Rector Kutluhan Featured as a Guest on TRT Antalya

Rector Prof. Dr. Ahmet Kutluhan began his speech at the launch of the "I Have an Idea Too!" project competition by explaining how the idea for the competition was born:
“One of our main goals is to connect with university youth and truly understand their inner world. To achieve this, we frequently meet with our 165 student communities at the university. During these meetings, we realized the importance of sharing significant problems with our students to generate solutions collectively. As a result, the idea to gather students’ suggestions under the slogan ‘Take ownership of your campus!’ emerged from these gatherings. That’s how we initiated the ‘I Have an Idea Too!’ project.”

Categories: "Quit Smoking, Protect the Environment" and "Smart Transportation on Campus"

Continuing his speech, Rector Kutluhan provided details about the competition categories:
“The competition has two categories: ‘Quit Smoking, Protect the Environment’ and ‘Smart Transportation on Campus.’ Students can apply to either or both categories. We encourage all our students, as well as students from other universities, to participate. Our aim is to encourage students to produce projects and work together to find solutions to common problems.”

He also highlighted the prizes for the competition:
“We’ve arranged attractive prizes for each category. The winner of each category will be awarded a visit to the Pamukkale Technopark Poland Office, though this may change if visa issues arise. Second-place winners will receive sponsorship for attending a domestic symposium, with all expenses covered. Third-place winners will receive a tablet. Additionally, there will be surprise gifts for those placing from fourth to twentieth.”

Tackling Cigarette Butt Litter and Smart Transportation

Rector Kutluhan elaborated on the details of the categories:
“Smoking is a significant problem for everyone, including our students. While people may smoke, quitting is the ideal goal. However, one of the major issues on our campus is cigarette butt litter. Despite our efforts to create designated smoking areas and place ashtrays, cigarette butts can still be seen on the ground. We are looking for definitive and effective solutions to this problem through student projects. I’ve been told that excellent proposals have been submitted, and I am confident we will solve this issue.”

Regarding the smart transportation category, he added:
“Our campus covers an area of 870 acres. While walking is the healthiest option, we also have a beautiful pathway called the ‘Path of Love’ connecting all the buildings. However, to ensure students can conveniently travel within the campus, we introduced the concept of ‘smart transportation.’ I believe this issue will also be resolved effectively through innovative student projects.”

Rector’s Vision: A Cleaner Campus and a Brighter Future

Rector Kutluhan emphasized the broader vision behind the project:
“This initiative aims to inspire students to take small but meaningful steps toward a healthier life and a cleaner world. We want to instill a sense of shared ownership and belonging among students. This campus belongs to all of us. Though our presence here is temporary, we have a responsibility to leave behind a cleaner, more livable campus for future generations. This is the essence of civilization—engaging all stakeholders in solving problems. By encouraging students to contribute solutions and implement them, we prepare them for a successful future and instill confidence in their ability to participate in decision-making processes. Pamukkale University will continue to nurture young minds and guide them toward a bright future.”

"Quit Smoking, Embrace the Beauty of a Clean Environment"

Concluding his speech, Rector Kutluhan expressed his happiness at being part of the radio program:
“These issues may seem small, but they are actually significant problems that every institution with a campus should address. I learned through this project that a single cigarette butt can contaminate seven tons of water. Our students also informed me that Türkiye produces 57 tons of cigarette butt waste daily. This is why the project is crucial. To all students, I say: ‘Quit smoking, embrace the beauty of a clean environment,’ and with that, I conclude my remarks.”