town"
Assist. Prof.Dr. İsmail Taşkent, a member of the Faculty of Medicine at Kastamonu University and an interventional radiology specialist, stated the following regarding the treatment:

 "Stenosis of the carotid artery is one of the most important causes of stroke risk. We can perform this intervention safely and effectively in our hospital. We can provide this important treatment in our own city without having to send our patients out of the city. With the procedures we have performed so far, many of our patients have regained their health.

In the Interventional Radiology Unit, many complex procedures have been successfully carried out, including stopping pulmonary hemorrhage (hemoptysis) in patients who had previously bled in the lungs, clearing up blockages in intestinal blood vessels, treating tumors, inserting dialysis catheters, and draining abscesses.

Thanks to their partnership with Kastamonu Training and Research Hospital, specialist doctors from Kastamonu University's Faculty of Medicine offer local residents modern, high-quality healthcare services that are easily accessible.

An information and consultation meeting on "3+1 Vocational Training in Business" was held to enhance and promote the quality of applied vocational education in the vocational schools (MYO) within Kastamonu University.

 The meeting held on July 4, 2025, was attended by Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Selahattin Kaymakcı, Prof. Dr. Ömer Küçük, and Prof. Dr. Mehmet Atalan, as well as the directors, deputy directors, and representatives of the Vocational School of Higher Education.

The meeting held on July 4, 2025, was attended by Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Selahattin Kaymakcı, Prof. Dr. Ömer Küçük, and Prof. Dr. Mehmet Atalan, as well as the directors, deputy directors, and representatives of the Vocational School.

 In the meeting, participants shared the achievements of the "3+1" model, currently implemented in some vocational schools, and discussed the roadmap for implementing this model in all vocational schools. The meeting evaluated the contributions of this system, which foresees students receiving practical training in businesses, to combine theoretical knowledge with the field and increase employment opportunities after graduation.

 As part of the meeting, a presentation was also given by Instructor Şerife Kıbrıs from the Medical Documentation and Secretarial Program at Araç Vocational School. The presentation detailed the current practice, the process workflow, and the accomplishments made. 

Collaborations with businesses, the effectiveness of internship processes, the development of practices to enhance students' professional competencies, and proposals for disseminating the model were among the other agenda items of the meeting.

Our vice rectors emphasized the University's commitment to strengthening vocational education, stating that implementing the "3+1" model in all vocational schools would support students in gaining field experience before graduation and ensure they enter the labor market as more prepared individuals. 

A consultation meeting was held to plan the activities to be carried out for the 20th anniversary of Kastamonu University's establishment, and work was initiated.

At the meeting held on July 4, 2025, representatives from academic and administrative units, as well as application and research centers, came together to exchange views on the scope of possible studies and activities.

 The meeting was attended by Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Selahattin Kaymakcı and Prof. Dr. Ömer Küçük, Secretary General Assoc. Prof. Dr. İbrahim Demirbaş, Acting Branch Manager of the Secretary General's Office Dr. Sema İrem Orhan, and a large number of academic and administrative staff.

 In the meeting where the scope, content, and planning of the events reflecting our university's 20 years of institutional accumulation and development were discussed, the importance of the units actively participating in the process was emphasized.

 Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Selahattin Kaymakcı stated that the university's 20th year is a special period for celebrating past achievements and future goals and that it is aimed at highlighting scientific and cultural values with the contributions of all units in this meaningful year.

 Prof. Dr. Ömer Küçük stated that this anniversary is important for commemorating the university's past and shaping future goals together, that the contributions of all units are of great significance, and that he believes meaningful events will be held together.

 Based on the suggestions and evaluations of the participants, it is aimed to organize various events in scientific, cultural, and social fields that befit the 20th anniversary of our University.

The Turkish Summer School program, organized in collaboration with Kastamonu University and the Yunus Emre Institute, brings together students from all over the world around the Turkish language and culture. The program, conducted under the coordination of the Turkish and Foreign Language Teaching Application and Research Center (TÖMER), will take place in Kastamonu from July 7 to July 25, 2025.

 Young People from 15 Countries Gather in Kastamonu to Learn Turkish
Participants from a total of 15 different countries, including Albania, France, Georgia, Egypt, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ukraine, Palestine, Iran, Japan, Montenegro, Kazakhstan, North Macedonia, and Jordan, will receive B1-level Turkish language education during the summer school.

In addition to teaching Turkish, the program also includes various social and cultural activities aimed at promoting Turkey's rich cultural heritage and way of life.

 Events Contributing to Cultural Diplomacy
The program, funded by the Yunus Emre Institute, places great importance not only on language teaching but also on cultural interaction. Participants will have the opportunity to learn by observing Turkey's natural and cultural beauties on-site, in addition to classroom lessons.

 Among the events to be held in Kastamonu are city promotional tours, a picnic in Kadıdağı National Park, visits to the Municipal Recreation Area and Karaçomak Dam, a trip to Safranbolu, museum tours, a tour of Daday district, a presentation on cultural beliefs, a canyon tour, a woodworking workshop, and cinema events.

 A Model of Academic and Cultural Cooperation
This meaningful summer school, conducted by Kastamonu University and the Yunus Emre Institute, stands out as one of the strong examples of Turkey's cultural and academic diplomacy. The program teaches Turkish and significantly contributes to the establishment of cultural ties among participants and the promotion of Turkey.

Kosovo Kadri Zeka University Dean of the Faculty of Economics Prof. Dr. Xhevat Sopi and Vice Dean Assoc. Prof. Dr. Lulzim Rashiti, who came to Kastamonu University within the scope of the Erasmus+ KA171 Project, visited Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Selahattin Kaymakcı in his office on July 2, 2025.

During the visit, an exchange of views was held on the development of academic collaborations between the two universities, student and staff mobility, and opportunities for joint work on scientific projects. The guest academics expressed their satisfaction with the hospitality and the hospitality shown and thanked them.

Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Selahattin Kaymakcı expressed his satisfaction with the visit and wished to further strengthen the cooperation with Kosovo Kadri Zeka University in accordance with the vision of internationalization.

The visit ended with a souvenir photo shoot.

Kastamonu University took another step toward strengthening academic collaborations on a global scale. Our university signed a protocol to launch an international joint thesis master's program in "Forest Engineering" with Mindanao State University in the Philippines.

The protocol was signed on May 13, 2025, on behalf of our University by our Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal and on behalf of Mindanao State University (MSU) by MSU President Prof. Atty. Basari D. Mapupuno. The agreement was officially recognized by the Higher Education Council (YÖK) on May 25, 2025.

Joint Diploma, International Education Vision 
Within the scope of the protocol, many academic and administrative matters, such as the language of instruction, curriculum, student admission criteria, tuition fees, course contents, academic calendar, horizontal transfer, diploma issuance processes, and disciplinary regulations, are detailed and organized.

At the end of the program, students who succeed will be awarded a joint diploma approved by our University and Mindanao State University. Students' class schedules, exam calendars, and research plans will be jointly determined by both universities. Additionally, the academic framework was clarified by referencing criteria and institutions such as ALES, the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) in the Philippines. 

"Strong Contribution to Our Internationalization Vision" 
Evaluating the matter, our Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal stated that the protocol will contribute to our University's vision of internationalization and said the following: "Establishing qualified education and research collaborations on a global scale is among the strategic goals of our University." In this context, the joint master's program we initiated in the field of forest engineering with Mindanao State University in the Philippines is extremely valuable in terms of both academic and cultural interaction. 

Our rector also expressed gratitude to the President of the Council of Higher Education, Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar, and the YÖK members for their encouraging contributions to the support of scientific studies.

The project titled "Modeling of Defective Contact of Pre-stressed Magneto-Electro-Elastically Composite Materials" by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmet Daşdemir, a faculty member of the Mathematics Department at our university's Faculty of Science, has been granted support by TÜBİTAK under the 1002- Rapid Support Program.

As part of the research, a novel mechanical model will be created for Magneto Electro Elastic (MEE) composite materials, which have "smart" properties because they can produce electric or magnetic fields when subjected to mechanical stress and can deform when exposed to these fields. The study will examine in detail the effects of pre-applied prestresses to these materials and the flawed contacts between layers on dynamic behavior.

The project is expected to contribute to a wide range of applications, from sensor technologies to medical imaging and the defense industry. With the theoretical framework to be developed, the aim is to create a scientific infrastructure for the design of more resilient, efficient, and functional "smart systems."

The project aims to contribute to the production of domestic and national technology in line with Turkey's strategic R&D goals.

Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, congratulated the research team involved in the project and thanked them for their contributions to our University's scientific research potential. Additionally, our Rector expressed gratitude to the President of the Council of Higher Education, Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar, and the members of YÖK for their support of scientific research, as well as to the President of TÜBİTAK, Prof. Dr. Orhan Aydın, for his encouraging contributions.

The Kastamonu Enderûn Hafızlar Community crowned its music studies conducted throughout the 2024–2025 academic year with an end-of-year concert. The concert, organized under the auspices of Kastamonu University, met with art enthusiasts on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at the Hoca Ahmet Yesevî Cultural Center.

The program was attended by our vice rectors, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Atalan and Prof. Dr. Ömer Küçük, as well as the academic and administrative staff of our university and many invited guests.

The event, which also attracted great interest from the people of Kastamonu, provided participants with a unique evening through its cultural and spiritual aspects. 

Under the direction of conductor Muhammed Fevzi İbrahimoğlu, the ensemble took the stage with a rich repertoire consisting of hymns and classical Sufi music. The concert was performed in three parts. In the first section, pieces in the hijaz mode were performed, and Hafız Bestekâr Yusuf Balcıoğlu, the Imam and Preacher of Çamlıca Mosque, recited a kaside in this section.

In the second part of the concert, the ensemble presented pieces in the Huseyni and Karcığar modes to the audience. In the final section, a medley prepared in the Huzzam mode received great applause from the audience. Music lovers showed great interest in the artists' interpretations of the pieces performed both as solos and choruses. 

The concert, which established a spiritual bridge between the past and the present, contributed to the cultural and artistic life of Kastamonu while meaningfully crowning the dedicated efforts carried out throughout the year. Participants experienced an unforgettable night.

Associate Professor Dr. Melike Kaplan Yalçın, a faculty member in the Department of Computer Engineering at Kastamonu University's Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, was included in the 2024 evaluations published by ScholarGPS.

Based on criteria such as research productivity, academic impact, and publication quality, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kaplan Yalçın was awarded the title of "Top Scholar" by ranking in the top 0.5% worldwide. 

The faculty member, who stood out especially for their work in the field of quantum optics throughout their academic career, ranked 404th in the world in the "Lifetime" category of ScholarGPS. ScholarGPS created these rankings based on the profiles of more than 30 million academics. 

ScholarGPS evaluates researchers in these prestigious rankings, which are based on the profiles of over 30 million academics worldwide, across 14 broad fields, 177 disciplines, and more than 350,000 specialties. In this respect, the platform serves as an important reference source for analyzing academic performance with objective criteria and for career planning.

