2026 TASSA Conference Brings Together Turkish and American Academics in the US
Scientific cooperation and technological initiatives between the two countries were discussed at the gathering held in North Carolina.
Organized in the US state of North Carolina and hosted by Nobel laureate Prof. Aziz Sancar and his wife Gwen Sancar, the 2026 TASSA Conference strengthened academic and technological bridges between Turkey and the US.
Location and Participants of the Conference
The 2026 Turkish-American Scientists and Scholars Conference, held in the US state of North Carolina, brought together administrators and academics from Turkey's leading universities and active business people in the US technology sector.
Turkey's Ambassador to Washington, Sedat Önal, also participated in the meeting organized at the Sancar Turkish Community Center in Chapel Hill.
Theme of Artificial Intelligence and Innovation
The meeting, held under the theme "Bridging Innovation in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: International Impact Between the US and Turkey," discussed relations between the two countries.
Ambassador Sedat Önal stated that Turkish scientists in the US community should play a pioneering role in deepening ties between the two countries, in addition to increasing solidarity.
The Role of Turkish Scientists Abroad
Ambassador Önal pointed out that Turkish scientists living abroad can contribute to Turkey's steps toward achieving self-sufficiency in every field.
On the other hand, Önal expressed his gratitude to Canan Dağdeviren and Hasan Ayaz, who co-chaired this year's conference, and congratulated TASSA President Ercan Alp.
Sancar Turkish Community Center and Dormitory Construction
Nobel laureate Turkish academic Aziz Sancar expressed his desire to always contribute to Turkish students in Turkey and the US.
Sancar stated that after opening the Sancar Turkish Community Center for cultural events, they built a dormitory in Chapel Hill where Turkish students can stay.
Broad-Participation Scientific Presentations
At the conference, participants made presentations on technologies and initiatives developed in a wide range from health to artificial intelligence.
Academicians and business people mutually shared their proposals aimed at increasing scientific and technological cooperation between Turkey and the US.