Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) hosted the 9th International Researchers, Statisticians and Young Statisticians Congress (IRSYSC 2025) organized in collaboration with the Adana Alparslan Türkeş Science and Technology University. Held on Friday, 28 November 2025 at the Rauf Raif Denktaş Culture and Congress Center, the event brought the recent research in the field of statistics and applied sciences together with international science society.
Serving as a follow-up session of the congress organized in Adana on 26-27 November, the scientific event was attended by Zorlu Töre, the former Chairperson of the Parliament of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus; EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç; Vice Rector for Academic Affairs Prof. Dr. Osman M. Karatepe; Prof. Dr. Hülya Çıngı, retired academic from Hacettepe University; and Congress Organizing Committee Chairperson Assoc. Prof. Dr. Selim Gündüz.
“A Potential to Initiate New Collaborations, Projects and Friendships”
In his speech, Congress Organizing Committee Chairperson Assoc. Prof. Dr. Selim Gündüz thanked everyone attending the congress and emphasized that the scientific process of the congress that began in Adana and continued in Famagusta, was a potential to initiate new collaborations, projects and friendships. Expressing his particular interest in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gündüz said he was honored to begin, with this congress, the project he has long been developing toward the vision of making it a ‘scientific hub of the Turkic world’. He highlighted that statistics is more than just numbers, as it evolves into practical concepts influencing social well-being through fields like economics, artificial intelligence, finance, and public policy. He stressed the importance of combining accurate data from the field with proper methodologies, especially in an era of growing uncertainty. Concluding his remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gündüz thanked all institutions and stakeholders for their support, adding that every new collaboration formed during the congress will contribute not only to scientific advancement but also to societal progress.
“The Science of Statistics Has Established Its Roots”
Former academic staff member of the Hacettepe University, Prof. Dr. Hülya Çıngı, also made an address at the event, commencing by saying that they experience the same excitement for organizing the 9th congress, just as the first one. Touching on history of IRSYSC, Prof. Dr. Çıngı noted that the very first congress was held at Hacettepe University, followed by subsequent congresses held respectively at Konya Selçuk University, Ege University, Süleyman Demirel University and Yıldız Technical University, reaching an international level. Prof. Dr. Çıngı recalled that statistics first gained its academic foundation in Türkiye in 1967 with the establishment of the Department of Statistics at Hacettepe University, and pointed out that the field became firmly rooted with the later openings of statistics departments at Middle East Technical University in 1975, Ondokuz Mayıs University in 1984, and Yıldız Technical University in 1990. She further stated that statistics programs are now available at 23 universities, demonstrating the discipline’s considerable academic and scientific advancement.
“A Strategical Platform of Science”
EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç conveyed that the congress extends beyond being merely a scientific gathering, it is also a testament to the ever-growing scientific collaboration between Türkiye and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Noting that IRSYSC 2025 serves as a strategical platform of science that brings interdisciplinary studies together, Prof. Dr. Kılıç expressed that the congress will foster enduring value through fresh ideas, joint initiatives, and academic contributions. He emphasized that with its 46-year legacy, EMU acts as a bridge connecting science, cultures, and communities. Underscoring their trust in emerging scholars, Prof. Dr. Kılıç noted that young researchers are central to the scientific work that will shape the future. He also extended his appreciation to everyone involved, stating that the event stands not only as an academic occasion, but also as a catalyst that enhances inspiration, reinforces cooperation, and accelerates scientific advancement.
“Statistical Data Play a Crucial Role in Effective Decision-Making”
Zorlu Töre, former Chairperson of the Parliament of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, underscored the significance of scientific studies, particularly studies grounded in statistical data, noting that most analyses on Cyprus rely on such information. He pointed out that the history of the Turkish Cypriots is frequently debated in negotiation and discussion settings, making reliable data essential. Töre stressed that scientific work, especially statistical findings, is key to informed decision-making, and added that events like this congress play an important role in generating accurate knowledge and ensuring it is passed on to future generations.
Following the opening speeches of the International Researchers, Statisticians and Young Statisticians Congress, internationally acclaimed academics shared their knowledge and experiences.
The congress covered a wide range of topics, from core disciplines like statistics, biostatistics, econometric analysis, biometrics, and operations research to contemporary research areas such as data science, artificial intelligence applications, actuarial science and risk management, as well as economics, business, and finance.