Trakya University is hosting the first major scientific event of the 2024-2025 academic year. The 16th National Science and Mathematics Education Congress, organized by the Faculty of Education with the theme “Qualified Science and Mathematics Education for Sustainable Development Goals”, started with the opening ceremony held at the Balkan Congress Center at 09.30 on September 4, 2024.
Prof. Dr. Eylem Bayır, the Chairman of the Congress Organizing Committee, Dean of the Faculty of Education, and Vice-Rector delivered the opening speech at the congress, which Edirne Governor Yunus Sezer, Edirne Deputy Fatma Aksal, and many other guests and participants attended. In her remarks, she expressed the committee's delight and pride in hosting the attendees in Edirne, a city rich in history and culture, and once the capital of the Ottoman Empire for nearly a century. She also emphasized that the congress provides a valuable opportunity to highlight the role of education in science and mathematics in building a sustainable future.
President of the Council of Deans of Faculties of Education and Dean of Gazi Faculty of Education Prof. Dr. Mahmut Selvi made a speech on “Teacher Training in the 21st Century”. Referring to the importance of faculties of education and vocational education for society, Selvi emphasized that Türkiye has an important historical background, academic accumulation, and experience in teacher training and stated that teaching is a field that is at the heart of education and training activities and requires continuous renewal.
Speaking afterward, the Rector of Trakya University, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Hatipler, expressed his honor in hosting the 16th edition of this long-standing congress, which has been held for 32 years, at Trakya University. He highlighted the unique aspects of this year's event and shared his satisfaction with the participation of international attendees at a national congress.
Edirne Governor Yunus Sezer also delivered a speech at the symposium, beginning by thanking the academics who have contributed to the congress over the past 32 years. He noted that throughout history, science has always played a central role, and since the Industrial Revolution, science and mathematics have been at the core of global progress. Sezer also emphasized the importance of sustainability and highlighted the significance of including "Sustainable Development" in the congress title.
After the speeches, plaques were awarded to the participants, institutions, and organizations that contributed to the congress.
More than 600 scientific studies have been accepted for presentation at the congress, which has achieved a historic level of participation with over 1,500 registered researchers and nearly 800 paper submissions. These studies will be presented across 16 halls over 4 days. Trakya University is contributing with 581 oral presentations, 16 workshops, 7 poster presentations, 5 panels, one of which is by invitation, and 3 invited speeches. Additionally, cognate teachers from Western Thrace, Greece, are participating through the Balkan Cooperation Platform of the Edirne Governorship.
Translated by: Deniz ENGİN, Translation Studies MA
