The 60th anniversary of TÜBİTAK, the flagship of science and technology in Turkey, was celebrated with a magnificent ceremony. The event, hosted by TÜBİTAK President Prof. Dr. Hasan Mandal, took place at the Feza Gürsey Conference Hall in the TÜBİTAK Headquarters building. The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Industry and Technology, Mehmet Fatih Kacır, the Minister of National Education, Yusuf Tekin, the President of the Presidency Strategy and Budget, İbrahim Şenel, Deputy Ministers, heads of institutions, and members of the Board of Science, Technology, and Innovation Policies. Among the distinguished guests, TÜBİTAK's former presidents Prof. Dr. Sümer Şahin, Prof. Dr. Sadık Kakaç, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cezmi Güner Omay were also present at the ceremony.
"TÜBİTAK, by strengthening the country's research capabilities, took the first steps in building the infrastructure of the science, technology, and R&D ecosystem."
Minister of Industry and Technology Mehmet Fatih Kacır, in his speech at the ceremony organized at the institution on the occasion of TÜBİTAK's 60th anniversary, stated that TÜBİTAK has been a pioneer in the science and technology ecosystem with its innovative and entrepreneurial approach. He emphasized that TÜBİTAK has taken the initial steps in strengthening the country's research capabilities and building the infrastructure of the science, technology, and R&D ecosystem. Kacır declared that the institution is the standard-bearer of the "National Technology Initiative."
Kacır, emphasizing the special significance they attribute to TÜBİTAK, made the following evaluation: "In the future of Turkey, TÜBİTAK will continue to maintain its pioneering role as it does today. Together with TÜBİTAK, which works for a fully independent and prosperous Turkey, we will deepen Turkey's expertise in critical research areas in line with the vision of the National Technology Initiative in the upcoming period. We will continue to support the commercialization of research results and the transformation of entrepreneurs' ideas into products on the path to global leadership. We will place more emphasis on high-tech platforms and industrial innovation networks created with the active participation of all actors in our country's R&D and innovation ecosystems. We will continue to bring science and technology to all segments of society through science centers, Deneyap workshops, our organized TEKNOFEST events, and publications. We are determined to make the 'Century of Turkey' a century of science, digitalization, production, and development. In the 'Century of Turkey,' we will achieve all our goals and elevate our country beyond the level of contemporary civilizations."
"We are aware of the responsibility that TÜBİTAK has undertaken"
TÜBİTAK President Prof. Dr. Hasan Mandal began his speech with the following words: "Today, on the 60th anniversary of TÜBİTAK, an institution I take pride in being a part of and leading as the president, we are celebrating it on the 100th anniversary of the establishment of our Republic. I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to all of you, especially our esteemed ministers, for not only honoring us with your presence but also for being with us on this important, honorable, and exciting day, on behalf of both myself and our institution."
Mandal emphasized the significance of the 60-year milestone, stating that throughout these 60 years, TÜBİTAK has been one of the most important institutions in shaping the science and technology system of the Republic of Turkey in its centennial history. He expressed the awareness of the responsibilities that TÜBİTAK has undertaken, both when looking back at the past 60 years and when discussing Turkey's vision for the future, especially the vision of a Fully Independent Turkey. He further elaborated, "Throughout our past 60 years, TÜBİTAK has played a crucial role in the production of science-based knowledge, the realization of technology-based innovations, and the development of critical and strategic technologies that our country needs. However, even more importantly, TÜBİTAK has been instrumental in nurturing the most critical power in this process, which is the human resources - the scientists, researchers, and developers - responsible for knowledge generation, technology development, and the production of these innovations. TÜBİTAK is the first name that comes to mind in this context, and we are fully aware of that."
Prof. Dr. Mandal expressed, "We are well aware of the responsibility that falls upon us in making Turkey one of the developed countries in the world. When we look towards the future, TÜBİTAK has truly touched the lives of so many people and contributed to knowledge production and technological development that I believe it stands as one of the best examples in the world." His statement highlights TÜBİTAK's commitment to advancing Turkey's position among developed nations and its significant contributions to knowledge creation and technological advancements, making it a role model for other institutions around the globe.
"In the future, Turkey's strength will be in TÜBİTAK through science and technology"
Prof. Dr. Mandal expressed his gratitude with the following words: "I thank all those who have contributed to TÜBİTAK over the past 60 years, my retired colleagues, those who have served for 25 years and continue to provide valuable service, all the scientists who have made contributions to this institution during their terms as presidents, our friends, and most importantly, our esteemed President, who has consistently supported us, especially in the last twenty years, and our Minister. In the future, Turkey's strength will be in TÜBİTAK through science and technology. Turkey's progress will be achieved through the accumulation of knowledge, science, technology, and TÜBİTAK."
Plaques were presented to the veterans, and a 60th-anniversary cake was cut
After the speeches, plaques were presented to experienced TÜBİTAK employees who have completed 25 years of service and to retirees.
Following the plaque presentation, a cocktail was held in the courtyard accompanied by musical performances. During the cocktail, a special TÜBİTAK cake for the 60th anniversary was cut by TÜBİTAK President Prof. Dr. Hasan Mandal and Deputy Minister of Industry and Technology Ahmet Yozgatlıgil. Afterwards, a choir composed of TÜBİTAK employees performed selected pieces from Turkish music.
On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of its establishment, a photo exhibition titled "From Past to Present: TÜBİTAK" was also opened. The exhibition sheds light on TÜBİTAK's history as a pioneer in science and technology for the past 60 years. It will be open for two weeks at the TÜBİTAK Headquarters building, allowing visitors to explore the journey of TÜBİTAK over the years through the displayed photographs.
