ERU hosted the opening meeting of the project on Innovative Aviation and Space Technologies Training and Applications for BILSEM Teachers, conducted as part of the TUBITAK 4005 support and in collaboration with ERU, Kayseri University, Karadeniz Technical University, Turkish Energy, Nuclear and Mineral Research Agency (TENMAK), and Gazi University.

AK Party Kayseri Deputy Dr. Murat Cahid Cıngı, ERU Rector Prof. Dr. Fatih Altun, TENMAK Executive Board Vice-Chairman Prof. Dr. Uğur Çevik, Dean of the Faculty of Aeronautics and Astronautics Prof. Dr. Nafiz Kahraman, academics, and teachers working in science and arts centers attended the event held at the Conference Hall of the Faculty of Aeronautics and Astronautics.

Dr. Murat Cahid Cıngı talked about the importance of studies on defense industry and space. He said: “All technological and R&D developments in the world always emerge as a result of the studies on aviation. These studies will also strengthen the technological infrastructure in our country.”

Rector Altun underlined that the project is an indicator of a crucial collaboration. He drew attention to the importance of establishing specialized organized industrial zones in cities for the defense industry and said: “Kayseri has broken new ground having a tendency towards aviation and defense industry. I wholeheartedly wish Kayseri to be supported in these areas. I think that the specialized organized industries especially in the newly established organized industrial zones for defense industries will help many issues in the city to be resolved. Aviation culture is well-established in the city.”

He stated that the Faculty of Aeronautics and Astronautics has been conducting studies in the field and said: “One of our basic duties is to participate in studies that have added-value to the country and all humanity. Erciyes university makes a name for itself in every field and will continue to do so.”

Prof. Dr. Uğur Çevik said: “Conducting new research in the field of space has become one of the most significant characteristics of all countries. Our country has reached a leading position in the race thanks to the noteworthy developments that our country has achieved in the field of aviation and space, especially unmanned aerial vehicles and satellite technologies, through domestic and national resources it has developed in recent years. Especially the space missions fulfilled by national astronauts in the last few months and the first test flights of national combat aircraft Kaan demonstrate our competitive power in this field. All these developments have attracted the attention of the whole society, especially the young people, to this field. The interest that has emerged with TEKNOFEST in recent years has spread to all segments of society and gained a special place in science and arts centers in particular. These developments in the field of space and aviation also increase the demand of the students studying in science and arts centers for workshops.”

Prof. Dr. Nafiz Kahraman, Dean of the Faculty of Aeronautics and Astronautics, said that they were happy to host the event and gave information about the faculty.

Project Coordinator Dr. Mehmet Yükseksöylemez gave information about the project.

Following the speeches, certificates were presented to the project team.