High School Students Meet Science at GTU

July 6, 2026 - GTU Office of Press and Public Relations
 

— 275 high school students from across Türkiye gained hands-on experience with scientific research in 23 different academic departments at GTU.

— During the week-long program, students participated in laboratory research and practical workshops under the guidance of academic staff.

High school students from across Türkiye stepped into the world of science through hands-on activities in the research laboratories of Gebze Technical University (GTU).

Gebze Technical University (GTU) hosted the "Meet Science: Research Internship Program," organized to foster young people's curiosity about science and introduce them to a research culture at an early age. Expanded this year, the program welcomed 275 high school students from different provinces across Türkiye, who took part in activities organized by 23 academic departments.

Orientation and Opening Session

The program began with an opening session at the GTU Congress and Cultural Center. On the first day, an orientation program and information session were delivered by M. Çağatay Aktürk, Manager of Press and Public Relations, and Çiçek Tomrukçu, PhD, Coordinator of the Science Communication Office. Following the orientation, GTU Vice-Rectors Prof. Elif Damla Arısan and Prof. Mahmut Durmuş welcomed the participants with opening remarks and wished them a productive and inspiring experience. The first day concluded with introductory activities held within the participating departments.

Hands-on Laboratory Experience in 23 Departments

Throughout the week, students explored research conducted in 23 departments affiliated with the Faculties of Engineering, Aerospace, Science, Architecture, and Business Administration, as well as the Institutes of Nanotechnology and Biotechnology.

Workshops and laboratory sessions were organized in the fields of Computer Engineering, Bioengineering, Biotechnology, Environmental Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Cyber Security Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Molecular Biology and Genetics, Nanotechnology, Data Science, Industrial Design, Architecture, Economics, Management, and Management Information Systems.

Working alongside faculty members and research assistants, the students gained firsthand laboratory experience and transformed theoretical knowledge into practical skills. The program also helped participants make more informed decisions about their future university education and academic interests.

Closing Ceremony and Certificate Presentation

A closing ceremony was held on the final day of the program. Certificates of participation were presented to the young researchers by GTU Vice-Rector Prof. Elif Damla Arısan, department heads, and faculty members. Organized under the slogan, "Take Your First Step Into Science at GTU," the program concluded with a group photograph commemorating the week-long scientific experience.