The EU-funded BBGNight-TR project, coordinated by YTÜ, will bring researchers together with the public as part of European Researchers’ Night. The event will cover topics ranging from biotechnology to climate change, and from CERN research to artificial intelligence.
Yıldız Technical University (YTÜ) is preparing to welcome science enthusiasts as part of “BBGNight-TR – Science & Future Night,” an initiative aimed at bringing scientific research to various segments of society. Registration is now open for the event, which will take place on Friday, September 25, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Historic Hamam Cultural Center on YTÜ’s Davutpaşa Campus.
Participants will have the opportunity to meet with scientists and industry representatives to learn firsthand about current research and the impact of these studies on our lives.
The BBGNight-TR Project, supported by the “MSCA & Citizens” call under the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions of the EU’s Horizon Europe program, was developed under the coordination of Prof. Dr. Afşın Yusuf Çetinkaya, a faculty member in the Department of Environmental Engineering at YTÜ’s Faculty of Civil Engineering. In this project, where YTÜ serves as the coordinating institution, Istanbul Technical University, Gazi University, and the Ministry of National Education are participating as partners. This 24-month initiative, which focuses on climate change, health, and digital transformation, aims to strengthen communication between researchers and the public and to increase young people’s interest in scientific research.
Science Talks: From Microplastics to CERN
Prof. Dr. Güleda Engin, YTÜ’s Vice Rector for Research and Planning, will deliver the opening remarks. Prof. Dr. Afşın Yusuf Çetinkaya, Coordinator of the BBGNight-TR Project, and Dr. Renat Bilyalov from the European Commission will address the participants.
In the science talks segment, Dr. Ercan Varlıbaş, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Biotechnology Industrialists Association (BİYOSAD), will discuss the relationship between science and industry in the field of biotechnology; Prof. Dr. Güleda Engin, Vice Rector for Research and Planning at YTÜ, will discuss microplastic pollution extending from the oceans to Antarctica; and Çağlar Kahraman, a member of the BİYOSAD Board of Directors, will address innovation, entrepreneurship, and the new generation of industry.
At the event, where Prof. Dr. Tunç Durmaz, a faculty member in the Department of Economics at YTÜ’s Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, will assess the economic costs of climate change, Prof. Dr. Bora Işıldak, a YTÜ faculty member and researcher with the CERN CMS Experiment, will share insights with participants on the relationship between particle physics and artificial intelligence.
Science communication will continue throughout the year
As part of BBGNight-TR, in addition to Science & Future Night (European Researchers’ Night) gatherings, school visits, science cafés, interactive exhibitions, and science demonstrations from various disciplines are planned. Developed in alignment with the European Green Deal, the Digital Europe vision, and EU Missions, the project aims to enhance science literacy, ensure research findings resonate with the public, and establish lasting collaborations between universities and educational institutions.
Through the “Researchers in Schools” activities, scientists will meet with students and teachers in classrooms; the goal is for young people to learn about research processes through experiments, workshops, and career talks. The citizen science initiatives currently being developed will enable participants to turn their observations regarding air and water quality, as well as plant and animal species in their surroundings, into contributions to scientific research.
Registration is open for free participation
Students, teachers, academics, university staff, families, and anyone interested in science are invited to the event. Registration via the project website is required for free participation. The registration system includes categories for students, teachers, researchers, and general visitors.
Date: Friday
, September 25, 2026 Time: 9:00 a.m.–12:00
p.m. Location: YTÜ Davutpaşa Campus, Historic Hamam Cultural Center
Website: www.bbgnight.com/tr
Registration: www.bbgnight.com/tr/register Program
: www.bbgnight.com/tr/program
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