We congratulate Assoc. Prof. Dr. Melike Kaplan Yalçın on her success at the international level and wish her continued success in her scientific endeavors.

Kastamonu University has added another project to its digitalization efforts by launching an information access platform for our students, academic and administrative staff, and external stakeholders. 

Developed by the Information Technology Department and integrated with our University's website, the AI-supported chatbot system "KÜ-Alim" offers strong, fast, easy, and reliable access. 

Instant Information Access with AI-Powered Assistant 
KÜ-Alim was designed to instantly answer the frequently asked questions of our academic and administrative staff as well as external stakeholders. Academic calendars, department information, registration processes, scholarship and dormitory opportunities, and many other topics can be accessed in seconds with accurate and up-to-date information. Thus, the system aims to prevent information pollution and time loss, particularly during busy periods. 

The system operates using a deep learning-based artificial neural network model. Thanks to advanced text understanding and context analysis technologies, it comprehends the questions users ask in natural language and provides quick and appropriate solutions. With this feature, it provides a human-like chat experience. 

Multilingual Support for International Students 
KÜ-Alim can understand and respond to questions not only in Turkish but also in different languages. This feature expands Kastamonu University's international reach and enhances our university's global communication power.

Digital Transformation in Management with Smart Systems 
With KÜ-Alim, our university actively continues to use smart systems in university management, accelerating the flow of information and increasing efficiency in academic and administrative processes with AI-supported solutions. At the same time, the university-community interaction is also becoming stronger and more dynamic.

Users who want to reach KÜ-Alim can easily contact the assistant by clicking on the KÜ-Alim logo located in the bottom right corner of our university's website, www.kastamonu.edu.tr.

The project titled "Investigation of Grayanotoxin Levels in Honey Produced in the Western Black Sea Region" by Oktay Bıyıklıoğlu, a PhD student in the Biology Department of the Faculty of Science at Kastamonu University, has been awarded support under the TÜBİTAK 1002–Rapid Support Program. 

With her project, Bıyıklıoğlu aims to produce scientific data on the safety and quality of honey, one of the region's main agricultural products. TÜBİTAK will support the project with a budget of 100,000 TL for a duration of 12 months, and Prof. Dr. Talip Çeter, Dean of the Faculty of Science, will supervise its conduct. 

Within the scope of the study, researchers will thoroughly analyze honeys produced in areas with dense populations of Rhododendron (komar) in terms of both palynological (pollen structure) and grayanotoxin content. 

Due to its medicinal properties, this type of honey, known among the public as "mad honey/ andromedotoxine," can lead to serious health problems and even death when consumed excessively. The project aims to identify the risks posed by mad honey, which can be mistakenly consumed in excess when mixed with chestnut honey, and to evaluate the impact of this situation on food safety, considering that chestnut honey is one of the economically valuable products of the Western Black Sea region.

The research will result in a systematic comparison of rhododendron pollen numbers and grayanotoxin levels for the first time. Thus, the safe consumption limits of mad honey will be more clearly defined, and the reliability of chestnut honey will be established in light of scientific data. 

Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, congratulated the research team involved in the project and thanked them for their contributions to the scientific research potential of our University. He also expressed his gratitude to the President of the Council of Higher Education, Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar, and the members of YÖK, as well as to the President of TÜBİTAK, Prof. Dr. Orhan Aydın, for their encouraging contributions to scientific studies. The project, which aims to protect the health of the local population and contribute to the sustainability of beekeeping in the Western Black Sea region, serves as a concrete example of our University's efforts towards regional development and our country's academic productivity, in line with our identity as a University specializing in forestry and nature tourism.

According to the results of the 2024 world university rankings announced by URAP (University Ranking by Academic Performance), the positions of universities in 11 different global evaluations were determined.

Kastamonu University achieved the success of being ranked in five out of a total of 11 international rankings this year. In these rankings, where universities are evaluated based on criteria such as research quality, scientific publication productivity, international collaborations, and digital visibility, Kastamonu University's scientific capacity and international visibility stood out. 

Kastamonu University was also included in the lists published by international ranking organizations such as URAP, Webometrics, THE (Times Higher Education), SCImago Institutions Rankings, and US News & World Report. According to the 2024 data, our university ranks in the 1501+ band in the THE ranking, which evaluates criteria such as education quality, research environment, and international visibility; 2164th in the URAP ranking, which is based on the quality of scientific publications, number of articles, and citation rates; 2107th in the US News & World Report ranking, which considers the number of scientific publications, citation rates, and international collaborations; 2278th in the Webometrics ranking, which is prepared based on digital visibility criteria; and 2556th in the SCImago ranking, which is based on research performance.

In his evaluation on the subject, our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, stated that increasing international visibility, enhancing scientific productivity, and strengthening academic collaborations are among the main objectives within the scope of Kastamonu University's 2025-2029 Strategic Plan. 

Stating that the ranking results obtained are an indication of the efforts carried out in line with these goals, our Rector thanked the President of the Higher Education Council, Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar, and the members of YÖK for their support of higher education policies.

Kastamonu University secured its position in international rankings by being included in the 2025 Best Global Universities list announced by US News & World Report. Our University ranked 2,192nd globally, 704th in Asia, and 49th in Turkey.
US News rankings are determined based on 13 indicators, such as the number of scientific publications, citation rates, and international research collaborations. Our University has succeeded in being included in this list, particularly due to its performance in publication production and global visibility.

Our University achieved 36.0 points for the number of publications by our academic staff and 14.5 points for the total number of citations to those publications. While reaching a score of 15.4% in the International Collaboration category, it received 6.1 points in the Global Research Reputation indicator. The percentage of the Most Cited Publications was recorded as 12.9%.

Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, stated that this result is an indication of our University's research-oriented vision and internationalization strategies, saying, "Our University continues to advance in the global academic competition thanks to scientific projects, graduate programs, publication incentives, and international collaborations."

Our Rector emphasized that such international rankings make universities' academic performance and research potential more visible and stated that our University will continue to strengthen its qualified human resources, improve its research infrastructure, and expand its international collaboration networks.

Our Rector also thanked the President of the Higher Education Council, Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar, and the YÖK members for their support in enhancing research quality.

Kastamonu University has been included in the 2025 Impact Rankings announced by Times Higher Education (THE), one of the world's prestigious university ranking organizations. In the list where a total of 2,389 universities were evaluated within the scope of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), our university ranked in 11 different goals, surpassing the eight goals it was part of last year, and improved its performance in the field of sustainability. 

Our university, ranked in the 1001–1500 band overall, stood out particularly in the SDG 9–Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure category, entering the 201–300 band. In the SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production category, it ranked in the 301–400 range, and in the SDG 13 – Climate Action category, it ranked in the 601–800 range. Additionally, it ranked in the 401–600 band in the categories of SDG 14 – Life Below Water, SDG 15 – Life on Land, and SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities. SDG 2 – Zero Hunger, SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-Being, and SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals categories were ranked in the 1001–1500 band; SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy was in the 1001+ band; and SDG 4 – Quality Education was in the 1501+ band.

In his evaluation on the topic, our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, expressed his satisfaction with the international recognition of our University's work in the field of sustainability. Our Rector, stating that the work carried out in areas such as environment, energy, health, innovation, and education within the framework of the regional development mission contributed to this result, said, "The inclusion of our work within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals in the THE Impact Ranking is an indication of our efforts in this area." "I would like to thank all our academic and administrative staff who contributed, and I want to state that we will continue our sustainability efforts," he said.

A "Commemoration of Palestinian Martyr Journalists" program was held in the Cemil Meriç Hall of the Central Library, organized by the office of the press counselor at Kastamonu University with contributions from the Press Society.

On June 19, 2025, our Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, our Vice Rectors Prof. Dr. Ömer Küçük, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Atalan, and Prof. Dr. Selahattin Kaymakcı, the Dean of the Faculty of Communication Prof. Dr. Muharrem Çetin, our academic and administrative staff, our students, and members of the press attended the program. 

The program began with the opening of a photo exhibition reflecting Israel's attacks in Palestine. Our rector and the accompanying delegation visited the exhibition and examined the works. As part of the event, a moment of silence and the National Anthem were followed by the recitation of the Quran. The empty seats with the names of the martyr journalists written on them were a striking detail in the hall. 

Mertoğlu, stating that journalists who pursue the truth in a war environment are the voice of truth, said, "This memorial ceremony is an important opportunity to emphasize the importance of truth in an academic sense and to share these losses that have left deep marks in our hearts." 

In her opening speech, Press Counselor Assoc. Prof. Dr. Selver Mertoğlu stated that they gathered to commemorate the journalists who carried out their profession with honor and great sacrifice in Gaza. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mertoğlu, stating that journalists who pursue the truth in a war environment are the voice of truth, said, "This memorial ceremony is an important opportunity to emphasize the importance of truth in an academic sense and to share these losses that have left deep marks in our hearts." 

Reminding that more than 200 journalists have lost their lives since the war began in Palestine, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mertoğlu said, "War reporting has been one of the professions that has required the heaviest sacrifices throughout history." Since October 7, 2023, hundreds of journalists have lost their lives while working in Gaza. According to the data from press freedom organizations, approximately 200 journalists have lost their lives, many have been injured, and they continue their duties under severe danger," she stated. 

Following the speeches, they screened a short film about the events in Palestine. The program concluded with the reading of verses from Cahit Kotyak's poem "Gazze Risalesi" by the Office of Press Counselor staff member, Lecturer Dr. Emre Ertürk, and a poetry recital by students sitting in chairs inscribed with the names of martyr journalists.

"Always with the Palestinian People" 
In statements made after the program, our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, emphasized that this ongoing humanitarian tragedy has caused great suffering and has left a dark stain on history. Stating that the Turkish nation has deep historical, cultural, and emotional ties with Palestine, our Rector said, "We are always by the side of the Palestinian people." We will continue to be the voice of the oppressed. "Israel and its supporters are responsible for this oppression," he said.

Our rector added the following statements in his speech: "God willing, the Palestinian people will receive the reward for this honorable stance and will achieve a free state." We will continue to show our stance clearly on where we stand. The Turkish nation will always continue to stand against the oppressor and stand by the oppressed and the just. On this occasion, I would like to thank our Office of the Press Counselor, which contributed to the preparation of the program, and our Press Community for their support.

Kastamonu University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Animal Hospital continues to meet the needs of cattle owners in the region. Most recently, a 3-day-old calf with a front left leg fracture, which was determined to have occurred during birth, was brought to the hospital and repaired through a successful treatment process. Initial evaluations revealed that the calf's fracture was open and infected.  

As a result of clinical and radiographic examinations conducted by the faculty members of the Department of Surgery at the Veterinary Faculty, it was observed that the infection in the calf's leg had advanced. In the first phase of the treatment process, medical treatment was administered to control the infection. At this stage, the calf's overall health condition was closely monitored, and necessary medications and supportive treatments were provided. 

The calf's general health improved once the infection was under control, and it was ready for surgery. With a successful operation performed by the faculty members, the calf's broken leg was repaired. The meticulous work of the veterinarians during this challenging process ensured that the calf's leg healed and prevented the loss of function. 

