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.

Please click to read the Science Academy’s statement regarding the suspension of the archeological excavations in Ephesus and Limyra.

We strongly condemn the attempted coup. In the light of reason and science the preservation and further development of democracy  is indispensable for the welfare of our people and country, and for the flourishing of science and civilization.

The Science Academy

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 …