Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) engaged young people in science through its internationally recognized “REAL BRAIN” project, implemented within the scope of Brain Awareness Week. Organized annually by the Dana Foundation, Brain Awareness Week is a worldwide initiative aimed at raising public awareness of neuroscience and brain research. As part of the campaign, the Federation of European Neuroscience Societies (FENS) provides support on behalf of the Dana Foundation to selected projects each year. In 2026, 99 projects from 44 countries were chosen to receive support awards. The “REAL BRAIN” project, coordinated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Amber Eker Bakkaloğlu of the EMU Dr. Fazıl Küçük Medicine Faculty, was among the award recipients.
Reflecting EMU’s commitment to scientific excellence and community engagement, the project included visits to the science festivals of Eastern Mediterranean Doğa College, Bülent Ecevit Anatolian High School (BEAL), and Namık Kemal High School (NKL). Organized under the theme “Come and Touch the Brain”, the initiative featured the active involvement of project coordinator and neurologist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Amber Eker Bakkaloğlu, alongside EMU Dr. Fazıl Küçük Medicine Fauclty academic staff member Namık Kerküklü and first-year students from the faculty. Students from primary school Grade 4 through high school Grade 12 participated in the activities, which allowed them to embark on an immersive virtual tour of the brain through virtual reality technology. Through interactive applications and engaging puzzles, participants explored the structure and functions of the brain while enjoying a fun and educational scientific experience.
The event concluded with a plaque presentation with the participation of President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Tufan Erhürman, EMU Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Ali Öztüren, and EMU Secretary General Derviş Ekşici. Project coordinator and neurologist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Amber Eker Bakkaloğlu presented commemorative plaques to Beran Tanseloğlu, Principal of Eastern Mediterranean Doğa College, Erdoğan Keskindağ, Principal of Bülent Ecevit Anatolian High School (BEAL), and Ahmet Billuroğlu, Principal of Namık Kemal High School (NKL).