Following the treatment, the calf began to use its leg, and its overall health condition remained good, according to regular checkups. The calf, which is now 3 months old, continues to live healthily. The animal owner expressed extreme satisfaction with the treatment process and the results. 

The Animal Hospital within the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine continues to contribute to regional livestock farming with its strong technical infrastructure and expert staff.

Two more programs affiliated with Kastamonu University have gained the right to use the Turkey Qualifications Framework (TYÇ) emblem on their graduation certificates. With the decision made at the 50th Turkey Qualifications Framework (TYÇ) Board meeting held on May 13, 2025, two more programs reflecting our university's quality-oriented education approach have gained the opportunity for international recognition.

Among the programs that have earned the right to use the TYÇ emblem are the International Trade and Logistics program from the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences and the Journalism undergraduate program from the Faculty of Communication. The mentioned programs have obtained the opportunity for international recognition by using the TYÇ emblem on their graduation certificates, offering their graduates broader career and education opportunities.

The Number of Programs with the Right to Use the TYÇ emblem in 2025 Increased to 10 
With the addition of the Sports Sciences, Faculty of Science, Faculty of Tourism, and Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences departments that received the TYÇ emblem recently, the number of programs entitled to use the TYÇ emblem in the first six months of 2025 has increased to 10.  

In his evaluation on the subject, our Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal stated that we aim to increase the international recognition of our University and to train our students as qualified individuals who are experts in their fields and competitive on a global scale, and that we are increasing the quality of education every year for this purpose. 

Our Rector, who stated that the TYÇ emblem would provide international validity to the diplomas of graduates and contribute to their education and career lives, thanked Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar, the President of the Higher Education Council (YÖK); Prof. Dr. Ümit Kocabıçak, the President of the Higher Education Quality Board (YÖKAK); YÖK members; and all academic and administrative staff who contributed to the process.

Kastamonu University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Animal Hospital attracted attention with its performance in the first five months of 2025. Opening its doors to a total of 334 animals in the January-May period, the hospital supported regional livestock farming.

Operating under the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, the Animal Hospital worked at a busy pace, not only with cases from Kastamonu but also from surrounding provinces. The highest number of applications, with 178 patients, was made to the internal medicine department, followed by the surgery department with 119 cases and the obstetrics-gynecology department with 54 applications. 

Among the most treated species in the hospital were 178 cats and 79 dogs. In rural areas, breeders frequently applied to the hospital with 67 cattle. Equipped with all the facilities of modern veterinary medicine, the hospital makes a difference not only with its treatment services but also with its services in accordance with the principles of preventive medicine and animal welfare.

The Faculty of Veterinary Medicine Animal Hospital continues to be an exemplary model with its expert academic staff, patient tracking systems, and structure that prioritizes ethical values.

In the satisfaction survey conducted with citizens benefiting from the hospital, 77% of the participants rated the service with 10 points, while 14% gave it 9 points. 2.3% gave 8 points, and 5.7% provided 7 points. 

"The number of patients we reached in the first five months is the most concrete indicator of the trust the public has in our hospital," said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tarık Şafak, Chief Physician of the Animal Hospital, who also emphasized that the survey results were satisfying for them, saying, "The high level of satisfaction shown by our citizens who benefit from the services of our hospital and the results obtained motivate us." 

Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, in his evaluation, stated, "We are pleased with the contributions of our Animal Hospital to regional livestock and pet health." Our hospital has become an important center for both health services and educational activities, thanks to the dedicated work of our competent academic staff. "We believe that this success will continue to grow in the upcoming period," he stated. 

The animal hospital has become a center for regional veterinary services not only due to its clinical successes but also because of its educational activities. In the upcoming periods, it aims to reach more animals.

Kastamonu University organized a nature trip on June 14, 2025, as part of its social and cultural activities for academic and administrative staff. Approximately 120 academic and administrative staff members and their relatives participated in the event, which was held in the districts of Pınarbaşı and Azdavay. The trip was organized by the Personnel Department of our University, and the Pınarbaşı and Azdavay Municipalities also supported the program.

The first stop of the program was Horma Canyon, one of the prominent natural beauties of Kastamonu. Offering visitors a safe route with its unique wooden walking platforms, participants in the canyon enjoyed a pleasant walk among the region's steep slopes and rich flora. The natural structure of the canyon was closely observed thanks to the approximately 3-kilometer trail along the Zarı Stream.

Following the walk, the group's path led to Ilıca Waterfall. The participants got the chance to take a brief pause, look about, and relax at Ilıca Waterfall, which is a popular destination for tourists looking to cool off in the summer and spend time alone with nature. Among the trip's noteworthy stops were the area's natural water sources and the area around the waterfall. 

The Çatak Canyon Glass Observation Terrace was the third destination on the tour. The participants observed the view of the valley from a height of almost 450 meters at this location, which is among the highest glass viewing terraces in Turkey. The attendees gained knowledge about the region's geographical characteristics while taking in the surroundings from the observation platform. 

The Azdavay Equestrian Tourism Center was the program's final stop. In addition to having the chance to relax in a natural setting, the participants were informed about the center's walking trails, picnic spaces, and horseback riding opportunities near the pond. 

Our employees were able to spend time together away from the office and learn about Kastamonu's natural beauty thanks to the daylong excursion. Participants said at the event's conclusion that these kinds of organizations foster a sense of camaraderie among university staff members and help them become well-versed on the province's tourist potential.

Kastamonu University continues to grow and develop with the new departments and programs it has opened. Approval has been granted to our University by the Council of Higher Education Presidency for the associate and undergraduate programs to be opened in the 2025-2026 academic year.

In line with the approval given by YÖK, the Digital Agriculture Technologies Program, opened under the Department of Plant and Animal Production at the Devrekani The Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Türkiye Vocational School has been put into operation. The program aims to provide the sector with technical personnel who possess the knowledge and skills required by the era, in line with the increasing importance of digitalization in the field of agriculture.

Another new program that will contribute to our university's educational activities is the Water and Waste Management Technician Program, which has been launched at the Abana Sabahat Mesut Yılmaz Vocational School. Launched under the Department of Water and Waste Management, this program aims to train expert technical personnel in the fields of sustainable use of water resources, waste management, and environmental protection. Additionally, the Department of Nature Conservation and Biodiversity Management, established within the Faculty of Forestry, aims to contribute to the training of individuals specialized in the conservation of ecosystem services, sustainable management of biodiversity, and the development of nature-based solution approaches.

Our university continues to expand its range of educational offerings.

Our university continued to expand its educational offerings with new programs launched in 2025. In this context, the Robotics and Artificial Intelligence Program under the Electronics and Automation Department and the Artificial Intelligence Operator Program under the Computer Technologies Department were opened at Tosya Vocational School. Additionally, the Computer Programming Program at Çatalzeytin Vocational School and the Unmanned Vehicle Technology Program at Taşköprü Vocational School also stood out among the other programs with their focus on applied education.

Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, who evaluated the newly opened programs, emphasized that our University's educational activities are being developed in a planned and stable manner, in line with the region's and the times' needs, and stated that these efforts play a role in advancing both our University and the region to higher levels. 

Our Rector also emphasized the importance of qualitative development alongside quantitative growth in educational activities, stating that efforts will be steadfastly continued to ensure our students receive a higher quality education.

The Kastamonu University Social Responsibility Projects Office (Social Office) supported social responsibility projects themed "Artificial Intelligence" in May 2025, helping students and academics from different faculties turn their innovative ideas into practice. 

Among the supported projects, there were a wide range of works, such as social awareness, improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities, disaster management, and digital transformation in gastronomy. 

Adem Balcı, a student from the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, aims to produce effective visual content on social issues with his project titled "Social Awareness Workshop with AI-Supported Design Tools: Canva Application." From the same faculty, Batuhan Aktaş aims to facilitate access to technology for visually and hearing-impaired individuals with his study titled "Introducing Disabled Individuals to Artificial Intelligence Tools: Speechify and Google Lookout Applications." 

The project titled "Predicting Disasters: Artificial Intelligence Support in Disaster Management," prepared by İrem Kızılırmak, aims to contribute to the early detection of potential disaster risks and crisis management. Zeynep Pusmaz demonstrates with her project titled "Artificial Intelligence Workshop for Social Benefit: An Application for Housewives" how AI-based digital tools can enhance the social and economic participation of housewives. 

Academics also contributed to the process with their projects. The project "Digital Transformation in Gastronomy: AI-Supported Creative Presentation Workshop," led by Research Assistant Dr. Demet Güner from the Faculty of Tourism, aims to provide students with an innovative perspective on the use of artificial intelligence applications in the field of gastronomy. 

Asist. Prof. Dr. Rukiye Koçkar from Abana Sabahat Mesut Yılmaz Vocational School aims to investigate the effects of artificial intelligence-supported educational materials on student success with her project titled "Artificial Intelligence-Supported Education for Students: The Path of Smart BRICK and Ethical Learning." 

Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, emphasized the importance our University places on projects compatible with artificial intelligence technologies, stating the following:

"Today, artificial intelligence is not just a technological advancement; it also offers transformation opportunities in social, economic, and cultural fields." We are pleased that both our students and academics at our university are producing projects that keep pace with this change and have a high level of social responsibility. To systematize our work in this field, we have also established the Artificial Intelligence Studies Coordination Office. With the support of the Social Office in this area, we aim to contribute more to our University's scientific productivity and societal contribution vision.

A meaningful social responsibility event aimed at supporting and showing solidarity with Palestinian students was held at Kastamonu University. The project titled "A Photo, A Letter: Palestinian Students Addressing Their Families," conducted by Instructor Dr. Nazik Müge Tekin from the Turkish Teaching Application and Research Center (TÖMER) at Kastamonu University in collaboration with the Palestinian Volunteers Community, was held on June 11, 2025, in the Cemil Meriç Hall of the Central Library.

The event was attended by our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, Vice Rector, Prof. Dr. Mehmet Atalan; Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Prof. Dr. Abdülkadir Tuna; as well as a large number of academic-administrative staff and students. 

The program, which began with a moment of silence and the National Anthem, featured a slideshow consisting of images related to Palestine and reflecting the humanitarian tragedy being experienced. Then, they delivered opening speeches that outlined the purpose and content of the event.

In her speech, Project Coordinator Lecturer Dr. Nazik Müge Tekin stated that Palestinian students studying at Kastamonu University reflect their longing for their country and families through the photos they took in the streets of Kastamonu. 

Stating that the students wrote letters expressing their feelings to their families accompanied by these photos, Tekin said, "We aimed for our students to build an emotional bridge with their families through this project." This project is beyond an academic study; it is a reflection of our conscience, our humanitarian awareness, and our common values. "It is a concrete demonstration of Kastamonu University's respect for different cultures and its importance given to international students," she said. Tekin concluded her speech by thanking the Palestinian students who supported the project, the Palestinian Volunteers Community, the contributing students, and TÖMER.

