The Science Academy sees it necessary to publicly express once again its concerns on the growing restraints on freedom of science and on its sine qua non condition, the freedom of speech. We sadly observe that the problems we have previously pointed out regarding the freedom of speech are still present. The absence of any significant improvements, on the contrary, an increase in negative practices have turned the problem into a systematic issue.

To read the full statement please click.

Blocking access to an encyclopedia that is used as a reference material at every level of education, and thus severing a channel of access to information deprives our society from information and open debate. Such an approach seriously undermines Turkey’s image in the 21st century.

Please click to read the Science Academy’s statement about the ban on Wikipedia in Turkey.

The Science Academy deems it necessary to underscore once again its “Statement on the Academics Dismissed from Public Service under State of Emergency” issued on October 3, 2016.

Please click to read the new statement.

On October 29^th, Day of the Republic, the Executive Decree no. 676 issued under conditions of State of Emergency has established a new system to designate university presidents. From now on, presidents of state universities will be appointed by the President of the Republic from among three candidates nominated by the Council of Higher Education (YÖK), and presidents of private foundation universities will be appointed again by the President of the Republic from among three candidates nominated by the board of trustees and approved by YÖK. Please click for the full text.