Science and technology came together in Beykoz

The “Optimistic Future Science Festival” organized by Istanbul Medipol University, opened its doors to visitors with an inaugural ceremony held in Beykoz Square. Supported under the ninth call of the TÜBİTAK 4007 Science Festivals Support Program, the festival has brought together participants from different age groups to explore various fields of science and technology through hands-on activities.

Held at the Beykoz Coastal Event Area from October 22 to 24, 2026, the festival aims to make scientific knowledge accessible to all segments of society while developing young people's scientific thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.  
 

STRONG PARTICIPATION IN THE OPENING CEREMONY
The opening ceremony was attended by numerous academics, students, and members of the public, including Prof. Yasemin Yüksel Durmaz, Vice President of Istanbul Medipol University; Assoc. Prof. Abdurrahman Çetin, Secretary General; Burak Karaçam, Deputy Mayor of Beykoz; and Fatih Ürkmezer, District Governor of Beykoz. 

Opening speeches were delivered by Prof. Yasemin Yüksel Durmaz, Vice President of Istanbul Medipol University; Assoc. Prof. Tuba Işık, Director of the Career Center; Dr. İkbal Alp, Project Coordinator; and Sevcenur Özcan, Beykoz District Director of National Education.
 

PARTICIPANTS BEGIN EXPLORING THE TECHNOLOGIES OF THE FUTURE
At workshops and activity stations established throughout the festival grounds, participants had the opportunity not only to learn about scientific developments but also to experience them firsthand. 

Activities covering a wide range of subjects, from AI-assisted design and basic algorithms and coding to Python programming, data analysis, and virtual reality applications, brought science into everyday life.

Participants explored the world of astronomy through planetarium shows and constellation projections while discovering different scientific approaches through biomimicry activities focusing on technologies inspired by nature.

Environmental and sustainability activities, philosophy sessions for children, art workshops, and discussions on the future of artificial intelligence further highlighted the festival's interdisciplinary character. 

FROM SCIENTIFIC CURIOSITY TO SOCIAL BENEFIT
Organized around the theme of “Optimistic Future”the festival emphasized the importance of equipping young people with scientific knowledge and solution-oriented thinking skills to address future challenges.  

Welcoming a broad audience, from middle and high school students to university students, children, and adults, the event transformed science from a field associated primarily with specialists into an accessible environment for discovery, experimentation, and creativity. 
 

The project is being carried out under the institutional responsibility of Istanbul Medipol University's Office of the Ombudsperson for the Prevention of Discrimination and Equality, with Dr. İkbal Alp serving as Project Coordinator and Semih Fırat Avşar as Project Specialist.

Implemented in cooperation with Beykoz Municipality, the Beykoz District Directorate of National Education, and Barbaros Hayrettin Paşa Vocational and Technical Anatolian High School, the festival has provided a platform for strengthening scientific engagement between the University and the wider community.

FESTIVAL CONTINUES UNTIL OCTOBER 24
Aiming to reach approximately 5,000 participants, the Optimistic Future Science Festival continues to welcome visitors at the Beykoz Coastal Event Area from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily until October 24. Open to the public, the festival continues with workshops, scientific demonstrations, and hands-on activities designed for participants of different age groups.