7th International R&D Project Fair at BARU: A Hub for Scientific and Technological Innovation
The 7th International R&D Project Fair, hosted by Bartın University (BARU), took place on November 7-8, 2024, at the Kutlubey Campus. Since 2017, this event has aimed to enhance awareness of science and technology and support Turkey’s National Technology Initiative. This year’s fair attracted considerable interest, bringing together researchers, academics, students, and industry representatives from across Turkey and abroad. With participation from 47 universities, 30 high schools, 10 institutions, R&D centers, and researchers from 9 different countries, the fair became one of the region’s most prominent science and technology events. Under the theme “Fully Independent, Strong Turkey,” it showcased projects focused on advancing domestic and national technology.
The event commenced with an opening ceremony attended by BARU Rector Prof. Dr. Orhan Uzun and Bartın Governor Dr. Nurtaç Arslan. In their opening remarks, speakers emphasized the importance of increasing interest in science and technology and encouraging young people to focus on technologies that will shape the future. During the ceremony, BARU Academic Performance Awards were also presented to outstanding faculty members, recognizing their achievements.
"Projects Exhibited and Technical Presentations Held in Exhibition Areas"
Throughout the fair, project owners and industry representatives gathered in the exhibition areas, exploring potential collaborations. On the first day, Atamer Akbay, R&D Center Director at Creavit, kicked off with a presentation on “Creavit R&D Center and Its Works,” sharing insights into the company’s technology-driven products. Dr. Önder Kırca, General Manager of Sanko Holding Çimko, discussed R&D investments in the cement industry, highlighting the importance of entrepreneurship and disciplined work. Etisan Holding Chairman Mert Özgün emphasized the value of innovation in technology and encouraged young people to focus on developing projects that make life easier.
On the second day, representatives from leading defense and technology companies Roketsan, Havelsan, Türksat, and Aselsan shared their expertise with participants. Anıl Selam, R&D Lead Engineer at Roketsan, presented “Our Innovative Products and R&D Activities,” covering advanced missile and ammunition systems. Anıl Okan, Technical Engineer at Havelsan, provided insights into ongoing R&D projects and new technologies developed by the company. Türksat’s R&D and Innovation Director, Altan Akyol, presented on national solutions in satellite and communication systems, stressing the importance of domestic production for security. Selim Sancı, Chief Engineer at Aselsan, discussed the company’s artificial intelligence systems and technology transfer projects.
The final session featured Abdurrahman Keklik, Chairman of ComPro Group, who highlighted the significance of quantum computing in digital infrastructure security and data processing. Keklik noted that the United Nations has designated 2025 as the “International Year of Quantum Science and Technology,” emphasizing quantum technologies’ critical role in data security for sectors like finance, healthcare, and energy.
"Projects by Students from Ulus Vocational School Garnered High Interest"
BARU’s Ulus Vocational School students, particularly from the Department of Architecture and Urban Planning and the Land Registry and Cadastre Program, showcased two projects that received considerable attention. Ayşenur Üstünel, under the guidance of Lecturer Nurçin Seymen Aksu, presented her project titled “Evaluating Solid Waste Management in the Formation of Smart Cities: The Case of Bartın.” Meanwhile, Beyza Tanrıkulu, supervised by Lecturer Eren Gürsoy Özdemir, presented her project “20 Years of Land Use and Land Cover Change in Bartın: Remote Sensing and GIS Analysis.”
The event concluded with a closing ceremony featuring a speech from TEI General Manager Prof. Dr. Mahmut Faruk Akşit. Turkey’s Minister of Justice, Mr. Yılmaz Tunç, also attended and delivered the closing address. Awards were presented to the top-ranked projects, as judged by the panel.
"BARU R&D Project Fair Provided a Platform for Bringing Scientific and Technological Ideas to Life"
This year’s R&D Project Fair served as a vital platform for transforming scientific and technological ideas into reality. Contributing to the strengthening of the R&D culture locally, nationally, and internationally, the event also laid the groundwork for new partnerships between industry representatives and project owners. The projects presented this year offered innovative approaches, instilling hope for the local community and the scientific world alike.