President Abdullah Gül paid a visit to the National Nanotechnology Centre (UNAM), situated within the campus of Bilkent University in Ankara.
At UNAM, President Gül was briefed about the centre and its activities. After the briefing, Mr. Gül made a statement to the press, observing that Turkey had been late in catching up with the industrial revolution and subsequent developments in the world. He indicated that with the emergence of nanotechnology at the beginning of the century, Turkey was now determined not to miss this opportunity. The President underlined that all the state organisations, relevant authorities, universities and research institutes were enthusiastic about the potential offered by this new technology.
“This time, we will treasure the opportunity”
President Gül said: “If investments are made with appropriate care, and priorities are correctly identified, Turkey will this time treasure the opportunity to keep up with technological developments. I believe that Turkey will soon become one of the main pioneering countries in the world of nanotechnology.”
Referring to the many distinguished, well-educated Turkish scientists with high academic credentials who work in the centre, he noted that these scientists had abandoned their positions at the world`s top universities to return to their homeland. Mr. Gül stressed that the centre was of particularly importance for the future of Turkey.
“Our enthusiasm should be focused on this subject”
President Gül pointed out that Turkey`s enthusiasm should be focused on technological issues. As a country with a sizeable population and a long history, which also holds a strategic position in the region, he recommended that Turkey would do well to become a country which specialised in producing technology.
The recent increase in the support given by various institutions - particularly the government - for research and development (R&D) projects is encouraging, he said, adding that Turkey would most certainly become a pioneering country in forthcoming nanotechnology research, and that he has witnessed that it has both the potential and the skill to do so, which is supremely encouraging for the country’s future.
Firsts in nanotechnology
In his statement, Mr. Gül also declared: “I believe that the name of this centre will be heard many times in the future, in association with developing firsts in the field of nanotechnology. I have been briefed about some of these firsts and patenting for these is underway. I believe new inventions will soon be added to them.”
Welcome to UNAM
During his three-hour visit, Mr. Gül also was shown a fascinating presentation in the nanofabrication laboratory. The scientists working in the laboratory showed Mr. Gül an inscription on a computer screen, which read, “Mr. President, welcome to UNAM.” It had been inscribed on a plate the thickness of which was only one thousandth of a hair. They told him that the same inscription could be written on a hair.
President Gül`s recommendation for the future
Mr. Gül instructed the officials to continue their nanotechnology research and also to take the necessary legal and financial measures in this respect to protect it. The ministers concerned said that they would do so.
Accompanying President Gül during his visit to UNAM were Mehmet Aydın, the State Minister in charge of technology and information; Cevdet Yılmaz, the State Minister in charge of the State Planning Organization (DPT); the Chairman of the Higher Education Board (YÖK), Professor Yusuf Ziya Özcan; DPT Undersecretary Kemal Madenoğlu; Chairwoman of the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK, Professor Nüket Yetiş; and Bilkent University Rector Professor Ali Doğramacı.
