“May 14 – Pharmacy Day” event, organized by Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) Faculty of Pharmacy, took place on Thursday, 14 May 2026, at Green Hall. Organized with the goal of emphasizing the importance of pharmacy profession and bringing the students together with academics, the event attracted great interest. The event featured Dr. Taner Ercanlı, Secretary General of the Turkish Pharmacists Association, as a guest speaker. The 15th year of the faculty was also celebrated during the event.
EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç, EMU Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe, Dean of EMU Faculty of Pharmacy Prof. Dr. H. Ozan Gülcan, General Secretary of the Turkish Pharmacists Association Dr. Taner Ercanlı, academic and administrative personnel, and students attended the event.
“187th Year of Scientific Pharmacy”
Prof. Dr. H. Ozan Gülcan, Dean of EMU Faculty of Pharmacy, extended his congratulations on the occasion of May 14 Pharmacy Day and expressed his appreciation to all guests participating in the event. Highlighting the importance and meaning of the day, Prof. Dr. Gülcan underlined the vital role played by the pharmacy profession within the healthcare sector. He also noted that the organization had been meticulously planned and stated that May 14 commemorates the 187th year of Scientific Pharmacy, adding that the year 1839 has been accepted as the starting point of scientific pharmacy in Türkiye.
Prof. Dr. Gülcan also underscored the importance of September 25, noting that the date was designated as World Pharmacists Day at a meeting organized by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) in Istanbul upon the recommendation of the Turkish Pharmacists’ Association, and has since been celebrated internationally. At the conclusion of his remarks, Prof. Dr. Gülcan conveyed his best wishes to all colleagues and prospective pharmacists, wishing them success throughout their professional journeys.
The event continued with poster presentations by students who had the opportunity to share their scientific studies with participants of the event. Furthermore, academics also made evaluations of the said presentations. Then, Turkish Pharmacists Association’s Secretary General Dr. Taner Ercanlı touched on the past and future of pharmacy profession and, provided insights on artificial intelligence, digital health technologies and clinical pharmacy.
Following the speech that drew considerable attention from the participants, the event continued with a Q&A session which addressed topics that are inquired by students. The program proceeded with an award ceremony for the poster presentations.
EMU Faculty of Pharmacy Marks Its 15th Anniversary
Within the scope of the May14 Pharmacy Day celebrations, the 15th anniversary of the EMU Faculty of Pharmacy was also celebrated. To commemorate the occasion, a cake-cutting ceremony was held with the participation of EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç and Dean Prof. Dr. H. Ozan Gülcan. The event came to an end with various entertaining activities organized throughout the day, leaving participants with memorable and enjoyable experiences.
“Gained Recognition across a Broad International Region”
Dean of EMU Faculty of Pharmacy Prof. Dr. H. Ozan Gülcan stated in his address that the faculty has undergone remarkable growth and development over the past 15 years. Highlighting the progress achieved in the international accreditation processes of both the undergraduate and doctoral programs, Prof. Dr. Gülcan noted that the faculty has gained recognition across a wide geographical area, particularly throughout Europe. Prof. Dr. Gülcan further emphasized that the Faculty of Pharmacy has attained an international presence reaching from America to Africa, adding that this success is the result of the combined contributions and dedicated efforts of the academic and administrative personnel, students, and alumni.
“Demonstrated Significant Growth since Its Establishment”
EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç highlighted that the day was marked by a special atmosphere both academically and socially, emphasizing the significance of the event. Stating that the EMU Faculty of Pharmacy was established during the 2011–2012 academic year, Prof. Dr. Kılıç noted that the faculty has shown remarkable progress since its foundation and has become one of the university’s most successful faculties. He further emphasized that this achievement has been made possible through the valuable contributions of all academic and administrative staff who have served at the faculty from its founding years to the present day. Highlighting the faculty’s institutional and international advancement, Prof. Dr. Kılıç remarked that students continue their education within a strong academic setting and that this sense of belonging contributes significantly to strengthening the university culture. Prof. Dr. Kılıç concluded his speech by extending his congratulations on Pharmacy Day to all attendees, particularly the graduating students.
