Recognized as one of the long-established and internationally renowned prestigious higher education institutions, Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) has launched a ‘Science Communication Office’ to strengthen and enrich the connection between scientific knowledge and society. Established within the university, this new initiative is built on a modern and inclusive communication framework that brings academic research and knowledge production closer to the public. The office will carry out its activities with the aim of ensuring that the research conducted and knowledge generated at the university extends beyond academic boundaries and reaches wider audiences.
Basic Approach
The office is guided by the principle of presenting scientific work to the public in a clear, accessible, and easily understandable manner, allowing diverse groups within society to connect with science and making scientific thinking a natural part of daily life. Rather than focusing on one-way communication, the office prioritizes engaging with the community through mutual exchange, dialogue, and discussion of knowledge.
Science Communication Office aims to operate within a multidisciplinary structure, under the coordination of Communication Coordinator Prof. Dr. Anıl Kemal Kaya and contributions of the Advisory Board consisting of Prof. Dr. Canan Zeki from Faculty of Education, Prof. Dr. Şenel Hüsnü Raman from the Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nigar Taşpınar from the Faculty of Business and Economics, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yıltan Bitirim from the Faculty of Engineering, Assist. Prof. Dr. Ünal Aras Değer from the Faculty of Health Sciences, Assist. Prof. Dr. Can Azer from the Faculty of Law and, Dr. Yeşim Kapsıl Çırak from the Faculty of Computer and Information Sciences.
The EMU Science Communication Office seeks to present science as an open and inclusive platform, reaching beyond a limited audience to engage young people, students, families, civil society organizations, and local stakeholders. This initiative supports the conversion of academic research into meaningful societal impact, while aiming to enhance confidence in science, promote critical thinking, and strengthen university–community engagement in a more visible and lasting way. Inspired by effective international models of science communication, the office embraces an original approach shaped by local priorities and social contexts.
Science Cafe Meetings to Integrate Science into Daily Life
Organized by the Science Communication Office, the Science Cafe events will serve as an engaging meeting point that integrates science into daily life. In these events, academics will present their expertise in an informal, approachable, and dialogue-driven atmosphere, moving beyond traditional academic language, and the sessions will be hosted in cafés, public venues, and social spaces. By addressing current scientific advances, topics of broad public interest, and interdisciplinary issues, the Science Cafe gatherings will encourage lively discussions shaped by the questions and active participation of attendees.
Through the Science Communication Office, EMU seeks to strengthen the view of science as a collaborative value created and shared together with society, rather than something developed in isolation. The university is confident that this initiative will play a significant role in advancing science–community engagement in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus and will stand as an internationally exemplary model.
Making a statement on the topic and noting that one of the core responsibilities of universities is to share the knowledge they produce with society, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç stated, “The Science Communication Office represents a key step in creating a sustainable and effective link between academia and the wider community. With this initiative, the goal is to bring science out of the university setting and make it an active and visible part of everyday life”.