Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU), Faculty of Health Sciences and Deans’ Council of Health Sciences Faculties (SABDEK) co-organized the very first “Health Sciences Students’ Congress”. Hosted by EMU, the event was held on Thursday, 27 November 2025 at 09:00 a.m. at Rauf Raif Denktaş Culture and Congress Center. Said congress commenced with an opening ceremony, bringing the students of health sciences field together on a scientific platform. With its goals of uniting young researchers, motivating health sciences students to participate in scientific work, strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration, and cultivating a strong research culture, the congress successfully reached a broad audience of 639 participants.
EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç, EMU Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe, EMU General Secretary Derviş Ekşici, Health Sciences Faculty Dean and Congress Co-Chair Prof. Dr. Mehtap Malkoç, SABDEK Chairperson and Congress Co-Chair Prof. Dr. Bülent Elbasan, EMU Faculty of Pharmacy Dean Prof. Dr. H. Ozan Gülcan, EMU Faculty of Dentistry’s Dean Prof. Dr. Hikmet Solak, EMU Communication Faculty Dean Prof. Dr. Metin Ersoy, academic personnel members and many students attended the event.
Following A Minute of Silence and National Anthem, EMU Faculty of Education, Department of Fine Arts student Şükrü Kemal Söylemez performed a musical recital. After his performance, Söylemez was presented with a bouquet by Health Sciences Faculty Dean and Congress Co-Chair Prof. Dr. Mehtap Malkoç.
“A New Platform to Engage in Scientific Exchange”
Making an address at the opening ceremony of the congress, Prof. Dr. Mehtap Malkoç – Dean of EMU Faculty of Health Sciences and Co-Chair of the Congress – welcomed everyone who attended the very first SABDEK Students’ Congress. Prof. Dr. Malkoç highlighted that since its founding, the faculty’s mission has gone beyond training health professionals to also contributing directly to public health, promoting scientific research, and implementing innovative initiatives to shape healthcare services. She noted the special significance of the student congress, held for the first time in collaboration with SABDEK, explaining that the combination of SABDEK’s strong presence in Türkiye and Northern Cyprus with the academic expertise of health sciences faculties provides a new platform for young researchers to engage in scientific exchange. Prof. Dr. Malkoç emphasized that the congress is a valuable opportunity for future health professionals to connect, broaden their perspectives, and strengthen their professional vision.
“Impactful Contributions That Touch Society’s Quality of Life”
Also delivering a speech at the event, SABDEK Chairperson and Co-Chair of the Congress Prof. Dr. Bülent Elbasan expressed his pride in hosting the first student congress in health sciences under SABDEK. He thanked EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç for his support, and also acknowledged Dean Prof. Dr. Mehtap Malkoç and her team for their key role in organizing the event flawlessly. Prof. Dr. Elbasan highlighted that the congress represents more than an opening ceremony—it is a platform for young researchers, innovative ideas, and interdisciplinary collaboration that will shape the future of health sciences. He emphasized that each student participant carries the potential to strengthen public health, advance scientific productivity, and contribute meaningfully to society. The congress’s scientific outputs, he noted, promise to make valuable, tangible impacts on the quality of life.
“A Platform to Inspire the Future Scientists”
In his speech, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç expressed his honour in hosting the SABDEK Health Sciences Student Congress at Eastern Mediterranean University, highlighting that this first-of-its-kind event in Northern Cyprus brings together young researchers and contributes significantly to academic growth in health sciences. He noted that the congress offers a platform to encourage student involvement in research, strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration, and inspire future scientists. Prof. Dr. Kılıç thanked SABDEK Chairperson Prof. Dr. Bülent Elbasan, Congress Co-Chair Prof. Dr. Mehtap Malkoç, and the organizing team for their support. He emphasized that the event provides students with a valuable opportunity to enhance their research skills and advance their careers, and he wished all participants a successful and productive congress.
Following the opening speeches, Prof. Dr. Malkoç and Prof. Dr. Elbasan moderated the “Beyaz Önlüğün Dili: Sağlıkta Etkili İletişimin Gücü” conference delivered by EMU Faculty of Communication’s Dean Prof. Dr. Metin Ersoy. At the end of the conference, Dean of Faculty of Health Sciences and Co-Chair of the Congress Prof. Dr. Mehtap Malkoç and SABDEK Chairperson and also Co-Chair of the Congress Prof. Dr. Bülent Elbasan presented Prof. Dr. Ersoy with a certificate of participation.
Parallel sessions held throughout the day in various halls explored current issues in physiotherapy and rehabilitation, nutrition and dietetics, and nursing. By uniting these three major health disciplines under one program, participants were offered a well-rounded academic experience that blended theory, practical application, and scientific discussion.
