The opening of the 3rd International Medical Student Congress, which builds a bridge between nature and health, was held at the Near East University Atatürk Culture and Congress Center with intense participation.
The opening of the 3rd International Medical Student Congress "Habitat Cyprus 2025", organized in cooperation with the Near East University Faculty of Medicine and the Dean of Students, took place at the Near East University Atatürk Culture and Congress Center. During the three-day congress, the effects of natural and artificial environments on human health will continue to be addressed from different aspects with scientific presentations and discussions.
At the opening of the congress, which brought together medical students and academics from all over the world, the 'Medstone Music Group' consisting of medical students and the dance group consisting of Sudanese students presented an enjoyable show.
The opening speech of the congress was made by the Rector of Near East University Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine Prof. Dr. Gamze Mocan, Congress Coordinator Prof. Dr. Murat Özgören and the President of the Congress, Near East University Faculty of Medicine Student Intern Dr. Gökay Olgun. At the end of the congress, a 'pine sapling' was presented to the participants in order to contribute to nature and to keep the memory of the congress alive for many years.
The first day started with presentations and projects that shed light on the future
The first day of the program, which was completed with poster and project presentations, was held in three sessions. In the first session, Prof. Dr. Murat Özgören addressed the relationship between environment and public health with his presentation titled “Planet and Lease Agreement” and Prof. Dr. İlkay Salihoğlu addressed the relationship between environment and public health with his presentation titled “Marine Ecosystem and Public Health”. The second session featured student papers. Dima Mestarihi evaluated skin cancer rates in Northern Cyprus; Noushika Sahandifar evaluated the effects of environmental factors on stroke; and Mohammadsadegh Jafari evaluated the effects of mold on children’s health. In the last session, Prof. Dr. Ayşegül Taylan addressed a current issue with her speech titled “Are bedbug infestations increasing in Türkiye?” Burak Durmaz, Aya Abdelrahman and Chakameh Mahjouriannamari each made a presentation within the scope of student papers. Poster and project presentations were held in the last part of the day. Participants had the opportunity to share their research projects and poster studies in this session.
The three-day congress will conclude with six sessions, two workshops and two poster presentations. The congress will be enriched with student presentations, and participants will increase their scientific knowledge by making presentations in different areas of medical science. This process will contribute to the development of medical education worldwide. On the last day of the congress, participants will be taken on trips to Nicosia and Kyrenia.
Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ: “This congress is not only a scientific event but also a strong expression of environmental awareness.”
Stating that the “Habitat Cyprus 2025” congress is not only a scientific event but also a strong expression of environmental awareness, academic solidarity and international student cooperation, Near East University President Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ said, “You have once again demonstrated the importance of student unions, which our university supports with great determination. These unions, which ensure the integration of our faculties, especially in the field of health, with the world, play a major role in establishing cooperation among students and developing leadership skills.”
Addressing the students in his speech, Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ said, “Dear students, you are at the heart of this congress. Each of your presentations is not only a sharing of knowledge; it is also an indication of courage, effort and belief in science. I hope that this congress will be both a productive academic experience and a personally inspiring one for you.” Prof. Dr. Tamer Şanlıdağ thanked everyone who contributed to the congress and then said, “We will continue to work together for a medical approach that protects nature, prioritizes people and enhances the culture of solidarity.”
Common steps for health and nature
Stating that the congress will be a significant turning point not only regarding nature but also human health, Prof. Dr. Gamze Mocan, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine of Near East University, said, “We aim to produce solutions that can protect the health of nature and humans by deeply examining the effects of the environment we live in on health. As doctors, health professionals and researchers of the future, we will all take the necessary steps towards building a healthier society.” Prof. Dr. Murat Özgören, who undertook the coordination of the congress, also drew attention to the fact that climate change, migration crises and microplastics have become not only scientific but also medical issues. The solution to all of these is through adopting an interdisciplinary approach,” said Prof. Dr. Murat Özgören, adding, “As doctors, we should not only heal bodies but also be protectors who protect our common living space. We should work with global cooperation and partnerships not only to fight diseases but also to build a healthy world.”
Stating that they aimed to raise awareness, learn and develop solution suggestions regarding habitat, Congress President Intern Dr. Gökay Olgun said, “I believe that our congress will play an important role in the formation of future health policies and the advancement of public health.”
