President Şeker “Academic integrity is the conscience of science.”
TÜBA President Prof. Dr. Muzaffer Şeker delivered the academic year opening lecture titled “Our Academic Responsibilities and Academic Integrity” at the Cyprus International University (CIU).
Beginning his speech by emphasizing that being a scientist is not only about producing knowledge but also about “continuing to think conscientiously,” Prof. Dr Şeker quoted Nobel Prize winner and TÜBA Honorary Member Prof. Dr. Aziz Sancar, who said, “I believe in hard work, not intelligence,” and stated that the foundation of academic success lies in hard work, patience, and ethical conduct. Prof. Dr. Şeker stated that the measure of academic prestige is not titles, but science's contribution to society and the relationship of trust. He said that universities should not only be centers of knowledge production, but also carriers of a culture of ethics, justice, and responsibility: "If society loses its faith in academia, knowledge production also loses its meaning. Therefore, scientists must always protect both the conscience of science and society."
In his presentation, Prof. Dr. Şeker also touched on the transformation that artificial intelligence has created in the academic world, drawing attention to the responsibilities that come with the opportunities offered by technology. He stated that the use of content produced by artificial intelligence without citing sources threatens the concept of “originality.” Within the framework of UNESCO's “Recommendations on Ethics of Artificial Intelligence,” he emphasized that technological innovations must be carried out in line with the principles of human rights, transparency, and accountability.
“Universities must not lose their connection with society”
Prof. Dr. Şeker stated that universities are not only educational and research institutions, but also structures that guide society, create awareness, and support cultural transformation. “The power of academia is not measured in laboratory data, but in its ability to touch the lives of society,” he said. Referring to the concept of an “ethical earthquake” in part of his speech, the President of TÜBA said that natural disasters cause much deeper social wounds when combined with ethical deficiencies, not just physical destruction. He emphasized that preparedness is not only a technical measure but also requires social responsibility and a sense of self-criticism.
“In this new era, there is a greater need for human values.”
Prof. Şeker stated that digitalization has reshaped human relationships, perceptions of privacy, and ethical balances, adding, “We must protect Humanity 1.0 values in the face of Industry 5.0. We need a scientific understanding that masters technology but does not lose humanity.”
Concluding his speech with Prof. Dr. Gazi Yaşargil's words, “It is necessary to work patiently, without rushing, with respect for the fabric,” Prof. Şeker called on academics to show “patience, dedication, and humility.” Using examples from the history of science, he reminded the audience that the enduring power of academia lies in serving humanity and intergenerational transmission, stating, “Respect is academia's quietest yet most powerful asset.”
