The Cansağlığı International Medical Student Congress, organized by our university in collaboration with the Canan Bayraktar Community Health Foundation, was held on our campus on April 26–27, 2025. The congress, which brought together distinguished academics, provided students with the opportunity to present their own research. In addition to these presentations, a range of courses and workshops attracted significant interest. The opening session featured speeches by Selçuk Bayraktar, Chairman of the Board of BAYKAR; Prof. Dr. Nihat İnanç, our Rector; and Mehmet Ali Nart, Chairman of the Cansağlığı Foundation Board.
"We Founded the Cansağlığı Foundation to Bring Healing to Humanity"
On the first day, a session focused on genetics allowed experts to share their knowledge and experiences. Following the session, Selçuk Bayraktar took the stage to deliver a speech in which he recounted the founding story of the Cansağlığı Foundation. He explained that his father—who had dedicated his life to Türkiye's national technology initiative—was urgently hospitalized in 2009 after being diagnosed with an aortic aneurysm. Bayraktar stated that their family closely followed every step of the medical process. He shared how his father's condition recurred over time and how they frequently visited hospitals due to hypertension and related health complications. During this period, they came to understand the disease both through personal experience and through intensive reading.
Recalling their work on national UAVs and unmanned aerial systems, Bayraktar said that in 2021, his father was diagnosed with a rapidly progressing and aggressive form of cancer. In response, he immersed himself in oncology and biomedical research, reviewing hundreds of academic papers and consulting with leading experts in the field. As the cancer was linked to a single mutation, they tried to gain access to a targeted therapy drug that was then in phase three clinical trials.
Despite their efforts, the drug did not have the desired effect , and they eventually lost his father. Bayraktar explained that this deeply personal experience led to the idea of founding an organization to support scientific research, contribute to public health, and help heal others. "We founded this foundation with the aim of bringing healing to others," he said.
Following his remarks, Selçuk Bayraktar responded to questions from students in attendance.
After the speech, Prof. Dr. Nihat İnanç, Rector of our university, awarded Bayraktar an honorary doctorate in recognition of his significant contributions to Türkiye's scientific and technological progress, particularly in the fields of defense, aviation, and space technologies.
In his address, Prof. Dr. İnanç expressed the university's pride in hosting such an important congress. He remarked that today's youth are living in an era of great opportunity, stating, “When we describe the period prior to the 2000s, some of you may think we're exaggerating—as if we're talking about the Stone Age. But this was the reality in Türkiye back then. At that time, we were a country that wasn't even allowed to produce tires for our tanks. Today, we are a nation that not only develops UAVs but also exports them worldwide."
Prof. Dr. İnanç emphasized that Haliç University shares the same forward-thinking vision, adding, “The core mission of TEKMER, which we have established within our university, is to develop AI-based health technologies. Our approach begins with the individual and extends to society as a whole—a model we believe will benefit the future of our nation."
Mehmet Ali Nart, Chairman of the Cansağlığı Foundation Board, provided insights into the foundation's community health initiatives. He highlighted projects such as psychosocial support services following the February 6 earthquake, collaborative medical activities with youth during TEKNOFEST, and an AI-assisted cancer screening project. Nart noted that the foundation has established representation at 108 universities across Türkiye and has collaborated with volunteers in 63 provinces. He also shared that more than 18,000 volunteer applications have been received to date, and 715 students have been awarded scholarships.
Advice to Future Scientists from Nobel Laureate Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar
The first day of the congress concluded with an inspiring keynote by Nobel Laureate Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar, titled "Perseverance and Success in Science: The Future of Genetic Research." Sancar opened his talk by recalling childhood memories, sharing how—under the influence of Ottoman history—he once believed that Aleppo belonged to Türkiye, only to later learn it was a city in Syria.
He discussed global scientific trends, noting that the United States' dominance in science is gradually declining, while China is rapidly gaining ground. Sancar underscored the importance of scientific collaboration among Turkic nations, stating that countries such as Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and others could achieve what China has through strong cooperation.
He also stressed that scientists must work independently of political and religious influence, and emphasized the need for greater support for young people in science. Sancar particularly highlighted the importance of providing equal educational opportunities for women so that they can play a greater role in the scientific community. He called for increased freedom and institutional support in scientific research, and underscored the importance of equal access to education and research opportunities across the Turkic world.
Emphasizing the value of scientific freedom, Sancar stated that fostering curiosity-driven research is essential. He asserted that educating and empowering the next generation of scientists would be key to achieving both societal development and prosperity.
“I am not a political scientist," he concluded, “but as a scientist, I believe that prioritizing the basic sciences is essential—not just for Türkiye, but for the entire Turkic scientific community. Technology is important, yes—but without a strong foundation in fundamental sciences, we remain dependent on others. That's one of the major issues still facing Türkiye. In many cases, we fail to provide equal access to education for women and girls. As a result, we lose nearly 50% of our potential workforce. That's why we must ensure equal opportunities for both men and women—and create real chances for all."
Haliç University Academics Contribute to the Congress
Several faculty members from Haliç University also made meaningful contributions to the congress. Prof. Dr. Ece Salihoğlu, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, shared her personal journey to becoming a physician in a session titled "The Invisible Side of the White Coat." Associate Prof. Dr. Pınar Köroğlu, Vice Dean of the Faculty, moderated a session on "Surgical Medicine and Oncology."
Prof. Dr. Doğaç Niyazi Özüçelik, Coordinator of the Applied Clinical Phase, supported the event with both theoretical and hands-on workshops. The session "The First Touch to the Living Rhythm" drew significant interest and will be held again for Haliç medical students in May.
Dr. Caner Çelik, a faculty member, led a session titled "Evaluation of ECG Rhythms in Emergency Cases," while Prof. Dr. Ali Kubilay Korkut delivered a two-part theoretical and practical course on Heart Transplantation and Cardiac Assist Devices as part of the same workshop.