Pioneering Turkish Cancer Scientists Meet at the Antalya Summit of Those Who Left Their Mark on Oncology

On 14-17 November 2019 in Antalya, held in memory of Prof. Dr. Mustafa Samur, the Summit of Those Who Left Their Mark on Oncologybrings together Turkish scientists from all over the world who have carried out pioneering cancer research. The joint statement by congress presidents Prof. Dr. Ahmet Demirkazık, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Özdoğan and Prof. Dr. Cumhur Arıcı is as follows:

The congress, organized by the Antalya Branch of the Turkish Association for Cancer Research and Control, aims to bring together "Turkish scientists who have made important advances in cancer" and "young cancer researchers."

In 2008, at the age of 42, the Akdeniz University Faculty of Medicine faculty member Prof. Dr. Mustafa Samurpassed away. His friends set out to commemorate him by bringing together all disciplines working in cancer and creating new sparks for young researchers through guidance from internationally successful academics attending the congress. With nearly 150 scientists serving in the program and nearly 500 academics and young cancer researchers attending, the scientific community also embraces Antalya businesspeople. Through their in-kind and cash contributions, many young researchers from across the country gained an opportunity to attend and hear scientists who have left their mark on cancer at home and abroad. Supported by all institutions and organizations of Antalya province, this science-festival-like congress represents a first in bringing society together with our successful cancer scientists.

The Project Competition with Support Awards received 103 project applications from the country’s most respected universities and research institutions. Accepted projects were evaluated by 8 reviewers; the 15 finalists will compete on 14 November 2019 after the Congress Special Program at Regnum Carya Hotel. For the 3 projects selected in the final, project support awards donated by Antalya businesspeople will be allocated in amounts deemed appropriate by the juries.

The congress will also award the best research papers published by Turkish scientists in oncology over the past 10 years, selecting 6 papers, and oral presentations in 6 categories. A total of 77 papers and 85 oral presentations were accepted for competition. Awards will be distributed in the best paper and oral presentation competitions. The congress, to which 15 scientists with extraordinary achievements representing our country abroad in cancer and cancer technologies were invited, received full support from Turkish Foreign Minister Mr. Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu. On 15 November 2019, at the Gala Night at Regnum Carya, a special program will commemorate Prof. Dr. Mustafa Samur and present the awards. Minister Çavuşoğlu, who will also describe “A Politician’s Experience as a Relative of a Cancer Patient,” will bring together scientists representing our country nationally and internationally in cancer and Antalya businesspeople.

"Science with the Public" Instead of "Science for the Public"!

The congress draws the business world’s attention to scientific research in our country, as in developed countries, and has chosen “Science with the Public Instead of Science for the Public” as its slogan. It emphasizes that scientific research and scientists will be left orphaned and unable to succeed if civil society organizations and businesspeople are not involved and excited by their contributions, and that in developed countries these groups provide the most important support for scientific research.

Topics of close interest to society will be presented by the following speakers:

• “The Relationship Between Aging and Cancer,” by a scientist who has conducted important research in this area at the University of South Carolina, USA, Prof. Dr. Besim Öğretmen,

• “The Relationship Between Microbiota and Cancer,” by a scientist from Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, USA, with publications in leading journals such as Nature and Science, Prof. Semir Beyaz,

• “Mini Robots in Cancer Treatment,” by a scientist from the Max Planc Institute in Germany, Prof. Metin Sitti,

• “Innovations in Interventional Radiology in Cancer,” by the Chief of Interventional Radiology at Mayo Clinic, USA, Rahmi Oklu,

• “Innovations in Radiotherapy Technology,” by Prof. Dr. Mahmut Özşahin from Cheu University, Switzerland,

• “Preserving Fertility in Cancer Treatment,” by a scientist whose numerous studies have guided this field at Yale University, USA, Prof. Dr. Kutluk Oktay , will be discussed.

Alongside interesting popular topics, changes in cancer science over the past 10 years and their implications for daily practice will be explained and discussed by more than 100 scientists.

At the congress, numerous successful cancer researchers influential on the national and international scientific stage meet young people to deliver the message “You Can Succeed Too” and tell businesspeople and society, “Together, with Your Support, We Can Succeed.” The congress received support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Antalya Governorship, Turkish Association for Cancer Research and Control, Turkish Society of Medical Oncology, Interdisciplinary Oncology Association, Head and Neck Cancers Association, Antalya Metropolitan Municipality, Muratpaşa, Kepez and Konyaaltı Municipalities, Provincial Health Directorate and Antalya Medical Chamber, Antalya Chamber of Commerce, Akdeniz University, Antalya Bilim University and the Tuesday Group of businesspeople. Many organizations from the Antalya region also provided sponsorship support.

- The summit’s social media hashtag #OIZB19 was designated. 

• Antalya Summit of Those Who Left Their Mark on Oncology Program