Rector Hacımüftüoğlu Delivered the Opening Lecture for the New Academic Year at KTMÜ


  • 2026-09-29
As part of the opening program for the 2026–2027 Academic Year at the Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University (KTMU), the opening lecture was delivered by Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hacımüftüoğlu, Rector of Atatürk University. Centered around scientific curiosity, research culture, and social responsibility, the lecture discussed the contribution of university education to young people's ways of thinking and professional development.

Titled "From Scientific Curiosity to Social Benefit: The Responsibility of Being a University Student," Hacımüftüoğlu explained the importance for students to spend their educational lives by asking questions, conducting research, and putting what they learn into practice. Addressing young people studying across various disciplines, Hacımüftüoğlu drew attention to the fact that the habit of conducting scientific work can be developed right from the early years of undergraduate education.

“Scientific curiosity turns into research questions”

Stating that university years are a critical period for students to discover and develop their own areas of interest, Hacımüftüoğlu expressed that research can begin with noticing a problem encountered in daily life. He explained that in order to turn an observation into scientific knowledge, it is necessary to ask the right questions, select appropriate methods, and evaluate the obtained results based on evidence.

Advising students to question the sources of the information they read and the conditions under which it was produced, Hacımüftüoğlu noted that comparing different viewpoints and critically evaluating existing explanations are fundamental elements of academic development.

Touching upon the fact that failing to reach expected results during the research process is also a part of learning, Hacımüftüoğlu emphasized the importance of honestly evaluating outcomes and reviewing research methods. He stated that scientific progress requires patient work, regular effort, and openness to criticism.

“The contribution of different disciplines broadens solution possibilities”

Stating that the problems encountered today require different areas of expertise to work together, Hacımüftüoğlu highlighted the value of students enriching their education in their own departments with the perspectives of other disciplines.

He explained that research in the field of health could have aspects related to technology, communication, and social behavior, and similarly, issues in environment, education, and culture can be addressed by utilizing diverse knowledge and methods. He emphasized the importance of skills such as listening to one another, sharing responsibilities, and acting toward a common goal in teamwork.

Evaluating KTMU's structure, which brings together students from different countries within this framework, Hacımüftüoğlu stated that young people getting to know different languages and cultures can enhance their collaborative work experiences. He expressed that academic relationships established during university years can lay the groundwork for future research and professional collaborations.

“Scientific production gains value with ethical responsibility”

Focusing on academic honesty and the responsibilities arising from the use of information, Hacımüftüoğlu stated that properly citing sources, respecting the labor of others, and conveying research results accurately form the foundation of scientific trust.

Expressing that digital tools facilitate access to information and work processes, Hacımüftüoğlu emphasized that students bear the responsibility of verifying the information they use and forming their own evaluations. He touched upon the importance of maintaining active participation in the learning process while utilizing technology.

Stating that professional competence must develop hand-in-hand with a sense of responsibility toward society, Hacımüftüoğlu invited students to think about the relationship between their fields of study and human life. He mentioned that connecting scientific studies with societal needs can expand the application areas of knowledge produced at the university.

Students can start research with small projects

Suggesting that students set achievable goals from the very first year of their university lives, Hacımüftüoğlu stated that regular reading on a topic of interest and seeking guidance from faculty members are important steps to begin research.

He noted that activities such as defining a problem, examining relevant sources, and preparing a small project proposal can develop students' research skills. He recorded that student communities, scientific events, and team projects also offer opportunities to gain experience in this process.

At the end of the lecture, Hacımüftüoğlu invited students to preserve their curiosity, take responsibility in their learning processes, and contribute to the society they live in with the knowledge they acquire, while conveying his best wishes for success in the new academic year.
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