The "TÜBİTAK Horizon Europe Information Day," organized by the Mersin University Research Dean's Office to increase researchers' knowledge of European Union funding programs, strengthen their international project development capacity, and encourage new collaborations, was held with high participation. In addition to Mersin University academics, researchers from Mersin and surrounding provinces, industry representatives, technopark stakeholders, and municipalities showed great interest in the program.

The opening speech of the program, held in Hall B of the Prof. Dr. Uğur Oral Culture Center, was given by Mersin University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. A. Hakan ÖZTÜRK. In his speech, ÖZTÜRK drew attention to the importance the university places on international research projects, emphasizing that researchers' more effective utilization of European Union funds is of great importance in terms of scientific productivity and international visibility.

Within the scope of the program, Erencan BAL, TÜBİTAK National Contact Point for EIC/EIE/EIT Programs, informed participants about the general structure of the Horizon Europe Program and the European Innovation Council (EIC), European Innovation Ecosystems (EIE), and European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) programs. Gürkan BOZKURT, TÜBİTAK Cluster 1: Health Area National Contact Point, shared comprehensive information about Health Cluster calls. BOZKURT also presented current support mechanisms and application processes for researchers.

Following the presentations, a question-and-answer session allowed participants to ask experts questions about project application processes, call scope, evaluation criteria, and establishing international partnerships. At the end of the program, certificates of appreciation were presented to the speakers who contributed their knowledge and experience by Mersin University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. A. Hakan ÖZTÜRK.

In the afternoon session, one-on-one meetings were held between researchers and TÜBİTAK experts. During the meetings, researchers' project ideas were evaluated, and comprehensive feedback was provided on suitable funding mechanisms, application strategies, and project development processes. In addition to universities, participants from industrial organizations, technoparks, and municipalities also had the opportunity to meet with experts individually to learn about international funding opportunities and potential project collaborations.

The event, which concluded with high participation and interaction, significantly contributed to the development of an international project culture among universities, public institutions, municipalities, technoparks, and industrial organizations in the region, particularly Mersin University, fostering new collaborations and raising awareness of the Horizon Europe Program. Organized by the Mersin University Research Dean's Office, the event significantly contributed to the university's efforts to strengthen its international research and project ecosystem.