A Strong Contribution from BEUN to National Health Policies: Prof. Dr. Taner Bayraktaroğlu Appointed to the Ministry of Health Obesity Science Board

Prof. Dr. Taner Bayraktaroğlu, Director of the Obesity and Diabetes Research and Application Center at Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University (BEUN) and Head of the Division of Endocrinology and Metabolic Diseases in the Department of Internal Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine, has been appointed as a member of the Obesity Science Board established by the Turkish Ministry of Health.

Emphasizing that serving on this distinguished board—which was established to combat the rising obesity rates in Turkey through evidence-based scientific approaches—is a great responsibility, Prof. Dr. Bayraktaroğlu made the following statement:

“The increasing prevalence of obesity in our country and around the world is not only a personal health issue, but also a matter of critical importance for public health policies. It is a great honor and a serious responsibility for me to serve on this esteemed board, which was formed in alignment with the objectives of the 12th Development Plan of the Presidency and the 2024–2028 Strategic Plan of the Ministry of Health, aiming to develop scientific solutions, create strategic plans, and promote a culture of healthy living.

I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our Minister of Health, Prof. Dr. Kemal Memişoğlu, and the entire Ministry of Health family for deeming me worthy of this important duty. I also extend my heartfelt thanks to our Rector, Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer, who has continuously contributed to the development of our university in the field of health and has always supported us with his invaluable encouragement, as well as to all our academic and administrative staff.”

Rector Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer: "Prof. Dr. Taner Bayraktaroğlu’s Appointment Is a Source of Pride and Honor for Our University"

Rector of Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University (BEUN), Prof. Dr. İsmail Hakkı Özölçer, expressed his great pride and satisfaction regarding the appointment of Prof. Dr. Taner Bayraktaroğlu as a member of the Ministry of Health Obesity Science Board, stating:

“The appointment of one of our esteemed academics, Prof. Dr. Taner Bayraktaroğlu, to the Ministry of Health Obesity Science Board is a strong indication of both his outstanding achievements in his field and the scientific productivity of our university, which has now reached a level capable of shaping national health policies.

Our professor's long-standing, high-quality academic work in the field of obesity and metabolic diseases will provide valuable contributions to this important board. This success once again highlights the scientific depth of our university in the field of health sciences and its mission to produce knowledge that benefits society. Through his notable studies and the impactful activities he has conducted with his team at our Obesity and Diabetes Research and Application Center, our center continues to be a pioneering institution in this area.

With this new role, our esteemed colleague will contribute to our country’s goal of raising healthier generations and serve as a role model for young academics. On this occasion, I extend my sincere thanks to our Minister of Health, Prof. Dr. Kemal Memişoğlu, and all relevant departments of the Ministry of Health, for their leadership in establishing such a valuable board and for entrusting this responsibility to our professor.

The strong collaboration between universities and ministries in shaping science-based policies is a great gain not only for public health in our country but also for the academic community. I wholeheartedly congratulate Prof. Dr. Taner Bayraktaroğlu, and I wish him continued success, with the hope that he will make significant contributions to this important board through his knowledge, expertise, and experience.”