 
TÖMER Deputy Assistant Professor Dr. Ferda Merve Karamanoğlu stated that teaching Turkish is not limited to just providing a language but also contributes to students establishing cultural ties with Turkey and feeling safe and at home here. Karamanoğlu stated, "Sharing the difficulties experienced by our students from different geographies, making them feel that they are not alone, and being their voice is a moral responsibility for us." "Today, we are trying to be the voice of our Palestinian students by standing by their side," she stated. 

At the event, we shared with the audience the photos taken by Palestinian students in Kastamonu and the letters they wrote to their families. The students' video presentation to their families was one of the program's most meaningful moments, as it conveyed their longing for home and sense of solidarity. During this emotional section, the students spoke to their families in their native languages, expressing their heartfelt emotions. The program continued with the presentation of certificates of appreciation to the contributing students and the academic staff who put in effort. Participants received photographs taken by Palestinian students in Kastamonu as part of the event. 
The event concluded with a group photo session. 

According to the 2024 Round University Ranking (RUR) results, Kastamonu University has maintained its position in the global academic competition by securing a place in the international rankings. The RUR ranking, which evaluates leading universities from different countries around the world, is prepared based on the data from the independent data provider Thomson Reuters under four main headings: teaching, research, internationalization, and financial sustainability. 

According to this year's results, Kastamonu University ranked 1099th among the universities worldwide that made the list, and 57th among the universities from Turkey that made the list. In terms of subcategories, our University ranked 1134th in the field of teaching, 1024th in the field of research, 633rd in the field of international diversity, and 1089th in the field of financial sustainability. The recent quality-focused development, scientific production capacity, and efforts to increase international visibility of our university recently have enabled it to find its place in the rankings. 

Our Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal: "We are a university that continues to develop" 
Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, in his statement regarding the ranking, emphasized that our University is progressing along a path open to development and made the following evaluation: "Round University Ranking results show that our university is progressing on a path open to development both nationally and internationally." The reflection of the steps taken in the fields of teaching, research, and internationalization in such rankings is an important indicator for us. "We will continue our efforts to achieve better results."

The results of the "Entrepreneurial and Innovative University Index" for 2024, published annually by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK), have been announced.  In the index where universities are evaluated based on criteria such as research and development (R&D) capacity, project production capability, academic publication performance, entrepreneurship ecosystem, and collaboration activities, Kastamonu University ranked second in the TR8 Level 1 Statistical Region Unit (Western Black Sea). 

Our university ranked second in the region after Ondokuz Mayıs University, while Karabük University came in third. In Turkey, the performance of 197 universities was analyzed. The results of the top 50 universities and the regional rankings were announced. 

Several universities in the TR8 region, including Kastamonu, Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit, Karabük, Bartın, Çankırı Karatekin, Sinop, Ondokuz Mayıs, Samsun, Tokat Gaziosmanpaşa, Hitit, and Amasya, were evaluated. 

Strategic Rise in R&D, Entrepreneurship, and Collaboration 
Our university, despite not being among the top 50 universities in Turkey in the 2024 Entrepreneurial and Innovative University Index announced by TÜBİTAK, achieved the success of ranking second in the TR8 Level 1 Statistical Region Unit (Western Black Sea) ranking.  

This success was due to recent strategic actions aimed at boosting research and development, encouraging academic work, increasing projects that involve partnerships with industry, more patent applications, greater academic involvement in national and international projects, support for student entrepreneurship, and starting technology transfer processes. 

With the increase in the number of patents registered at our university that have commercialization potential, efforts will be made in the upcoming period to achieve the goal of being among the top 50 universities in Turkey.

In his evaluation on the topic, our Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal stated the following: 
"The fact that our University ranked second in the TR8 Western Black Sea Region in the 2024 Entrepreneurial and Innovative University Index announced by TÜBİTAK has pleased us." This success is the joint product of our faculty members' scientific productivity, our students' participation in entrepreneurial activities, and the constructive collaborations we have established with the public, private sector, and civil society. Our goal is not only to maintain this success but also to climb higher in the national rankings and to continue by increasing our regional contributions. 

Our Rector expressed gratitude to Prof. Dr. Orhan Aydın, the President of TÜBİTAK, for their support of scientific research and projects, and also extended thanks to Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar, the President of the Higher Education Council, and the YÖK members for their encouraging approaches to our institution's project work. 

Goal for 2025 and Beyond: Leadership in Innovation 
Our university aims to continue its innovation-focused transformation, spread the culture of entrepreneurship to the grassroots, and strengthen university-industry collaborations in line with its strategic roadmap covering 2025 and beyond. In this context, it is aimed to develop and continue the works carried out within the scope of Kastamonu Technopolis, research centers, student communities, and the Kastamonu University Technology Transfer Office (KÜTTO) in a way that will more effectively contribute to regional development and the production of innovative projects at the national level.

The Language Tree WEB Application, developed within the framework of the Language Tree Project, supported by the European Union and coordinated by Kastamonu University, was introduced at the Turkish Language Association on May 28, 2025.  

The meeting was attended by the president of the Turkish Language Association, Prof. Dr. Osman Mert, the vice president, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Harun Şahin, and experts from the Turkish Language Association. 
The presentation was conducted by the project coordinator from our university's Turkish Language Teaching Application and Research Center, Instructor Dr. Harun İlçioğlu, and the Project Steering Committee Chair and YADOT Education Association representative, Instructor Zehra Kum.  

In the presentation, the Language Tree WEB Application, which aims to improve the basic speaking skills of individuals learning Turkish as a foreign or heritage language, was introduced. The technical features, pedagogical infrastructure, and the interactive learning experience offered to users by the application, which stands out with its video-based and AI-supported structure, were detailed. 

Developed as a modular learning platform where users progress through multiple video responses guided by written, visual, and verbal cues, the system, also known as the "Language Tree Speech Robot," stands out as an innovative digital tool supporting the effective and widespread teaching of Turkish. The website www.dilagaci.com provides access to the application. 

Our university continues to contribute to the teaching of Turkish and produce quality projects with digital-based educational applications. 

The "Ilgaz Poetry Nights-1" event, organized by Kastamonu University and the Kastamonu Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism, brought together literature and art enthusiasts on May 27, 2025, at the Living Museum and City Archive of Kastamonu University.  

The program, held in the event area noted for its historical atmosphere in Beyçelebi Neighborhood, was attended by our Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Selahattin Kaymakcı, Provincial Director of Culture and Tourism M. Kerem Seven, representatives from public institutions and organizations, academics, and citizens. 

The program began with the reading of the National Anthem and a moment of silence, followed by the opening speech of our university's Director of the Culture and Arts Application and Research Center, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zeki Gürel. In his speech titled "Our Love is Turkish: On Language, Poetry, and Love," Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zeki Gürel emphasized the richness of the Turkish language, the deep meaning of poetry, and the place of language in the human soul and collective memory. Stating that Turkish is not only a means of communication but also the strongest carrier of thought, emotion, and cultural transmission, Gürel illustrated the role of poetry in this transmission with examples. 

After the opening speech, the Provincial Director of Culture and Tourism, M. Kerem Seven, took the floor. In his speech, Seven evaluated the place and function of poetry in Turkish cultural history, stating that poetry is not only an individual form of expression but also a powerful cultural element that carries collective memory. Stating that such events contribute to the development of the city's culture, Seven expressed their satisfaction with the continuation of events that bring together Kastamonu's cultural heritage with poetry. 

Our Vice Rector, Prof. Dr. Selahattin Kaymakcı, who delivered the final speech of the program, stated that our University is committed to contributing to society not only through scientific production but also through cultural and artistic activities. Emphasizing that such events are of great importance not only in developing individual aesthetic sensitivity but also in maintaining social solidarity and cultural memory, Kaymakcı stated that they value and support the sustainability of organizations like the "Ilgaz Poetry Evenings." 

After the speeches, the event moved on to the poetry recitation section. The selected poems recited by the participants received great acclaim from the audience. The event concluded with the presentation of certificates of appreciation to the participants who recited poems and a group photo session.

Kastamonu University organized a comprehensive information meeting regarding residence procedures and application processes for international students.  

The meeting, conducted in collaboration with the Kastamonu Provincial Directorate of Migration Management and the International Student Coordination Office of Kastamonu University, was held on May 27, 2025, in the Faculty of Theology Conference Hall. 

The main agenda of the meeting was the residence permits for international students in Turkey, application processes, and current practices. The event was attended by the International Student Coordinator Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmet Rıfat Kayış, Lecturer Yunus Sürücü, Provincial Immigration Specialist Assistant Adem Erdoğan from the Kastamonu Provincial Directorate of Immigration, and a large number of international students. 

During the presentation, Provincial Immigration Assistant Specialist Adem Erdoğan provided detailed information about the types of residence permits in Turkey, extension procedures, required documents, and the application schedule. Additionally, he provided warnings about the efforts being made to combat human trafficking and highlighted the issues that students should pay attention to. 

International Student Coordinator Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmet Rıfat Kayış shared information about the international student application process for the 2025-2026 academic year in his speech. He highlighted the potential issues that might arise during this process and the solutions needed to address them.  

International Student Coordinator Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmet Rıfat Kayış shared information about the international student application process for the 2025-2026 academic year in his speech. He highlighted the potential issues that might arise during this process and the solutions to address them.

The meeting concluded with an interactive Q&A session where participants' questions were answered.

The "National Climate Vision Summit," funded by the European Union and supported by the Turkish National Agency under the Erasmus+ Youth Participation Activity (KA154-YOU), was held on May 27, 2025, in the Sezai Karakoç Hall of the Central Library at Kastamonu University. The event was organized in collaboration with our University, Kastamonu Technopark, the Kastamonu Provincial Disaster and Emergency Management Directorate (AFAD), and the Cide Local Action Group. 

The opening speech of the summit was delivered by the project coordinator, Lecturer Dr. Berkan Güngör. Güngör emphasized that the climate crisis is no longer just a topic for environmental sciences or political institutions, but a reality embedded in life. Emphasizing that young people should not only be victims in the face of this crisis but also active subjects of the solution, Güngör stated that within the scope of the project, young people developed solution proposals in five thematic groups: climate education, disaster management, climate-friendly technologies, sustainable urbanism, and local participation. 

Following  Dr. Güngör, our Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Ömer Küçük took the podium and pointed out that the impacts of climate change are deepening not only environmentally but also socially and economically. Prof. Dr. Küçük said, "With this project, we are once again asserting our claim to be a university that not only produces knowledge but also responsibility for a sustainable future by supporting the active participation of young people in climate policies." 

Participating in the summit, Kastamonu Member of Parliament Fatma Serap Ekmekci stated in her welcoming speech that environment and climate-based initiatives should be supported not only at the scientific level but also in terms of social awareness. Emphasizing that climate change is no longer a future problem but a present one, Ekmekci stated that Kastamonu needs comprehensive planning in this regard. Stating that the concept of the Green Deal will be more prominent in the upcoming period, Ekmekci emphasized the need for steps to be taken in harmony with both local and national policies, together with all stakeholders, for a sustainable Kastamonu. 

