The First Science Café Event Was Held at Our University
Our university successfully hosted the "Science Café" event, which was organized simultaneously across Turkey—spanning 81 provinces and over 150 universities—on June 27–28, 2025, under the coordination of the Council of Higher Education’s Science Communication Offices with the aim of bringing knowledge to society.
As part of the event, a talk titled “Tiny Creatures, Huge Impacts: Venom Mechanisms of Arachnids and Their Role in Biodiversity” was organized by our University’s Science Communication Coordination Office.
Academic and administrative staff, students, and members of the public showed great interest in the event, which was held at the City Archive and Ethnography Museum, an institution operating under our university.
Delivering the opening remarks, Dr. Hazal Yüksekkaya, Coordinator of the University’s Science Communication Office, stated that "Science Cafe" events were being held simultaneously at nearly 150 universities—including our own—on June 27–28, under the coordination of the Council of Higher Education. Dr. Yüksekkaya also provided participants with information about the University’s Science Communication Office and the Science Cafe events.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Melek Erdek, a faculty member at our University’s Vocational School of Health Services, shared important information about arachnids during her presentation. She noted, “Arachnids are a diverse group of organisms comprising ten distinct orders, such as spiders, solifuges (camel spiders), and scorpions. Represented by numerous species worldwide, many members of this group are venomous.” While highlighting the public health significance of venomous species, she also discussed methods for protection against and control of these species.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Erdek also emphasized the importance of Hakkâri province in terms of biodiversity, stating: “Due to its biogeographical location, Hakkâri is home to both Irano-Turanian and Saharo-Arabian elements. This characteristic significantly enhances the region's species diversity.” The presentation also provided detailed information regarding the species diversity in Hakkâri, the toxicity levels of species found in the region, their roles in agricultural ecosystems, and their significance for human health.
During the Q&A session held at the end of the event, participants had the opportunity to directly access scientific information by asking questions about topics that interested them.
The program concluded with the presentation of certificates of appreciation and a group photo.