AFSÜ Rector Attends 'Spread of Science' Awards Strategy Workshop

Professor Dr. Adem Aslan, Rector of Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University (AFSÜ), participated in one of the most significant scientific events of 2026. The meeting, titled 'Internationalization Strategy Workshop for the Spread of Science Awards' (İlim Yayma Ödülleri), was held at the Marriott Hotel in Istanbul and hosted prominent scientific and academic figures from Turkey [1]. During the workshop, the roadmap for transforming these awards into a prestigious global brand and strategies for enhancing international academic perspectives were discussed.

High-Level Officials Present at the Istanbul Meeting The workshop was attended by Professor Dr. Erol Özvar, President of the Council of Higher Education (YÖK), Yusuf Tülan, President of the Spread of Science Association, and several rectors from the country's top universities [4]. The primary goal of this gathering was to examine strategies for introducing Turkey's scientific achievements to the world and strengthening the structure of the 'Spread of Science' Awards, which have been recognized as one of Turkey's most prestigious scientific honors since 2019. Representing AFSÜ, Dr. Adem Aslan exchanged views in specialized sessions regarding scientific production with international quality and standards [2].

Emphasis on Quality and Social Impact of Research Speaking on the sidelines of the meeting, the Rector of AFSÜ stated that scientific success should not be measured solely by quantitative metrics and the number of articles. He emphasized: 'We support increasing the visibility of Turkey's scientific capacities on a global scale. In this regard, the Spread of Science Awards must become a brand that evaluates academic excellence based on contributions to solving societal problems, impact, and quality' [1]. Dr. Aslan believes that the new approach in higher education must move toward applied and original research to improve the ranking of Turkish universities globally.

The Role of AFSÜ in the 2026 Scientific Vision Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University, which is experiencing a new era of development under the management of Dr. Adem Aslan (appointed in September 2025), focuses on knowledge production in the fields of health and medical technologies [2]. Active participation in such workshops demonstrates the university's determination to align with national macro-policies for the internationalization of higher education. Dr. Aslan noted that the transformation of the 'Spread of Science' Awards into an international mark creates additional motivation for young scientists to participate in global competitions [1][3].

The workshop concluded with the formulation of recommendations regarding work acceptance criteria, international promotion strategies, and stakeholder structures. The results of this meeting are expected to create a transformation in how scientific awards are granted in future terms.