After the opening speeches, Prof. Dr. Tevfik Erdem from Ankara Hacı Bayram Veli University presented his talk titled "Climate Crisis and Social Movements" to the audience. After Erdem, Associate Professor Dr. Emre Birinci, the Specialization Coordinator at Kastamonu University, delivered a speech titled "Nature-Based Approaches in the Context of Climate Change." 

After the lunch break, Research Assistant Baturalp Ali Yavuz from Istanbul Yeni Yüzyıl University and Assistant Expert Yaprak Serenay Taşkın from the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources of the Republic of Turkey took the stage. In her presentation titled "Turkey's Energy Transformation," Taşkın provided information about the transformation process in the country's energy policies. 

In the final session of the summit, thematic presentations involving the participating youth were held. Successively, the proposals developed under the headings "Disaster Management and Climate Resilience," "Climate Education and Awareness," "Climate-Friendly Innovation and Entrepreneurship," "Local Climate Action and Civil Society," and "Sustainable Environment, Urban Planning, and Agriculture Management" were shared with the participants. The event, which lasted all day, concluded with closing speeches

The project titled "Calculation of the Corporate Carbon Footprint and Afforestation Activity to Offset Corporate Carbon Emissions for the Kastamonu Güldal Akşit Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center," conducted by Kastamonu University, hosted a meaningful gathering that brought together different generations around nature within the framework of the Presidential declaration of 2025 as the "Year of Family."  

The project was led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Oytun Emre Sakıcı, with Prof. Dr. Erol Akkuzu, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Arif Oğuz Altunel, and Res. Asst. Döndü Demirel as team members. The study, which began with the calculation of the carbon footprint of the Kastamonu Güldal Akşit Nursing Home for the year 2024, adopted an application model that centers on environmental awareness and intergenerational interaction. In this context, efforts were made to raise environmental awareness among elderly individuals, and children and the elderly were encouraged to plant saplings together.  

This study is the first of its kind in our country to calculate the carbon footprint of nursing homes. Thus, a pioneering step has been taken in terms of environmental sustainability and corporate carbon management. 

The project was carried out in collaboration with the Provincial Directorate of Family and Social Services and the Kastamonu Forest Regional Directorate. The first event started with an awareness conference held on May 20, 2025, at the Kastamonu Güldal Akşit Nursing Home. The conference was attended by the Provincial Director of Family and Social Services, Harun Köksalan, the Director of the Nursing Home, Remzi Şahin; nursing home staff and residents; and students from the Faculty of Forestry at Kastamonu University.  

In the opening speech, Project Coordinator Assoc. Prof. Dr. Oytun Emre Sakıcı explained the project's content and its connection to the Year of the Family; Prof. Dr. Erol Akkuzu gave a presentation on climate change and the carbon cycle. Then, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Arif Oğuz Altunel discussed strategies aimed at reducing carbon emissions. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sakıcı shared data on the carbon footprint of the nursing home and explained how the calculations were made. The conference concluded with a briefing by Research Assistant Döndü Demirel about the afforestation activity.  

The second phase of the project, which is the planting of saplings, was carried out on May 21, 2025, in the Gelindağı area of Aksinir Village. Representing Kastamonu University, the event was attended by Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. Ömer Küçük, Provincial Director of Family and Social Services Harun Köksalan; and, representing the Kastamonu Forest Regional Directorate, Deputy Regional Director Ahmet Er. The Dean of the Faculty of Forestry, Prof. Dr. Mahmut Gür, faculty members; students; personnel from the Forest Management Directorate; nursing home residents; and children from the Child Care Coordination Center also participated in the event.

The opening speeches emphasized the role of the family in social solidarity and the importance of environmental awareness. The opening speeches placed particular emphasis on the spiritual value of elderly individuals living away from their families spending time together with children under protection.

At the event, 150 Elaeagnus and cornelian cherry saplings were planted in a "1 child-1 elder-1 sapling" pairing. We placed an information board in the area, introducing the project details and the collaborating institutions.

This meaningful meeting, which reinforced the love for nature and intergenerational bonds, contributed to both the environment and social ties in line with the spirit of the Year of the Family. After the event, the day was joyfully concluded with a bowling event for children organized at the Kastamonu University Ay Yıldız Sports and Life Center. 

This study, conducted under the leadership of Kastamonu University, stands out not only as an exemplary application that brings generations together around nature in the Year of the Family 2025 but also as a scientific step that serves as a model in the field of environmental management.

Kastamonu University Women's Rugby Team became the Turkish champion by defeating all their opponents without conceding any points in the Interuniversity Rugby Turkey Championship held in Afyonkarahisar on May 21-22. 

Our University, which participated for the first time in the tournament organized by the Turkish University Sports Federation, completed the matches undefeated. The team, which included national athletes, was coached by national team coach Sercan Hükümen. 

In the women's category, Kastamonu University came in first, Koç University second, and Hitit University third.
Our rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, expressed that the championship achieved is gratifying and congratulated the team and coach Sercan Hükümen. He declared that we will continue to support student achievements in all sports.

We congratulate the Women's Rugby Team and wish them continued success. 

Kastamonu University has renewed its official website to welcome visitors with a user-focused, modern, and accessible structure, aligning with its vision of digital transformation and sustainable technology.

The new interface, prepared as a result of comprehensive studies conducted under the coordination of our University's Information Processing Department, meets the needs of the era with its technological infrastructure and content arrangements. 

In the renewal process, not only design aesthetics but also scientific analyses of user habits were taken into account. Especially in this process conducted in light of academic studies, easy and quick access to information for users was prioritized. With its new structure, our visitors will be able to use many features more simply and quickly, from accessing event calendars to current announcements, from reaching frequently used resources to easily navigating to departmental websites. 

Smart Access Experience with KÜ-Alim

 One of the distinctive features of the new website was the integration of the AI-supported KÜ-Alim system. KÜ-Alim not only presents existing information but also has a structure that continuously improves and updates itself. By providing dynamic and guiding answers to visitors' questions, it takes digital interaction to a new level.

 Experience Enriched with Virtual Tours and Dynamic Content

The new website will soon feature a virtual tour that will allow visitors to explore the campus atmosphere in a digital environment. Additionally, the English version of the site is being updated simultaneously with the Turkish content, increasing its international accessibility. 

The periodic updates of the promotional intros on the page entries aim to present a dynamic corporate appearance. Thus, the website serves not only as an informational tool but also as an interactive communication medium. 

Our university aims to provide a more effective digital experience for our students, academics, staff, and all external stakeholders and visitors by offering a sustainable, accessible, and advanced technology-integrated web experience with this digital transformation.

We invite you to discover our new face at www.kastamonu.edu.tr.

Kastamonu University Social Responsibility Projects Office (Social Office) deemed 27 family-based projects worthy of support among the project applications made in April within the scope of the declaration of 2025 as the "Year of the Family." 

The projects prepared by academics and students from different faculties, schools, and departments of our university focus on various social issues aimed at strengthening the institution of the family.

Planned projects, ranging from education to health, culture to intergenerational communication, and social solidarity to psychosocial support programs, will be implemented in the central and district areas of Kastamonu. 

Within the scope of the supported projects, workshops, seminars, guidance activities, and volunteer-based events will be organized in collaboration with nursing homes, children's homes, women's centers, and local non-governmental organizations. 
The projects aim to directly contribute to the target audience while also providing our university students with the opportunity to take an active role in the field, thereby fostering social awareness, empathy, and leadership skills.

 Our university aims to support the goals of the 2025 Family Year and to realize its mission of "contributing to society" through these projects. The Social Office will continue to develop social responsibility projects around themes such as family, environment, digital media, and artificial intelligence in the upcoming periods.

Kastamonu University hosted an important panel aimed at the preservation of cultural heritage and its connection with society. The panel titled "The Meeting of Museums and Libraries with Society" was held on May 23, 2025, in the Cemil Meriç Hall of the Central Library.

In the event held as part of the special program for Museums Day organized by Kastamonu University and the Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism, the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Prof. Dr. M. Serhat Yılmaz, Kastamonu Museum Director Erol Kale, Kastamonu City History Museum Officer Dr. Murat Karasalihoğlu, Kastamonu Manuscript Library Director Sevgi Doğar, along with many academics and students, participated.

The opening speech of the panel was delivered by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rabia Aktaş, Director of the Center for History and Archaeology Application and Research, who emphasized in her speech that museums and libraries are not just institutions that store information and documents, but also places where collective memory is preserved. "Museums and libraries are the most important institutions that transfer a society's historical and cultural accumulation to future generations," said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aktaş, emphasizing that Kastamonu's rich cultural heritage has been brought to light and preserved for future generations thanks to these institutions.

After Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aktaş, Kastamonu Museum Director Erol Kale spoke at the panel, informing the participants about "Cultural Heritage Smuggling and Illegal Excavations." Director Kale defined cultural heritage, stating that our country is the cradle of civilizations, which adds richness in terms of cultural heritage. Kale stated that the smuggling of historical artifacts and unauthorized excavation activities pose a significant threat in Kastamonu, just as they do throughout Turkey, emphasizing that the artifacts destroyed by illegal excavations are irreversibly lost either through destruction or smuggling abroad. Kale underscored that museums abroad smuggle the illegally obtained heritage, returning only a small portion.

 Dr. Murat Karasalihoğlu, the curator of the Kastamonu City History Museum, shared his presentation titled "Kastamonu City History Museum in the Consciousness of Urbanity." Emphasizing the role of museums in preserving urban culture, Karasalihoğlu said, "Preserving a city's history and memory is not only about understanding the past but also about building the future." "The Kastamonu City History Museum was established with this understanding and continues to contribute to the city's cultural identity every day," he said. Dr. Karasalihoğlu emphasized the importance of conveying the story correctly to promote city museums effectively, stating that he wants children and young people to be active in the city museum so they can carry the past into the future.

At the event, Kastamonu Manuscript Library Director Sevgi Doğar also provided information to the participants on "Manuscript Librarianship and Manuscripts." Director Doğar, in her speech, emphasized that manuscripts are not only religious or literary texts but also unique sources reflecting the social, scientific, and cultural structure of their time, saying, "Each manuscript carries the traces of the period it belongs to." "These are the most valuable pieces of our historical memory," he said.

 Prof. Dr. Gülten Küçükbasmacı delivered her presentation titled "Living Museum and Kastamonu." Stating that the understanding of museology has changed in recent years and that intangible cultural heritage elements have also entered the field of museology, she expressed that the living museum concept directly connects cultural heritage with the public, and that living museums have been opened in many cities in our country, just like in Kastamonu. Prof. Dr. Küçükbasmacı, stating that the living museum does not just make the visitor a viewer, but makes them a participant, said that local games and handicrafts are exhibited. Küçükbasmacı stated that the implementation of this model in cities with a rich history like Kastamonu would provide significant contributions in terms of both tourism and cultural identity.

Established within Kastamonu University in the 2023-2024 academic year, the Social Responsibility Projects Office (Social Office) continues its work without slowing down in the new term. Between January and April 2025, 105 projects were deemed worthy of support through collaboration with 52 different institutions. 

