Continuing its activities aimed at increasing social awareness, Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University (BEUN) once again hosted another significant scientific event within the framework of its “Science Cafe” meetings. The program, titled “Clean Air for a Sustainable and Healthy Future with AIRQUEST”, was organized by the BEUN Office of Science Communication and held with strong participation at the cafeteria of the BEUN Faculty of Engineering.
In line with the decisions and incentives of the Council of Higher Education (YÖK), the event was organized by the Science Communication Office established through the initiatives of BEUN Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer. During the event, the project “BSB00168 – Know What You Breathe: Mobilizing Communities for Air Quality in the Black Sea Basin (AIRQUEST),” supported by the European Union under the Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin Program, was discussed. Within the scope of the international AIRQUEST Symposium, topics such as clean air, environmental awareness, and sustainable living were evaluated from different perspectives.
The program was moderated by Asst. Prof. Dr. Melek Toparlak Şahin, Head of the BEUN Science Communication Office. The speakers included Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gökhan Gürbüz, faculty member of BEUN Faculty of Engineering and project coordinator, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bayram Gökbulut from Ereğli Faculty of Education. In addition, AB Project Expert Gabriela Popova from Bulgaria and Project Manager Andrei Dascalu from Romania, partner countries of the AIRQUEST Project, also participated in the program and shared their experiences. Academics and students of the BEUN Faculty of Engineering showed great interest in the event.
In her opening speech, Asst. Prof. Dr. Melek Toparlak Şahin stated that Science Café meetings aim to strengthen the interaction between the university and society, and she thanked BEUN Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer for his support of such events.
Speaking at the event, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gökhan Gürbüz stated that the AIRQUEST Project is an important example of international cooperation in combating air pollution. He noted that air quality measurements were carried out in Zonguldak, Romania, and Bulgaria within the scope of the project, and that an innovative software infrastructure was developed for analyzing the obtained data. Gürbüz also emphasized that BEUN’s role as one of the leading partners in the project is an important and pioneering step for the university.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bayram Gökbulut provided information about the digital game software and educational applications developed within the project. He stated that Zonguldak and BEUN campus areas were transferred into a virtual environment in the game scenarios, allowing participants to feel as if they were inside these spaces during the gaming experience. He also noted that STEM-based educational content was implemented for middle school students and that these awareness programs are being expanded to different institutions.
EU Project Expert Gabriela Popova spoke about the activities carried out in Bulgaria within the project and the collaborations developed with non-governmental organizations. She stated that she was particularly impressed by the STEM education programs and that around 100 middle school students had the opportunity to explore future environmental narratives. She highlighted that it was striking that students imagined a future dominated by grey tones rather than a green, nature-oriented world.
Project Manager Andrei Dascalu addressed the measures individuals can take to improve air quality. He noted that textile, agriculture, and travel activities are among the main factors affecting air pollution, and stated that, according to European Union reports, comprehensive evaluations in this field are conducted in Romania every five years.
The event concluded with friendly discussions among participants and a group photo taken to mark the occasion.
