Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) achieved a phenomenal success by hosting the “Blue Revolution” project which is an initiative carried out worldwide with the aim of fundamentally transforming humanity’s perspective on our planet. The event took place online on 17 April 2026 at EMU Activity Center, illuminating the first “blue light” of Cyprus island on the global awareness map at the Eastern Mediterranean University campus.
A Look from Space to Earth: “Overview Effect” Experience
Organized by EMU Astronomy and Space Sciences Club, the event began with informative presentations of club members. During the approximately 45-minute program, the mental transformation experienced by astronauts when viewing Earth from space—known as the “Overview Effect”—was explored. The first speaker, President of the EMU Astronomy and Space Sciences Club, Aljalilah A. M. Shreih, conveyed the global responsibility vision of the OneHome and Blue Revolution projects. The second speaker, Ali FallahDoost Saravani, a master’s student from EMU Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Department of Physics at the Faculty, offered an emotional perspective, emphasizing that when viewed from a distance, all borders and divisions lose their meaning, and that our planet is a “shared and fragile home”.
As part of the program, participants were shown a TEDx talk by the project’s initiator, Jean-Pierre Goux, followed by 4K Earth imagery captured by NASA’s DSCOVR satellite and narrated by renowned naturalist Jane Goodall. The event, which brought together 55 students from various departments, concluded with participants reflecting on and sharing the deep sense of unity and connection they experienced.
Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç: “Social Responsibility is A Part of Our Vision”
Making remarks on the matter, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç noted that the project’s contribution to university’s vision and stated; “As Eastern Mediterranean University, we take great pride in joining this global network, which is being represented in Cyprus for the first time. This initiative not only enhances our University’s international profile but also promotes a collective awareness of responsibility toward our planet”.
VYK Member Özdinç Akdel: “Blue Light Lit at EMU”
EMU Board of Trustees (VYK) Member Özdinç Akdel, who took a leading role in introducing the project to the University, highlighted the importance of the event. Akdel remarked, “It is a source of pride for us to leave a meaningful and lasting contribution to our planet in the land where I was born and raised. As Jean-Pierre Goux expressed, we embarked on this journey to bring a bit of light into a dark world.” He also extended his thanks to EMU graduate Akile Tekirdağ for her dedicated efforts in managing the communication process, along with all individuals who contributed.
The event was realized through a strong spirit of academic and administrative collaboration. The preparatory phase was initiated with the academic contributions of Prof. Dr. Ali Öztüren, EMU Vice Rector for Promotion and Institutional Communication; Prof. Dr. İzzet Sakallı, faculty member in EMU Department of Physics and Coordinator of the Academic Project and Research Development Office; Assist. Prof. Dr. Huriye Gürsel Mangut, Advisor to the Astronomy and Space Sciences Club; and Dr. Mert Mangut, academic staff member in the Department of Physics. The process was successfully concluded under the coordination of Cemal Kılıç, Director of Student Development, Events and Sports Affairs, with technical support provided by EMU Information Technologies Directorate. On behalf of the club members, Assist. Prof. Dr. Huriye Gürsel Mangut noted that the project goes beyond a simple viewing experience, carrying the potential to reshape how individuals perceive both themselves and the world.
EMU’s Mark on the Global Map
Enriched by images captured by NASA’s DSCOVR satellite—located one million miles from Earth—and offering a perspective never before witnessed in human history, this event positioned EMU as one of the interactive “Blue Revolution” points on the world map.