 Of the supported projects, 54 were prepared by academics and 51 by students. The projects were developed with the aim of benefiting society in many areas, from education to the environment, from health to cultural heritage, and from social awareness to digital literacy.

 The Social Office aims to foster not only the academic development of students but also their awareness of social responsibility. In this context, the projects being carried out aim to enhance our University's contribution to society and strengthen students' skills in volunteering, leadership, and project management.

 The Social Office is open for applications year-round and evaluates the projects that are submitted each month. Projects are evaluated based on criteria such as academic suitability, social contribution, and sustainability.

 To raise social awareness, thematic application calls are also published in some months. April highlighted the "Family" theme, while May announced the prioritization of "Artificial Intelligence" projects.

 The Social Office continues to transform our University's community service goals into concrete projects with the results it has achieved in a short time. It invites all academics and students to develop projects aimed at providing social contributions through an application system that is open throughout the year.

Kastamonu University organized a collaboration meeting with the Kastamonu Provincial Directorate of Family and Social Services to support family-focused social policies and practices in light of the declaration of 2025 as the "Year of the Family." The meeting, held in the Rectorate Meeting Hall, was chaired by Prof. Dr. Selahattin Kaymakcı, Vice Rector of Kastamonu University. 

Sustainable social responsibility projects aimed at the elderly and children living in Kastamonu formed the main agenda of the meeting. In the meeting, participants discussed topics such as increasing inter-institutional coordination, expanding university contributions in the field of social services, and planning joint activities within the scope of Family Year.

Joint Projects Determined with the Action Plan

The meeting was attended by Harun Köksalan, the Provincial Director of Family and Social Services in Kastamonu, as well as Deputy Provincial Director Murat Akbaş, Social Services Specialist Eylem Aydın, Güldal Akşit Nursing Home Director Remzi Şahin, Director of the Child Care Coordination Center (ÇEKOM) Hakan Yavuz, Director of the Child Care Sites (ÇES) Asuman Akbaş, Social Worker Zehra Semiz, and teacher Bahattin Açıkgöz. 

Representing Kastamonu University were the Head of the Health, Culture, and Sports Department, Mehmet Sena Aygün, the Director of the Turkish Folklore Application and Research Center, Prof. Dr. Gülten Küçükbasmacı, the Director of the Career Application and Research Center, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Adem Yılmaz, the Director of the Child Education Application and Research Center, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aysun Ata Aktürk, the Director of the History and Archaeology Application and Research Center, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rabia Aktaş, the Director of the Women and Family Studies Application and Research Center, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şahika Şimşek Çetinkaya, the Press Advisor, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Selver Mertoğlu, and the Project Unit Officer, Pınar Zeydan. 

Volunteering and Intergenerational Interaction in the Foreground
At the meeting, it was agreed to combine the academic expertise of Kastamonu University with the field experience of the Provincial Directorate of Family and Social Services to transform them into projects that will contribute to society. We created an action plan in this direction, which includes social, cultural, and educational activities targeted at elderly individuals and children. 

Additionally, we discussed mechanisms to ensure university students actively participate in volunteer-based social responsibility projects. Intergenerational interaction projects that can be implemented in nursing homes and children's homes, artistic and educational workshops, and projects developed based on local collaborations were highlighted. 

At the end of the meeting, the participants expressed their determination to develop a culture of collaboration within the scope of the 2025 Family Year by sharing their mutual views and suggestions. It was emphasized that Kastamonu University and the Provincial Directorate of Family and Social Services will continue to contribute to the city through projects that promote family values and strengthen social solidarity

The Turkish Cuisine Week Events, organized within the scope of the International Kastamonu Culture Days-3 in collaboration with Kastamonu University and the Faculty of Tourism, under the auspices of the Kastamonu Governorship and coordinated by the Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism, began with an opening program to promote Kastamonu's rich historical, cultural, and gastronomic heritage at national and international levels. 

The opening ceremony of the event was held on May 21, 2025, in the Multi-Purpose Hall of the Rıfat Ilgaz Cultural Center. The event was attended by Deputy Governor Aydın Ergün, our Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Atalan, representatives of public institutions and organizations, and many invited guests. 

Deputy Governor Aydın Ergün expressed his pleasure at coming together at the opening of Turkish Cuisine Week, held under the auspices of the Presidency and led by Emine Erdoğan, and stated that Anatolia has hosted different civilizations throughout history, which is reflected in its cuisine. 

Stating that history and cultural richness add flavor to the cuisine, Deputy Governor Ergün noted that he aims to carry the tastes from the past into the future. The participants watched two documentary films after the opening speech. "The Journey of Food Promotion Film" and "Anadolu'dakiler Programı Kastamonu Pastırması Special Episode" were presented to the audience.

 Following the documentary screenings, a panel titled "From Tradition to Future: The Culinary Journey of Kastamonu" was held, where comprehensive information about the development of the local cuisine was presented to the participants. 

In the panel moderated by Assist. Prof.Dr.Serkan Çalışkan, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Tourism, Ünallar A.Ş. Board Chairman Metin Ünal was the first to speak. In his presentation titled "The Journey of Eğşi," he narrated the traditional flavor of Kastamonu, "eğşi."Emphasizing that eğşi is not just a sugar substitute but also a reflection of sustainable production understanding and traditional culinary knowledge, Ünal stated that this product, which was commonly produced in homes in the past, has been forgotten over time. He mentioned that they are conducting various efforts to remind people of eğşi and to reintroduce it to gastronomic tourism.

The second speaker of the panel, Cem Dilimel, CEO of Kurşunlu Han Hotel, addressed the topic of "The Importance of Local Cuisines in Gastronomy Tourism." Pointing out that gastronomic tourism is gaining importance day by day, Dilimel stated that local flavors play a decisive role in this field. Emphasizing that tourism is not limited to natural beauties, Dilimel stated that the unforgettable aspect of a city greatly depends on the flavors that linger on the palate, and in this context, he expressed that Kastamonu cuisine has significant potential. 

Cem Sultan Bedesteni Restaurant Official Uğur Baltacı, in his presentation titled "The Role of Restaurants in Promoting Kastamonu Cuisine," emphasized the responsibility of restaurants in promoting local cuisine. Stating that guests first get to know a city through its food, Baltacı noted that the cuisine reflects the character of the city, and the restaurants create the showcase of this character. For this reason, he emphasized that restaurant operators have important duties in the process of preserving and promoting local cuisine. 

The last speaker of the panel, Park Dedeman Kastamonu Executive Chef Yağız Oğuz Aydın, highlighted the long-standing practices aimed at preventing waste in our traditional culinary culture in his presentation titled "Zero Waste Practices in Turkish Cuisine." Stating that techniques such as drying, brining, and pickling used especially in the Kastamonu cuisine both prevent waste and protect natural resources, Aydın noted that the traditional understanding of "not wasting what is left over" aligns with today's sustainability approach. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of raising awareness on this issue by providing examples of recycling and waste management practices implemented in their hotel kitchens.

The event concluded with a visit to the Kastamonu Regional Dishes and Products Photography Exhibition held at the Provincial Directorate of Culture and Tourism Fine Arts Gallery.

The common voice of the Turkic world, the Kazakh Turk poet, composer, and philosopher Abay Kunanbayev's intellectual legacy, is being reexamined in a scientific context in Kastamonu. Kastamonu University is hosting an international symposium titled "Abay and the Language, Literature, and Culture of the Turkic World" on May 21-22, 2025. The opening ceremony of the symposium, organized by the Department of Contemporary Turkish Dialects and Literatures of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences and the Literature and Society Student Society, was held on May 21, 2025, in the Conference Hall of the Faculty of Theology. 

Our Vice Rector, Prof. Dr. Selahattin Kaymakcı; the Dean of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Prof. Dr. M. Serhat Yılmaz, and many academics and students participated in the event, including Prof. Dr. Salkınbay Anar Bekmırzakızı from Al-Farabi Kazakh National University. 

After the moment of silence and the playing of the Turkish and Kazakh national anthems, the opening speeches began. The first speech at the event was given by Prof. Dr. Orhan Söylemez, Head of the Department of Modern Turkish Dialects. Prof. Dr. Söylemez emphasized that Abay Kunanbay holds an important place not only in Kazakh literature but also as the common conscience and wise voice of the entire Turkic world. In his speech, Söylemez provided information about the purpose and scope of the symposium and thanked our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, for hosting such a meaningful event. 

After Prof. Dr. Söylemez, Prof. Dr. Salkınbay Anar Bekmırzakızı took the podium and said that Abay's works shed light on the language, literature, and culture of the Turkish people and allowed for the reinterpretation of Turkish values on a universal platform. 

Prof. Dr. Bekmırzakızı said, "This symposium is very valuable for bringing together scientists from different geographies under the same roof to discuss, debate, and carry forward the common heritage of the Turkic world." To put it in Abay's words: 'He who loves his people dedicates his knowledge to them.' We are also obliged to preserve and pass on this legacy. On this occasion, we thank Kastamonu University and all the institutions that contributed," he concluded his speech. After the speech, a message sent by Prof. Dr. Canseyit Tümanbayev, the Rector of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, was read, and thank-you certificates were presented. 

After Prof. Dr. Bekmırzakızı, our Vice-Rector Prof. Dr. Selahattin Kaymakcı, stated that it is important to discuss the Turkish language, literature, and culture through Abay with academics from different regions of the Turkish world. Prof. Dr. Kaymakçı said, "Even though our languages have shaped into different variations, our root is the same." To preserve and carry forward the common values of the Turkic world, such scientific events are of vital importance. As Kastamonu University, we take pride in being a part of this mission and desire to further strengthen the bridge we have built with the Turkish world," he concluded his remarks.

After the opening speeches, the inaugural session began with Prof. Dr. Anar Salkınbay Bekmırzakızı from Al-Farabi Kazakh National University presenting "Abay – The Reformer of Human Consciousness" to the audience. Then, Prof. Dr. Naciye Ata Yıldız, a retired faculty member from Ankara Hacı Bayram Veli University, delivered a presentation titled "The Literary Aspect of Abay's Black Words." 

After Prof. Dr. Yıldız, Prof. Dr. Danday Iskakulı, a faculty member at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, took the podium and informed the participants about his work, "Turkic Worldview in Abay's Poetry." From our university, Prof. Dr. Orhan Söylemez delivered a presentation titled "Abay and Abiş," and after Prof. Dr. Söylemez, Gumilev Eurasian National University faculty member Prof. Dr. Magripa Yeskeyeva Kaynarbaykızı participated in the symposium with her work "Ambiguity in Abay's Language." Prof. Dr. Ekrem Ayan and Ayşenur Kiper from Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University gave the final remarks of the program. Prof. Ayan and Kiper concluded the session with their study on "Historical Events, Social and Political Situation During the Time of Abay Kunanbayev."

The symposium, organized in collaboration with Al-Farabi Kazakh National University from Kazakhstan and our University, aims to bring together academics from countries speaking different Turkic dialects to create a common ground for language, culture, and literature. The event will feature 114 participants and 95 presentations from eight different countries and will be held both in person and online.

