Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU), Earthquake Research and Application Center (DAUM) and the Department of Geology and Mining operating under the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Deputy Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Tourism, Culture, Youth and Environment signed a collaboration protocol with the aim of conducting seismic studies in Cyprus and the broader Mediterranean region, facilitating the use of innovative technologies in earthquake research, enhancing public awareness, making evaluations, and proposing science and technology-driven, future-focused solutions. The signing session of the protocol took place on Tuesday, 25 March 2025 at 11:30 a.m. at EMU Rector’s Office where EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç and the Director of TRNC Department of Geology and Mining Ayşen Albayrak signed the said protocol.

Present during the signing session were, EMU Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatee, EMU Vice Rector for Promotion and Institutional Communication Prof. Dr. Ali Öztüren, EMU General Secretary Derviş Ekşici, Rector’s Office Coordinator Assist. Prof. Dr. Arzu Abiç, Chair of DAUM and EMU Department of Civil Engineering academic staff member Prof. Dr. Mahmood Hosseini, DAUM Executive Board member and Department of Civil Engineering academic staff member Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eriş Uygar, DAUM Executive Board members and Department of Civil Engineering academic staff members  Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Cemal Geneş and Assist. Prof. Dr. Umut Yıldırım.

“Educating the Society Holds Great Importance”

Making remarks before the signing session, Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç stated that they had gathered to sign a protocol, specifically important in terms of contributing to the public. Prof. Dr. Kılıç highlighted the critical importance of conducting studies and raising public awareness, particularly due to the recent earthquakes and the fact that our country is situated on fault lines. Prof. Dr. Kılıç stated that the collaboration between two state institutions would be a significant step in terms of accessing and sharing data. In his speech, Prof. Dr. Kılıç also mentioned the establishment process of the Earthquake Research and Application Center, expressing his pleasure in cooperating with the TRNC Department of Geology and Mining, and thanked everyone who contributed to the protocol.

“We will contribute to Even More Valuable and Scientific Studies with EMU”

Speaking after Prof. Dr. Kılıç, the Director of the TRNC Department of Geology and Mining, Albayrak, emphasized the significance of advancing their work to an academic level. Albayrak expressed confidence that this collaboration with Eastern Mediterranean University would contribute to more valuable and scientific research. Albayrak also extended her gratitude to EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç for his support.