Call from The Science Academy, Turkey on the Global Refugee Crisis
To read The Science Academy, Turkey’s Call on the global refugee crisis please click.
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. …
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 …
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 …
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 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 …