Kastamonu University hosted the U17, Youth, and Senior Open Sabre Tournament, organized by the Turkish Fencing Federation, as part of the 2024-2025 activity calendar. The three-day event, held at our university's Ayyıldız Sports and Life Center from May 16-18, 2025, saw a total of 379 athletes from different age categories participate. 

In the U17 Women's Sabre category, Duru Ayşe Özgönül won the championship, while Irmak Şenoğlu took second place. Defne Salman and Hayat Gündoğan shared third place. In the men's category, Candeniz Berrak won the gold medal; Arda Takka won silver, and Tuna Çalışkan and Emir Karagülle shared the bronze medal.

In the Junior Women’s Sabre category, the first place went to Nergis Ada Kabadere, while Irmak Şenoğlu came in second, and Elif Çınar Koçak and Zehra Kerem took third place. In the men's category, Furkan Yama took first place, Candeniz Berrak took second, and Enes Talha Kalender and Poyraz Kümük took third.

The athletes who placed received their medals from the Dean of the Faculty of Sports Sciences and Vice President of the Turkish Fencing Federation, Prof. Dr. Bilgehan Baydil, and a member of the Central Referee Board and International Referee, Yasemin Yeltekin.

In the Senior Women's Sabre category, the championship went to Begüm Alkaya, while Nil Güngör took second place, and Zehra Kerem and İrem Güner shared third place. Muhammed Furkan Kalender won the gold medal in the Senior Men's Sabre category. In second place was Âdem Doruk Küpeli, while Candeniz Berrak and Enes Talha Kalender shared third place.

The medals were presented to the athletes who ranked in the tournament by our Vice Rector, Prof. Dr. Selahattin Kaymakcı, the Head of the Health, Culture, and Sports Department, Mehmet Aygül, and the President of the Turkish Fencing Federation, Abdurrahman Karataş.

Under the supervision of Assist. Prof.Dr.  Sedat Gökmen from the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology at Kastamonu University Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, the project titled "Investigation of the Presence of Microplastics, a Hidden Danger in Frequently Used Drugs and Biological Products in Veterinary Medicine" has been deemed eligible for support under the TÜBİTAK 1002-A Rapid Support Program.

In the project, which will last for 12 months and is supported with 80,000 TL, Assist. Prof.Dr. Veysel Doğan from our university, Prof. Dr. Dilek Güvenç, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gediz Uğuz from Ondokuz Mayıs University, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Burcu Gül from Fırat University are participating as researchers.

In the project, it will be investigated whether the plastic materials used in the packaging of products, especially those administered parenterally (by injection), pass into the animal body as microplastics. Animal products like meat, milk, and eggs also carry these substances to humans, thereby posing a health risk. The research team aims to fill an important gap not only in the safety of products used in veterinary medicine with this project but also in terms of food safety and public health.

Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, congratulated the academic team that brought the project to life and thanked all the researchers who contribute to our University's scientific production capacity. Additionally, our Rector expressed his gratitude to the President of the Higher Education Council, Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar, and the YÖK members for their support of scientific research and projects, and he also extended his thanks to the President of TÜBİTAK, Prof. Dr. Orhan Aydın, for his contributions to encouraging researchers.

We congratulate our faculty members and wish them continued success.

Trakya University sponsored the Interuniversity Judo Turkey Championship in Edirne from May 13–14, 2025, and our university came away victorious. Twelve athletes from our university competed in the competition, which was attended by other universities from all around Turkey, and we finished in seventh place.

 During the championship, our athlete Müberra Güneş won a gold medal in the competitions. Ayben İn won a silver medal in her weight category and a gold medal in the open weight category. Feryat Gönültaş also won a silver medal. Arda Cenker Yaz, Muhammed Yazıcı, and Nimet Kaniyolu were among the bronze medal winners.

 During the championship, our athlete Müberra Güneş won a gold medal in the competitions. Ayben İn won a silver medal in her own weight category and a gold medal in the open weight category. Feryat Gönültaş also won a silver medal. Arda Cenker Yaz, Muhammed Yazıcı, and Nimet Kaniyolu were among the bronze medal winners.

As a result of the rankings, our university's women's judo team ranked second overall in Turkey. Our athletes contributed to the medal standings with the results they achieved in the matches held in different weight categories.

We congratulate our athletes who have achieved degrees and the coaches who have contributed, and we wish them success in their work.

In the Muaythai Ünilig Universities Turkey Championship held in Antalya from May 3-7, Kastamonu University achieved third place in the B Division category as a team, competing with six athletes.

The university's Muay Thai team, under the coaching of Research Assistant Ahmet Batuhan Akbulut, drew attention with both individual and team performances at the championship. The athletes successfully represented our University by achieving significant rankings in various weight categories.

Competing in the A Division 54 kg category at the championship, Hamza Eren Göksu won a gold medal and became the Turkish champion. In the B Division 51 kg category, Alakber Mammadli won the gold medal by finishing first. In the B Division 71 kg category, Sedat Altun won a silver medal, becoming the second in Turkey, while in the B Division 67 kg category, Yusuf Altun won a bronze medal, achieving third place in Turkey.

With this achievement, Kastamonu University has reached third place in Turkey in the B Division team classification, marking another significant sporting success. We congratulate all our athletes and our coach who successfully represented our University with their outstanding performance.

Within the framework of the "Empowering Digital Competencies of Teachers with Designing Digital Learning Materials Through Gamification" project, which is conducted under the Erasmus+ Key Action 2 (KA2) Higher Education Cooperation Partnerships and includes  Assist.Prof. Dr. Süleyman Çite from our Faculty of Education's Department of Science Education, a conference and workshop titled "Empower Digi Teach: Digital Competency Conference and Workshop" was held on May 8, 2025, at the Hoca Ahmet Yesevi Cultural Center, hosted by the Faculty of Education of Kastamonu University and supported by the Kastamonu Provincial Directorate of National Education.

The event, organized to improve teachers' digital competencies, began with a moment of silence and the reading of the National Anthem. The program was attended by our Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Selahattin Kaymakcı, Kastamonu Provincial Director of National Education Hasan Gümüş, Dean of the Faculty of Education Prof. Dr. Ahmet Kaçar, faculty members from Dokuz Eylul University, Prof. Dr. Ercan Akpınar, and Assist. Prof. Dr. Yasemin Kahyaoğlu Erdoğmuş, Assist. Prof. Dr. Süleyman Çite, Asst. Prof. Dr. Kadir Yücel Kaya, as well as many academics, teachers, and students.

In his opening speech at the event, Assist. Prof.Dr. Süleyman Çite stated that the program aims to enhance teachers' skills in designing and using digital materials through teaching environments based on gamification theories.

Kastamonu Provincial Director of National Education Hasan Gümüş emphasized the importance of integrating education with technology, highlighting that developing digital competencies and skills is crucial to meet the requirements of the era. Gümüş expressed his satisfaction with the organization of such an important event in Kastamonu and thanked the institutions and academic staff who contributed to the project.

Following him, our Vice Rector, Prof. Dr. Selahattin Kaymakcı, expressed their pleasure in hosting this international event aimed at improving teachers' digital competencies in line with the requirements of the digital age and thanked all the academics who contributed to the project, especially the academic staff of Dokuz Eylül University, who led it.

After the opening speeches, certificates of appreciation were presented to the faculty members who contributed to the conference. At the event, the introduction of the EU-supported Empower Digi Teach project was first presented by Assist. Prof.Dr. Yasemin Kahyaoğlu Erdoğmuş.

After the introduction, the conference section began. In this section, Prof. Dr. Ercan Akpınar and Assist. Prof.Dr. Yasemin Kahyaoğlu Erdoğmuş from Dokuz Eylul University, as well as Assist. Prof.Dr. Süleyman Çite and Assist. Prof.Dr. Kadir Yücel Kaya from our University participated with their presentations. Participants shared their knowledge and experiences on topics such as technology integration in education, the digital competence framework (DigiCompEdu), learning management systems (LMS), and the teacher's guidebook.

After the conference, the program moved on to the workshop section, where practical information about gamification and artificial intelligence tools in education was shared with the participants.

The IV. Agriculture and Forestry Council, organized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, was held from April 28-30, 2025, with the participation of Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Mr. İbrahim Yumaklı, under the theme "Century of Turkey, Century of Abundance." Kastamonu University played an essential role in the council with its strong academic contribution.

Following the previous councils held in 1997, 2004, and 2019, this comprehensive organization featured working groups under 16 separate headings and workshops under five different headings. The commission reports prepared by the working groups were presented to the Presidential Board and submitted for the approval of the Council members. A total of 371 goals and 2,678 strategies were determined within the framework of the Council.

The working group titled "Integrated and Sustainable Forestry Management" was chaired by our University's Vice-Rector, Prof. Dr. Ömer Küçük.Kastamonu University, as the only higher education institution specializing in forestry and nature tourism, received great appreciation for its contribution to the council.

The working group titled "Integrated and Sustainable Forestry Management" was chaired by our University's Vice-Rector, Prof. Dr. Ömer Küçük.Kastamonu University, as the only higher education institution specializing in Forestry and Nature Tourism, received great appreciation for its contribution to the council.

Prof. Dr. Alperen Kaymakcı, Prof. Dr. Erol Akkuzu, Prof. Dr. Ferhat Kara, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Anıl Soyumert Ertürk, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Emre Birinci, from our university, also significantly contributed to the process by actively participating in different working groups.

The Council process will be completed with the "Final Declaration," which President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan will announce to the public on May 14, 2025.

Organized by our university with the contributions of the Center for Women's and Family Studies, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, and Tosya Vocational School, the "Socio-Emotional Preventive Measures Workshop" was held on April 30, 2025, at the Hoca Ahmet Yesevi Cultural Center.

In the program, our academics discussed the support of social-emotional skills in higher education institutions and daily life, the causes of challenging situations individuals may encounter, and the preventive approaches that can be developed against them, as well as the studies conducted within the scope of the “2025 Family Year” announced by the Presidency.

In his opening speech at the workshop, our vice rector, Prof. Dr. Selahattin Kaymakcı, emphasized the need for academic and institutional efforts in the field and stated that sustainable steps should be taken in this regard.

Within the program's scope, faculty members from different academic units shared their one-on-one efforts to support socio-emotional development with the participants, engaging in mutual exchange of ideas.

Additionally, it was emphasized that coordinated efforts between academic units and practical fields are necessary to achieve effective results in the area of socio-emotional development.

Under the auspices of the Kastamonu Governorship, in collaboration with Kastamonu University and the Provincial Directorate of Youth and Sports, the "Sports Workshop in Kastamonu," aimed at determining new roadmaps in the field of sports in Kastamonu, was held on April 30, 2025, at the Kağan Talip Tığlı Youth Center.

In the workshop organized with the understanding of "We are Preparing the Sports Policy Together in Kastamonu," Kastamonu's sports vision was addressed from a multifaceted perspective.

