The Science Academy’s Second Declaration on Freedom of Expression

Freedom of Expression, Law, Democracy, Social Development and Power

 

In view of the fact that a group of academics (“Academics for Peace”) who signed a petition are facing pressures including dismissal and imprisonment, we would once again like to underscore citizens’ and academics’ freedom of expression, and right to express their opinions. These rights and freedoms constitute the sine qua non of democracy and the rule of law. The free sharing of opinions and information serves as a guarantee for social consensus and a healthy and democratic dialogue among all citizens. Academics, who are expected to produce and disseminate fresh information …

By |18/04/2016|Comments Off on The Science Academy’s Second Declaration on Freedom of Expression

The Science Academy’s Report on Homeopathy

An unscientific disease treatment method: Homeopathy

Recently we have been worried to see certain universities, and even faculties of medicine, promote and host meetings on homeopathy in their campuses.
Although devoid of any active medical substance, homeopathic treatment is seen to replace medical methods in certain cases, putting the lives of patients at serious risk.

To read the full report please click.

By |22/03/2016|Comments Off on The Science Academy’s Report on Homeopathy

The Science Academy’s Declaration on Freedom of Expression

The Science Academy’s Declaration on the Freedom of Expression

15.01.2016

The Science Academy observes with immense concern and worry the developments that have followed the declaration of the text entitled “We will not be a party to this crime”, signed by over one thousand academics. Undoubtedly, political violence and terror constitute a fierce attack on all humanitarian values including human honor and right to life, as well as all the basic rights and freedoms. Violence, hatred and hostility should never be legitimized, defended, praised or encouraged in a democratic society. Both the Turkish constitution and the treaties on human rights signed by …

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Jocelyn Bell Burnell – Istanbul – 04.02.2016

From 2016, The Science Academy is starting a series of Annual Lectures by eminent natural and social scientists and scholars in humanities.

The first lecture will be given by reknowned astrophysicist Prof. Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell, who is best known for discovering pulsars, one of the most significant scientific achievements of the twentieth century.

“An introduction to pulsars – throwing some light on gravity and relativity”
4.2.2016 – 16:00

Boğaziçi University –  Albert Long Hall

Please click for the press release.

By |24/12/2015|Comments Off on Jocelyn Bell Burnell – Istanbul – 04.02.2016

The Science Academy Statement on Vaccination

The following excerpts are from the report on vaccination by the Science Academy Working Group:

“In recent years, it has been observed that various groups criticize vaccination, the most effective method devised by science to protect against infectious disease, based on deficient and erroneous information, and suggest that humans, especially children should not be vaccinated.

“Today, the medical community shares the consensus that vaccination is the most efficient, economical and practical protection method against infectious diseases. It was only through vaccination that illnesses which had killed or maimed millions in previous centuries were wiped off the face of the Earth. …

By |31/07/2015|Comments Off on The Science Academy Statement on Vaccination

The Science Academy Statement on the Limitation of Studies on Immigrants

The Science Academy’s Statement on the Limitation of Studies on Immigrants is as follows:

“Limitation of Studies on Immigrants Goes Against Scientific Freedoms!

On April 6, 2015, the Ministry of Interior sent a communiqué entitled “Field Studies on Individuals Seeking Temporary International Protection” to the Council of Higher Education (YÖK), which later passed it on to presidents’ offices at universities across Turkey on April 10th, 2015. In brief, the communiqué states that …

By |13/06/2015|Comments Off on The Science Academy Statement on the Limitation of Studies on Immigrants

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, …

By |30/05/2015|Comments Off on The Science Academy Statement on Astrology (Horoscopes) and Universities

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 …

By |07/05/2015|Comments Off on The Science Academy Report on Academic Freedoms– 2015