The Nesin Mathematics Village Featured in Notices
The Science Academy member Ali Nesin’s Mathematics Village was extensively featured in American Mathematical Society’s monthly magazine Notices.
To read the article please click.
Restricting Research on Refugees is Against Scientific Freedom
The Science Academy is deeply concerned about the latest letter sent to all universities restricting research on refugees.
To read the full announcement click here.
The Science Academy Statement on Astrology (Horoscopes) and Universities
You may find below excerpts from The Science Academy Statement on Astrology (Horoscopes) and Universities:
“According to the basic premises of scientific research and education at the university level, universities have to base their actions in scientific issues on evidence, observation and experiments.
Astrology (horoscopes) is not a scientific discipline.
The claim that groups of stars who seem to be close together when viewed from the Earth although they are actually very far from each other can determine the destiny of humans from this immense distance not only goes against basic common sense, but has also been falsified by countless observations.
Nevertheless, …
The Science Academy Report on Academic Freedoms– 2015
A number of events which have taken place in Turkey point to serious interferences with the academic freedoms much needed by scientists. In order to draw public attention to this matter, The Science Academy has issued its Report on Academic Freedoms 2015, excerpts from which can be found below:
“A founding principle of The Science Academy is freedom in the field of science. Scientific freedom is guaranteed by Article 27 and scientific autonomy by Article 130 of the Turkish Constitution. However, a number of events which have occurred in Turkey have attested to the presence of serious interference …
The Youth’s Potential and Religious Education: İmam-Hatip Schools and Religion Classes
Science Academy member Prof. Çiğdem Kağıtçıbaşı has penned the report entitled “Youth’s Potential and Religious Education: İmam-Hatip Schools and Religion Classes,” excerpts from which are available below:
“Turkey’s education problem has remained grave throughout the years. Here, access to education is the basic problem. For instance, according to UNESCO’s ‘Education For All’ report dated 2008, the mandatory scholarization rate, which stood at 96% in developed countries, was 88% in Turkey. The same report indicated that, among 86 countries, Turkey was one of those which would not reach the 100% scholarization rate target by 2015.
“Particularly, the difference between girls and …
Report on the Draft Law on the Establishment of Health Institutes Administration
“Draft Law on the Establishment Health Institutes Administration and Amendments to Certain Laws and Executive Decrees” proposes the establishment of Health Institutes Directorate of Turkey (TÜSEB) and a health university, as well as a number of new regulations concerning the Council of Higher Education (YÖK) and universities.
Legal scholar Prof. Yeşim M. Atamer, a member of The Science Academy’s Commission on Ethics and Human Rights, has penned a report criticizing the draft law in terms of scientific principles, law, universities, research and the health system. Below are excerpts from the recently issued report:
“The report hereby was based on the …
Statement on the Soma Mining Disaster
In the mining disaster which happened at the Soma Mining Company on May 13, 2014, although over 300 citizens were evacuated, close to 300 citizens lost their lives. Below are excerpts from the statement on the matter issued by The Science Academy:
“As we are deeply shocked by this dismal event which happened today, we need the guidance of science and reason in order to support those families who are trying to make ends meet under difficult conditions, and to ensure that …
The Science Academy Report on the New Code of Discipline by YÖK
The amendments to the Council of Higher Education’s (YÖK) Code of Discipline for Directors, Faculty Members and Civil Servants were issued on the Official Gazette dated January 29, 2014 and thereby came into immediate effect. The amendments introduce changes to the individual and scientific freedoms of academics, take certain deeds and activities out of the scope of disciplinary action, reduce sanctions for certain acts while toughening them for others. Furthermore, the amendment also includes measures directly related to scientific activity and especially research, such as plagiarism. The following paragraphs are taken from the report issued by The Science …
The Science Academy Board of Directors Statement on Plagiarism
The Science Academy Statement on Plagiarism is as follows: “Council of State’s latest comment on plagiarism has drawn attention to this issue which constitutes a widespread and deep-rooted moral and scientific problem. According to this comment by the Council of State on applicable law and regulations, those who commit plagiarism will not be discharged of their position as faculty members.
Plagiarism means stealing elements and information from someone else’s work, and presenting these as one’s own. In ethical terms, plagiarism is not different from theft or fraud for personal gain. Lack of sanctions against forgery concerning the accuracy, origin …
The Science Academy Board of Directors Statement on the Gezi Park Events
The Science Academy Statement on the Gezi Park Events is as follows:
“In the context of the protests which started at Gezi Park in Istanbul at the end of May to later spread across the country, The Science Academy sees serious problems in terms of freedoms of association, expression and acquiring information, and the implementation of decisions and policies based on information.
The government has insisted on taking action without regard for expert opinions and criticisms, in …