 The workshop was attended by Governor Meftun Dallı, Provincial Director of Youth and Sports Sami Kuşcu, Head of the Sports Education Research Department of the Ministry of Youth and Sports Şükrü Yılmaz, Dean of the Faculty of Sports Sciences Prof. Dr. Bilgehan Baydil, representatives from various institutions and organizations, and numerous academics and athletes.

In his opening speech at the workshop, Adem Keloğlu, the Provincial Representative of the Amateur Sports Clubs Federation, stated that it was an important step in shaping the future of sports in Kastamonu. Emphasizing that sports play a critical role in keeping young people away from bad habits and raising them as beneficial individuals to society, Keloğlu highlighted the need to support amateur clubs and highlighted the importance of higher education institutions contributing with student and educational support

Sports is a way of life that unites and empowers communities

The Provincial Director of Youth and Sports, Sami Kuşcu, emphasized that sports are not just a physical activity, but a culture and way of life that brings societies together. Emphasizing that sports empower individuals and offer a healthy future, Kuşcu stated that various aspects of sports would be addressed in the workshop and that ideas would be exchanged in line with common goals. Stating that cooperation is needed to promote sports in the city, encourage young people, and create sustainable policies, Kuşcu expressed that making sports accessible to everyone is among their primary objectives.

Kastamonu, on the Path to Becoming a Pioneer Province in Sports Facilities

Şükrü Yılmaz, the Head of the Department of Sports Education Research at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, stated that they have observed a more performance-oriented approach being adopted in sports, but emphasized that in developed countries, it is not possible to expect performance without establishing a sports culture. Emphasizing that the understanding of lifelong sports and sports for everyone contributes to performance, health, leisure time evaluation, and social dimensions of sports, Yılmaz stated that the development of sports culture at the local level affects local success and the country's international representation power. Stating that the investment in sports provides significant savings in health expenditures, Yılmaz said that every 1 dollar invested in this field prevents 10 dollars of health expenditure, adding that sports also provides a high return on investment.

Stating that Kastamonu has made significant progress in facilities, Yılmaz said that the province has exemplary sports facilities and is not even found in some major cities. Stating that the national team training centers and youth training centers stand out in this regard, Yılmaz drew attention to the importance of their effective use and opening them up to sports tourism. He stated that Kastamonu has the potential to be one of the leading provinces in Turkey for sports tourism, both with its existing sports infrastructure and its geography suitable for nature sports.

Stating that students receiving coaching education at state universities will now be educated under the "6+2" model, Yılmaz said that within the scope of this model, students will take courses for six semesters and will do paid coaching internships in the field during the seventh and eighth semesters. He added that thanks to this study, which has been carried out with the Council of Higher Education for three years, students will gain practical experience before graduation and will be trained to be qualified to work in the field within two years.

Kastamonu, with its sports infrastructure and natural advantages, is a candidate to be one of Turkey's leading provinces

Kastamonu Governor Meftun Dallı emphasized that the city has infrastructure suitable for many sports branches from the sea to the mountain, from the canyon to the forest, with its nature and climate diversity, and expressed that Kastamonu could be one of the leading provinces in Turkey in terms of sports. Stating that significant progress has been made in terms of facilities, and that modern facilities have been acquired with the support of the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Presidency, Governor Dallı said that with the completion of the provincial stadium, the deficiencies would be largely eliminated. Stating that they do not see sports only as a physical activity, and that sports are an effective tool in keeping children and young people away from addictions, Dallı drew attention to the fact that discovering and directing children's talents at an early age will bring success. He added that he believes the workshop organized in this context, in collaboration with the Ministry of National Education and the university, will create a roadmap for early age sports guidance.

After the opening speeches, the organizing committee gave an informative presentation about the workshop. After the presentation, plaques of appreciation were awarded to our academics and participants who contributed to the event.

The workshop will discuss topics such as developing sports infrastructure, encouraging youth participation in sports, supporting local sports clubs, and creating sustainable sports policies. With the participation of expert academics, coaches, sports managers, and youth representatives, solution proposals suitable for the local dynamics of Kastamonu will be developed.

At the end of the event, a decision will be made to prepare a final report containing actionable policy recommendations to advance Kastamonu's sports vision.

An event titled "A Breath of Art, A Breath of Science: Midwives on Stage" was organized by the Midwifery Department of the Faculty of Health Sciences at Kastamonu University as part of the National Midwives Week from April 21-28.The event, held on April 21, 2025, in the Sezai Karakoç Hall of the Central Library, received great acclaim for both its artistic and scientific content.

The event was attended by the Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences, Prof. Dr. Abdulkadir Tuna, and Vice Dean Assist. Prof.Dr. Nihal Aydın, Director of Health Services at Kastamonu Training and Research Hospital; Saide Pakize Çetin, Deputy Director Şerife Ilgaz Alp, Student Affairs Officer Serap Nurgül Söyler, academics, and students.

The program began with opening speeches by Prof. Dr. Abdulkadir Tuna and the Head of the Midwifery Department, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Şahika Şimşek Çetinkaya.Then, a music recital was presented by the students of the Department of Musicology at the Faculty of Fine Arts and Design. The students of the Midwifery Department shared their presentation on "The History of Midwifery" with the participants.

A fashion show featuring student-designed midwifery uniforms was also held at the event.
The event also featured a fashion show showcasing student-designed nursing uniforms. One of the most striking parts of the day was the play titled "Angel or Devil? No, Midwife Şükran" was performed by the students.

Kastamonu University Women's Futsal Team achieved significant success in the Inter-University Futsal Tournament held at Bolu İzzet Baysal University from April 21-25, 2025.Our team, which displayed a great struggle in the tournament, became the champion of the tournament it played in the Regional League without losing any matches.

Our Women's Futsal Team, which stood out with its disciplined play and team spirit throughout the tournament, gained an advantage over its opponents with its determination and harmonious performance on the field. Our team represented our University best in the matches closely followed by fans and participants.

Under the leadership of Coach Asst. Prof. Hülya Cin, our athletes, who continued their preparations, reaped the rewards of their efforts by starting the tournament both physically and mentally prepared. The harmony of our students in team play was as prominent as their individual performances.
We congratulate our Women's Futsal Team and Coach Hülya Cin for their undefeated championship success and celebrate them for this commendable achievement.

The 2025 season of the Kastamonu Province, Inebolu-Bozkurt-Abana Districts Surface Survey (KİBAYA) Project, which provides new data on the rich history of Kastamonu, has been successfully completed. The studies were conducted in the districts of Abana and Bozkurt.

The project, led by the Head of the Department of Archaeology at Kastamonu University Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Assoc. Prof. Dr. H. Asena Kızılarıslanoğlu, was accompanied by the Ministry Representative, Archaeologist Ümit Kemal Parlak, an expert from Amasra Museum. From our university, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Murat Eroğlu, Lecturer Özgür Yeni, Archaeologist Berkay Kavak, and Dilek Saraç also participated in the research team.

The project, conducted with the permission of the General Directorate of Cultural Assets and Museums of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Turkey, was carried out with the support of our University, the Abana District Governorate, and the Abana Municipality. As part of their work, the six-person team visited villages in the Abana and Bozkurt districts step by step, researching traces of the region's ancient history.

This research led to discovering findings that go back about 2300 years. Additionally, village headmen and locals were brought together in meetings hosted by the District Governorships of Abana and Bozkurt to discuss the significance of cultural assets, sustainable conservation techniques, and the goal and scope of the research.

The project titled "Two People, One Career: Ottoman/Turkish Diplomat Wives (1851-1938)," prepared under the leadership of Prof. Dr. Evren Küçük, a faculty member of the Department of International Relations at the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences of Kastamonu University, has been granted support under TÜBİTAK's 3005 - Social and Human Sciences Innovative Solutions Research Projects Support Program.

The project, led by Prof. Dr. Evren Küçük, includes Prof. Dr. Musa Kılıç from Eskişehir Osmangazi University, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rahime Süleymanoğlu-Kürüm from Bahçeşehir University, Dr. Lecturer Kadriye Topal Doğan from Bilecik Şeyh Edebali University, and Dr. Lecturer Murat Yılmaz from Kastamonu University as researchers. Additionally, the project plans to involve a postdoctoral researcher and two graduate fellows.

The aim of the project is to focus on Ottoman diplomat wives as the primary subjects and units of analysis, shedding light on their roles in diplomatic history. In this context, the project seeks to contribute to a more balanced and egalitarian generation of knowledge. The study will address questions such as "What is the importance of diplomat wives in Ottoman/Turkish diplomacy?" and "How did their roles and visibility transform during the transition from the Ottoman Empire to the Turkish Republic?"

Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, congratulated Prof. Dr. Evren Küçük, the project leader, and the researchers involved. Expressing gratitude to the President of the Higher Education Council, Prof. Dr. Erol Özvar, and the members of YÖK for their support of high-quality academic work, our Rector also thanked Prof. Dr. Orhan Aydın, the President of TÜBİTAK, for his efforts in promoting institutional research initiatives.

The project titled "Selective Detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Bacteria Based on Fluorescence Using Fluorescein Conjugated Gold Nanoparticle Glycoconjugates," led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. İdris Yazgan from the Department of Biology at Kastamonu University's Faculty of Science, has been awarded support from TÜSEB.

The project, to which Assoc. Prof. Dr. Abdurrahman Gümüş, a faculty member of the Faculty of Engineering at İzmir Institute of Technology, contributed as a researcher, aims to provide a unique contribution to diagnostic methods in this field by developing a fluorescence-based approach using fluorescein-conjugated gold nanoparticle glycoconjugates, enabling the precise, rapid, and specific detection of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacterium through carbohydrate-lectin interactions.

The project, which received 250,000 TL in support from TÜSEB, will enable both the accurate and rapid identification of the bacteria causing the disease, which is one of the most critical stages in combating increasingly widespread infections.

Stating that the project will provide significant contributions both scientifically and economically, Associate Prof. Dr. İdris Yazgan explained the economic impact of the study as follows: "In addition to hospitals, many studies are being conducted in institutions and organizations such as food and water analysis laboratories to accurately identify the presence of bacteria." If our study is successfully completed and commercialized, kits for the identification of P. aeruginosa can be developed as an alternative to foreign-made ready kits (for example, Compact Dry™ PA) within the country, and this can lead to the production of products for both the domestic and foreign markets. An important aspect here is that the graduate student participating in the study should be trained in this field, which can contribute to gaining experience directly related to the sector and their employment. Another important point is that the biosensor market is expected to reach 36.7 billion dollars by 2026. This situation indicates that the successful development of biosensors will significantly contribute to the national economy.

Our Rector, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Topal, emphasized in his statement regarding the project that any work done in the field of health has the potential to create a significant impact both nationally and internationally.
Emphasizing that the project will not only contribute to scientific knowledge but also provide concrete and effective solutions for improving public health and significantly benefiting the national economy, our Rector thanked TÜSEB and TÜSEB President Prof. Dr. Ümit Kervan for supporting this meaningful work and wished success to the academics involved in the project.