The “The Voice of Nature – Doğanın Sesi” European Researchers’ Night 2026 event, implemented under the coordination of Çankırı Karatekin University in cooperation with Çankırı Municipality and the Çankırı Provincial Directorate of National Education, was held deep underground in the Çankırı Salt Cave.

Under the coordination of Çankırı Karatekin University (ÇAKÜ), in partnership with the Çankırı Municipality and the Çankırı Provincial Directorate of National Education, the European Researchers’ Night 2026 flagship event “The Voice of Nature - Doğanın Sesi” took place deep underground within the historic Çankırı Salt Cave on 25 September 2026.

Held simultaneously with European Researchers’ Night celebrations across Europe, the event aimed to make science accessible to the public, foster environmental stewardship, and raise awareness of global climate challenges. The underground gathering brought together Çankırı Governor Hüseyin Çakırtaş, Çankırı Mayor İsmail Hakkı Esen, ÇAKÜ Rector Prof. Dr. Mevlüt Karataş, project researchers, educators, students, and local residents.

Following a moment of silence, the National Anthem, project coordinator Prof. Dr. Seçil Akıllı Şimşek of ÇAKÜ’s Faculty of Science introduced the initiative.

“Çankırı Became Part of a Major Science Gathering Across Europe”

Supported under the European Union’s Horizon Europe Programme and Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, the project connects Çankırı with the broader European scientific community. Şimşek highlighted that following the "Researchers at School" sessions launched in June, outreach activities across Çankırı's districts will continue through October, supported by Çankırı Karatekin University, the Çankırı Provincial Directorate of National Education, Çankırı Municipality, district municipalities, and academics from Gazi University, Kırıkkale University, and Kastamonu University.

“Today, we are raising the voice of nature from underground to the surface, from the Çankırı Salt Cave to Europe,” Şimşek said, noting that Çankırı was hosting an important gathering focused on science and nature simultaneously with European Researchers’ Night events held at various locations across Europe.

Rector Karataş: “Important Projects for Science and Science Diplomacy”

Addressing the assembly, ÇAKÜ Rector Prof. Dr. Mevlüt Karataş underscored the historical depth of Çankırı, home to both the 800-year-old Darülhadis and the millennia-old Salt Cave.

Emphasizing the strategic role of EU-funded research in science diplomacy and national visibility, Karataş noted that connecting university research with the public is essential for building awareness around global challenges like climate change and drought, particularly ahead of major international summits such as COP31 in Türkiye.

Karataş expressed his hope that the project would inspire academics seeking to conduct new scientific studies and thanked all the academics and partner institutions involved in the initiative.

“The Çankırı Salt Cave Could Also Be Evaluated for Health Tourism”

Speaking in his capacity as a chest diseases specialist, Rector Karataş also highlighted the therapeutic potential of the Çankırı Salt Cave. He outlined plans for ÇAKÜ, through its Health Application and Research Center, to collaborate with Çankırı Municipality on interdisciplinary clinical research -spanning physiotherapy, physiotherapy, and occupational therapy- to establish the historic cave as an international destination for health tourism and scientific research.

Karataş concluded his remarks by thanking the Çankırı Governorship, Çankırı Municipality, the Provincial Directorate of National Education, academics, partner universities, students, and their families for their contributions to the project.

Mayor Esen: “We Are Bringing Science to Every Segment of Society”

Çankırı Mayor İsmail Hakkı Esen stated that holding the event in the unique atmosphere of the Çankırı Salt Cave made the occasion particularly meaningful.

Describing the event as an important gathering that demonstrated how science can be accessible, understandable, and enjoyable for people of all ages, Esen expressed his satisfaction at participating as a partner in the Çankırı leg of European Researchers’ Night, held simultaneously in many European countries.

Esen said that the event had taken science beyond the boundaries of laboratories and universities, bringing it together with children, young people, families, and members of the public.

Noting that issues such as global warming and climate change are no longer the responsibility of scientists alone but of society as a whole, Esen emphasized that every decision and action taken today helps shape the world of the future.

Governor Çakırtaş Supports the Project

Çankırı Governor Hüseyin Çakırtaş also highlighted the importance of the “The Voice of Nature – Doğanın Sesi” project in his remarks.

Emphasizing the importance of bringing scientific work closer to society and particularly of developing environmental awareness among children, Çakırtaş thanked Çankırı Karatekin University, Çankırı Municipality, the Provincial Directorate of National Education, the academics, and other partners for their contributions to the project.

Science Stands Attract Great Interest

The program concluded with attendees exploring interactive science stands inside the cave, where researchers conducted live experiments and hands-on demonstrations across various scientific disciplines.